Myra Ancient City – Ruins and Rock Tombs – Demre Antalya
The ancient city of Myra is in Antalya’s Demre District and is one of the best ancient cities to visit. The ancient city of Myra was built on a mountain slope overlooking the sea, and Myra is one of the places that impressed people with its rock tombs. Myra was one of the most important cities of Lycia. Archaeologists, the ancient city’s BC. They estimate it was made in the 5th century. Excavations in Myra started in 2009 and continue to this day.
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Myra Ancient City
Myra Ancient City is one of the most popular travel destinations in Turkey.. Tourists from all over the world come to visit the ancient city of Myra. Even if you did not have time to visit the ancient city of myra , you have heard many reviews.
The ancient city of Myra became famous thanks to Saint Nicholas, who lived in here. Turks call him Noel Baba, and in other countries they call him Santa Claus. Saint Nicholas was born in Patara at the end of the 21st century.
Myra Rock Tombs & Myra Ruins
One of the impressive ruins of Myra, Lycian temples and rock tombs carved into the steep slopes of the acropolis. Most of the tombs carved into the rocks resemble a large house in the distance, and some look like temples. The Lycians believed that the dead should be buried closer to heaven. After death, the soul acquires wings and flies up into the heavens.
At the very top were the tombs of people who were significant during their lifetime. The most powerful people had two-story tombs. And the poor were buried on the first floor. Lycian inscriptions have been preserved on the tombs, but at the moment they have not been deciphered.
There are two Lycian necropolises in Myra, they are gathered on the rock above the theater and in the area called the river necropolis to the east of it. Most of the rock tombs look like a big house from afar, and some are temple-shaped. The most striking tomb of the river necropolis is the Pictorial Tomb, which the traveler Charles Fellows said when he saw the rock tombs in 1840, he could still choose the colors red, yellow, blue and purple. Today, these colors cannot be seen, only traces of red and blue.
Myra Ancient Theater
The Ancient Theater is one of the other important and surviving structures of Myra. The theater has 35 rows of seats and seats 11500. The three-storey stage building has friezes and reliefs. On the wall of the western gallery, “the place of the traveling tradesman Gainus” is written. The inscription in front of the goddess of victory (Nike) figure reads “Bring luck to the city and always be victorious”. Located at the entrance of the city, the theater inevitably attracts you.
On the way to the Acropolis area near the theater, the remains of the baths on the left of the road are interesting examples of Roman brick architecture. The city’s water needs were met by channels carved into the rock at the edge of the valley where the Demre Stream flowed.
How to Go to the Ancient City?
Distance from Antalya to Demre 150 km. This is approximately 2 hours. You need to go along the D400 road and then turn towards the Myra sign. If you are traveling by bus, then you need to arrive at the Demre bus station. Then you need to walk for about 30 minutes. You can see another excellent attraction in Turkey. Tours are organized for the ancient city of Myra from Antalya’s Kemer, Tekirova, Göynük, Beldibi and Konyaaltı districts.
Nearby Attractions
The ancient city of Andriake is located 2.5 km from the city of Myra, which served as a harbor for him. Also within walking distance of St. Nicholas Church is one of the most beautiful historical churches in Turkey.
