He was the son of Pierakis Demetriou Corella (1790–1821) and Maria Caridi (c. 1775 – 1870) He studied history and literature in England and was a private tutor of Greek of the Duke of Sutherland.
In 1849 he took part in an expedition, led by Royal Navy Captain T.Graves, to compile the first proper map of Cyprus.
His interest in ancient history of Cyprus and will to prevent art dealers from selling the rich cultural heritage to foreign collectors of antiques, made Demetrios Pierides a collector of ancient artefacts.
Many European intellectuals who knew Pieridis, used to call him "The Wise Greek".
He was hanged by the Turks, together with other prominent lay men and Bishops, on 10 July 1821 as a punishment for the Greek uprising.