Ancient City of Demre-Myra
Ancient City of Demre-Myra in Demre, Antalya Province, Turkey
The ancient city of Demre-Myra is located in the Demre district in the southwest of Antalya Province. It is one of the best-known archaeological sites of Lycia, where traces of the ancient city and important Christian shrines have been preserved. People come here to see the rock-cut tombs, the Roman theater, and places associated with the veneration of Saint Nicholas.
Ancient Myra was one of the prominent cities of the Lycian League. On the slope above the ancient center are Lycian tombs cut into the rock, with facades resembling houses and temples. At the foot of the slope stands the easily recognizable Roman theater, which dates to the Roman period of the city's history and remains one of the main surviving structures of the complex.
Modern Demre is also known for the Church of Saint Nicholas. According to church tradition, Nicholas of Myra, revered in the Christian world, served here as bishop. The church preserves architectural details, a sarcophagus, sections of mosaic flooring, and fragments of wall paintings that help convey its original appearance.
A visit to Myra is usually combined with a visit to the Church of Saint Nicholas and, if time allows, also to the ancient port of Andriake, located nearby. The trip is especially interesting for those who want to see several layers of the region's history at once: Lycian, Roman, and early Christian. Before visiting, it is worth checking opening hours and ticket arrangements, as the archaeological zone and the church are usually visited separately.
Ancient City of Demre-Myra on the map
History and archaeology of the Ancient City of Demre-Myra
The monuments reveal layers of Lycian, Roman, and early Christian history.
Rock-cut tombs, theater, and traces of early Christianity
Two types of monuments are best preserved in Myra. The first is the Lycian rock-cut tombs, carved high into the cliff and forming entire rows of facades. The second is the Roman theater with its semicircular seating area and stone architectural details, through which the layout of the ancient public building can still be clearly understood.
While walking through the archaeological zone, you can examine the features of Lycian funerary architecture and see how the ancient city was integrated into the natural relief of the area. Research and restoration are still ongoing at the site, so some elements may be closed, but it is precisely thanks to this work that the area is gradually becoming easier for visitors to understand.
The Church of Saint Nicholas in the center of modern Demre also deserves dedicated time. Inside, the mosaics, stone decoration, remains of wall paintings, and the revered sarcophagus associated with the tradition of Saint Nicholas are especially noteworthy. Nearby is also Andriake, where you can see the remains of the ancient port and the Museum of Lycian Civilizations.
Demre is usually reached by road from Antalya, Kas, or Fethiye, as well as by intercity buses to the district center. Most visitors allow at least two to three hours to see Myra and the Church of Saint Nicholas, especially if a separate trip to Andriake is also planned.
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