Ancient Amphitheater in Myra, Demre
Demre, or Myra, as it was called in ancient history, is located on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey in the Antalya Province. It was a leading city of the Lycian Union. It is located on the river Demre Cay in a fertile alluvial plain. Surrounded by the Aegean Sea, the Alaca Dag and the Massikytos range, and 5 km/3.1 miles inland from the Mediterranean Sea, Myra is a place of legends and great civilizations.
Today, most of the ancient city is covered by Demre and alluvial silts, and the large plain is almost covered with greenhouses stuffed full of tomatoes.
The town was and is still partly dependent on agriculture, with pomegranate, citrus fruits and vegetables being grown year-round in greenhouses.
In ancient times this area was probably farmed extensively, for export and trade with the interior of Lycia.
A Little Bit of History
The Roman town of Demre was called Myra during ancient times and the name was derived from Myrrh.
Myra was a member of the Lycian alliance from 168 BC to 43 AD and has a long history as a religious, administrative and commercial town.
It was the capital of Lycia in the Byzantine times and an important port in the Roman period.
Antique Stones in Myra, Demre
St. Nicholas lived here in the early years of the fourth century AD and after his death, this place became a rich pilgrimage center and many churches were built.
The seventh century Arab raids led to the silting of the harbor, which caused the rapid decline of the area.
This was followed by many natural disasters and the town was completely deserted by the eleventh century AD.
Demre is the town where Santa Claus first brought joy. St Nicholas lived and worked here and he was later transmuted into the jolly Christmas elf.
He was born in Patara, a nearby town, became a priest and rose to the rank of bishop.
There is a legend that he would drop small bags of gold coins down the chimneys of houses of poor families with daughters who were old enough to marry, but had no dowry.
He was sanctified for his good works and became the patron saint of virgins, children, sailors, pawn brokers and Holy Russia.
The eleventh century St Nicholas Church in Demre held the remains of this saint, but most of them were stolen by the holy relic thieves.
Rock Tombs in Myra, Demre
The Feast of St. Nicholas is celebrated on December 6 with religious services held at the St. Nicholas Church. The famous Camel wrestling festival is also held in Demre.
Local handicrafts, particularly rugs are very popular in Demre.
Where is Demre?
- 88.2 miles/ 142 km from Antalya, Turkey
- 91.9 miles/ 148 km form Fethiye, Turkey
- 27.8 miles/ 44.9 km from Kas, Turkey
- 38.2 miles/ 61.6 km from Kemer, Turkey
- 168.3 miles/ 271 km from Marmaris, Turkey
- 45.7 miles/ 73.6 km from Olympos, Turkey
- 51.8 miles/ 83.4 km from Patara, Turkey
- 12.1 miles/ 19.6 km from Ucagiz, Turkey
- 95.6 miles/ 154 km from Antalya Airport, Turkey
- 287 miles/ 462 km from Izmir Airport, Turkey
Things to See
- St Nicholas Church
- Ruins of Roman Myra
- Rock-Cut Tombs
- Roman Synagogue
- Taurus Mountains
- Kaputas Beach
- Big Pebble Beach
- Patara Beach
The scenic beauty of Demre and the legend of Santa Claus attract many visitors to this town. Well worth your time to come and immerse yourself in myths and legends.
We wish you a fantastic Mediterranean cruise!