Tourexpi
This
winter, consider exploring Antalya at the lands where Santa Claus was born,
raised and became a legend. Let's see what Antalya's Demre region, where
Santa's origin lies, promises to its visitors.
Born
in the 4th century, Saint
Nicholas (Santa Claus) was the son of a wealthy wheat merchant in the
prominent Lycian city of Patara. Known as Nikolaos, he served for years as the
Bishop of Myra, the capital of the Lycian state, devoting his life to doing
good and sharing everything he had with the poor. He helped many people
and, in secret, left gifts in windows or chimneys, thus becoming known as the
patron saint of children, merchants and sailors.
The
Magnificent Capital
The
Myra Ancient City region, set within the Demre borders of modern-day Antalya,
was considered the second-largest bishopric in Anatolia at the time. As its
bishop, Saint Nicholas – the "Saint of Miracles" – won the love of
the people of Myra with his good works. The entire region mourned when he died
on December 6, 365, in the church where he had served.
To
honour this fine man, a mausoleum and a basilica were built in the ancient
city. With the miracles attributed to Saint Nicholas depicted on its walls,
this basilica was severely damaged by earthquakes and raids in the city but was
rebuilt as a domed church in the 9th century.
The
St. Nicholas Church, with a renewed face
The
church is recognised as one of the most outstanding examples of Middle Eastern
Roman Period structures due to its architectural style and decorations. The
church was an important pilgrimage site for Christians travelling to Jerusalem
through the Mediterranean route in the Middle Ages, and it has been on the
UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List since 2000. The St. Nicholas Church,
one of the most sacred places in the Christian world, now welcomes visitors
with a new face, thanks to restoration and landscaping works completed by the
Republic of Türkiye's Ministry of Culture and Tourism last year.
The
church houses a Roman-period sarcophagus adorned with fish scales and acanthus
leaves, believed to belong to Saint Nicholas. Some bones, thought to be those
of Saint Nicholas, are exhibited at the Antalya Museum.
While
enjoying the mild and sunny Mediterranean winter during your Demre discovery
tour, you can also visit the many treasures in the Myra
Ancient City. When you arrive at the ancient city, you will notice rock
tombs and an ancient Roman theatre that reveal the city's historical riches.
You
can travel down to Andriake, Myra's ancient port from the Myra Ancient City.
Andriake is a unique destination featuring sarcophagi, tombs, and city wall
ruins around every corner. Many Andriake artefacts are also on display at the
Lycian Civilizations Museum.
Image
Credit: © TGA
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