Saint Euplus
ΑΞΙΟΘΕΑΤΟ

Saint Euplus

0.7 km from the center

About

The chapel of Saint Euplus stands at the edge of Alexandroupoli's port, right next to the sea. It is a small but particularly distinctive chapel, directly linked to the maritime tradition of Thrace and the historical memory of Ainos in Eastern Thrace.

Today's chapel was built in 1997-1998, on the initiative of the Hellenic Museum of Ainos of Alexandroupoli and in cooperation with the Municipality of Alexandroupoli. It is an identical replica of the historic chapel of Saint Euplus that stood at the port of Ainos, in Eastern Thrace.

The choice of Saint Euplus is not accidental. Ainos was an important maritime centre and Saint Euplus was considered the patron saint of sailors. The old church stood at the edge of the port of Ainos and was symbolically linked to the departure of ships. The Greek phrase "ef plou" essentially means "safe voyage", "good sailing". Thus, creating a corresponding chapel in Alexandroupoli carries this maritime tradition from the old to the new homeland of the people of Ainos.

Saint Euplus

Saint Euplus was a deacon and martyr of the Church, who lived in Catania, Sicily, during the era of Emperor Diocletian. His memory is honoured on 11 August.

His feast day at the Alexandroupoli chapel is a special moment every summer. A festive Vespers, Divine Liturgy and other religious events take place at the chapel. The feast also holds particular significance for the descendants of the people of Ainos who settled in Alexandroupoli after the population exchange.

Indeed, during the 2025 celebration a memorial service was also held for the Ainiot ancestors, directly linking the saint's feast day with the memory of the old homeland.

The connection with Ainos

The relationship of Saint Euplus with Alexandroupoli therefore runs much deeper than the presence of a small church on the seafront.

Many residents of Alexandroupoli have roots in Ainos, as families from Ainos settled in the area after the population exchange. Rebuilding the chapel at Alexandroupoli's port was a way of keeping alive the memory of the old homeland and its maritime tradition.

Ainos was a significant maritime power and was also linked to the Greek Revolution of 1821. Shipowners and sailors from Ainos took part in the Struggle, contributing a large number of ships.

Thus, the small chapel at the edge of the port today serves as a symbol of maritime tradition, refugee memory, and Alexandroupoli's historical relationship with Ainos.

A distinctive spot on the seafront

Its location is particularly beautiful, standing at the edge of the port zone, right next to the sea, and it is one of the small spots worth seeking out while walking along the city's seafront.

In 2026 it was also used as an event location for Alexandroupoli Maritime Week, while the Municipality has recorded the chapel as a venue for cultural and traditional events.

Contact

  • Λιμάνι Αλεξανδρούπολης, στην άκρη της λιμενικής ζώνης, 68100 Αλεξανδρούπολη

Useful Information

Weather in Alexandroupoli

Live
20°CCloudy
Feels like 18°C 10 km/h 44%

From April to June and from September to October you get warm days, calm sea, and fewer crowds. July and August are hot and busy along the seafront, while winters stay mild but rainy.