Myra is one of the ancient coastal cities of the Guif of Antalya visited by Paul, Luke, and Aristarchus (Acts 27:5-6). It is where as prisoners they changed boats on their way to Rome in 60 or 61 AD. In Myra the centurion Julius found a ship from Alexandria headed to Italy by way of Cnidus. They had hard sailing throughout the whole trip; Luke’s account speaks of headwinds from Sidon to Myra, slow headway to Cnidus, wind continuing against them to Crete, and the fierce northeastern Boreas that raged for days on end and finally shipwrecked them in Malta.
For foreigners the most interesting ruin in Myra today is the Church of St. Nicholas built over the tomb of the saint who was martyred during the reign of Diocletian. The church is not much to look at. Its foundations go back to the fourth century when Nicholas was bishop of Myra. During the invasions of the Saracens in the eleventh century the saint’s bones may have been moved to Bari in southern Italy where his fame increased. In fact, he is known as Nicholas of Bari in many parts of the world. He is the patron saint of the Russian, Greek, and Sicilian people, of children, and of sailors. (Myra was the seat of the god of pagan sailors also.)
The legend about St. Nicholas in Myra concerns a poor man who had three marriageable daughters but no way to provide their necessary dowries. St. Nicholas clipped under their window one night and tossed three purses of gold into the house to save them from prostitution. These three purses have become the three gold balls identifying a pawnbroker’s shop. This custom of giving gifts in secret, first observed on the eve of his day, December 6, was moved to December 25 and his name corrupted to Santa Claus.
In addition to the ruins of the church there is a Roman theater in Myra and an unusual rock necropolis.
Rock Cut Tombs in Myra.
The original tomb of St. Nicholas at the Basilica in Myra.
Saint Nicholas of Myra Saves Three Innocents from Death (oil painting by Ilya Repin, 1888, State Russian Museum).
Surrounded by stalls selling tourist stuff, most of the site is still not excavated. The Tombs are easily seen if you want to do a site quickly and easily. Have seen more evocative sites.
This seems to be a pilgrimage site for Russian tourists – not sure why. A very attractive Byzantine church. Not a large site so it is an easy short visit.
Very like petra in jordan only not as big. These tombs are curved on a mountain and are really amazing.
also visited the church where the real St Nichlos was buried. He was Turkish.
had a lovely lunch in a nearby eatery and the food was good and not expensive. Always eat where the locals eat and you will not…
Visit this ancient church, travel through time and get to know the real story of Santa. Wish Turkish Governmet had this place in better situation, you can still find some ancient paintings.
Travel through time and let yourself get involved in these ancient ruins that still amazes and make you wonder how the city was during those times. Get a hat, tons of sunblock, good sporty shoes and a bottle of fresh water and get ready to walk a lot while you admire this ruins.
I Visited the rock tombs in Myra maybe more than 100 times..Too many Russian tourist last years unfortunately trying to climb the tombs..They look magnificent with the ancient theatre next to the tombs..
The site in Myra is small and likely overrun with tourists in the height of the season. We were there late September and later on in the day which was preferable. I was speechless at the skill evident in the rock tombs – how did they carve these tombs and their decoration on bald rock faces? Myra is a great…
Reflections about how to go to the Myra and Demre (to take the car or with organized group by the bus) have moved towards the organized excursion.
Powerful argument became walk on the yacht along island Kekova and bathing in the high sea from the yacht. In advance we have discussed, that the group of tourists was not so big….
Great place to see, a lot to learn!! You can learn many things about santa cult!! It's very calm area if yo go in winter, it's still not that cold!
Brilliant, we were shocked at the details on these tombs, how on earth they made them into the hill, you can see large piece's of marble everywhere some have been carved some haven't.
We really enjoyed this attraction.