Two in One: St. Nicholas Church in Demre and Ancient City of Myra
About this experience
I invite you to travel back in time and envision how the present Antalya coast looked like many centuries ago. You will explore the ruins of the once flourishing Lycian city of Myra, visit the St. Nicholas Church, see the rock-cut necropolis, and ancient Greek theatre. And I will reveal how people lived here in the past.
What to expect
Demre and St. Nicholas Church
In Demre, you will visit the world-famous St. Nicholas Church. It is considered the third most important religious site of Byzantine architecture in the East. You will admire the wall frescoes and paintings from the 11th-12th centuries, appreciate the floor paved with colorful mosaics, and see the marble sarcophagus where the remains of St. Nicholas were originally kept. I will tell you about the earthly life of St. Nicholas and share stories and legends of miracles that occurred here after his death.
Rock-cut Tombs of Myra
Many centuries ago, Myra was the capital of Lycia. You will stroll through its ruins and see the rock-cut tombs and ancient Greek theatre. You will also learn why most of the city ended up underground, how people were buried here before the adoption of Christianity, and the differences between the amphitheater and the Greek theatre. Additionally, you will explore a small ancient temple discovered just 10 years ago under a local resident's garden.
Organizational details
- Entrance tickets are not included in the price: St. Nicholas Church – 50 lire, Lycian tombs in Myra – 45 lire
- Food and drinks are available at an extra cost
