Church of St. Nicholas - Myra
The most famous of Myra's monument is a church constructed in the name of St. Nicholas in the 6th century, A.D. Today standing in the centre of the town of the Demre. It is known that St. Nicholas, who was born in Patara at the beginning of the fourth century, established a bishopric at Myra. During the name in which he lived, he work very hard to improve the religious organization and social welfare of Myra and its surrounding area. He emerges as a man of religion who took a close interest in all the problems of the people around him. His character, with his love of humanity, his protection of the poor and especially of orphans, and his patronoge of labourers, sailors and students can be summarized as one that stood up against injustice. He continues to live on today as Santa Claus, the white bearded, lovable old man dressed in red who dispenses gifts at Christmas. In 1087, merchants from Bari discovered the Saint's tomb and carried off his bones to Italy. However even now a few bones belonging to Saint, housed in a special reliquary, are on exhibition in the Antalya museum.


 

Xanthos

Patara

Lycia

Kas (Antiphellos)

Simena

Myra

Phaselis

Olympos

Church of St. Nicholas - Myra

Aspendos