8. The Shrine’s Unique Features

Rendering of the new St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Shrine at the World Trade Center, designed by Santiago Calatrava

One of the most unique features of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Shrine will be its glowing façade, below a 48.5 foot diamater dome. This structure, estimated to cost $35 million, will glow at night but appear sturdy and solid during the day. The veneer of the thin white Pentelic marble, that will be placed within glass panels, will allow light to shine through. LED lights will be located between the concrete and glass. The marble used to build the shrine happens to be from the same vein in Greece that was extracted for the Parthenon’s construction.

Join us for our upcoming walking tour of the Secrets of 9/11:

Untold Stories of 9/11 Walking Tour

Next, read the Top 10 Secrets of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC  and the Top 10 Secrets of NYC’s Riverside Church