Myra was an important Lycian city, known for its impressive necropolises with rock-cut tombs. It was also a major center for early Christianity, where Saint Nicholas served as bishop during the 4th century.
Myra was an ancient city located in Lycia, which transitioned through various stages of rule, including Lycian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and later Ottoman control. Today, Myra corresponds to Demre, a town in Antalya Province, Turkey. The city gained historical and religious significance in part because St. Nicholas, who later became Santa Claus, served as its bishop in the 4th century. The city also became a crucial center of early Christianity.
Myra’s early history is largely unknown, but it rose to prominence during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. It was a Koine Greek-speaking city, and worship of deities such as Artemis Eleutheria, Zeus, Athena, and Tyche was common in earlier periods. Pliny the Elder mentioned a spring of Apollo in Myra, where fish were said to give oracular responses when summoned by the pipe. By the Roman period, Myra had embraced Christianity, with one of its most notable bishops being St. Nicholas.
The city played an important role in the Byzantine era when Emperor Theodosius II made Myra the capital of Byzantine Lycia. However, it was conquered by Caliph Hārūn al-Rashīd in 808 CE and later overtaken by Seljuk Turks in the early 12th century.
Among its most notable archaeological remains are the Lycian rock-cut tombs, which feature temple-like facades carved into cliffs. These necropoleis—one by the river and one near the sea—are still visible today. The Church of St. Nicholas was built in Myra in the 6th century and was expanded in later centuries. Today, it remains an important site for visitors and is undergoing restoration.
The city’s history came to light more recently when ground-penetrating radar revealed structures from the ancient city in 2009, followed by the discovery of a remarkably well-preserved 13th-century chapel. The relics of St. Nicholas, however, were taken by sailors from Bari, Italy, in 1087, where they remain today, attracting pilgrims to Bari.
Presently, Myra remains an important archaeological site, with its theater, tombs, and Byzantine basilica still standing, offering insight into the city’s rich historical and religious past.
Myra is located near Demre, in Antalya Province. From Antalya, you can take a bus to Demre, which takes about 3 hours, and then a local minibus or taxi to Myra, which is only 2 kilometers from the town center. For those driving, follow the D400 coastal road from Antalya towards Demre and follow the “Myra” signs.
You can also explore several nearby historical spots around Myra. These close-by attractions offer further insight into the rich history of the region and are easily accessible for visitors wanting to extend their journey: