Shutter Mike Photography

You would not expect to find a place like St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery in the middle of the Arizona desert.  But there it is, in Florence, between Phoenix and Tucson off of highway 79.  This is a true oasis in the desert and consists of several acres dotted with beautiful Greek, Romanian, Russian and Byzantine architecture as well as gardens, fountains, gazebos and wandering paths.  The monastery is home to about 40 Orthodox Christian monks who maintain its orchards, olive groves and vineyard as well do construction, publishing and hosting guests.  There are 5 chapels and churches as well as a gift shop all in the architectural styles mentioned above.  The Monastery is open to the public daily from 10:30 to 2:30 for self-guided tours.  One thing to keep in mind before visiting is that visitors must adhere to a dress code consisting of long pants and  long sleeve shirts for men and skirts, long sleeves and head scarves for women.

The architecture and gardens are beautiful and well worth a trip out towards Florence, AZ to see and photograph.  The monks are very accommodating to photographers and welcome photography of the buildings, inside and out.  They just ask that you not photograph the monks or guests of the monastery.

Above Image: Main Church Tower, f/11 – 1/160 sec – ISO 100 – Focal Length 50 mm

St Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery Main Gates

f/16.0 – 1/80 sec – ISO 100 – Focal Length 100 mm

The main church of the monastery, St. Anthony’s Church, is in the classic Byzantine basilica style with a central dome.  Its bright red exterior walls with white accents and black roofs make it standout as the center point of the monastery.

Hilltop Chapel at St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery

f/16 – 1/125 sec – ISO 100 – Focal Length 300 mm

This chapel sits on a hilltop overlooking the monastery grounds and the desert for miles in all directions.  It is designed in a very traditional Greek style with its curvy lines, stark white walls and pop of deep blue in the dome.

St. Nicholas’ Chapel

f/16 -1/60 sec – ISO 100 – Focal Length 50 mm

St. Nicholas’ Chapel, like St. Anthony’s Church, is done in the Byzantine style of architecture.  It is much smaller than the main church and the detail in both the exterior and interior is amazing.

The Chapel of St. George

f/13 – 1/160 sec – ISO 100 – Focal Length 28 mm

The Chapel of St. George

f/13 – 1/250 sec – ISO 100 – Focal Length 50 mm

The Chapel of St. George is done in a Romanian architectural style.  Its white stone walls, red clay tile roof and large bell tower make it a very substantial building on the monastery grounds.