St. Nicholas Church Demre Antalya (Santa Claus Church)

St. Nicholas Church, the historical and religious church in Antalya’s Demre district is visited by people from many parts of the world. If you are looking for historical places to visit in Turkey, you can visit the Church of St. Nicholas, also known as Santa Claus. St. Nicholas Church is one of the most important historical and religious buildings in Turkey.

St. Nicholas Church

After the death of St. Nicholas, the people of Myra built a church in his name. There is no certain information about when the church was built. When St. Nicholas died, they put him in a marble sarcophagus and buried him in the church built in his name.

The church was severely damaged in the severe earthquake that took place in the region in 529. A new basilica type church was built in place of the destroyed church. The Church of St. Nicholas was finally restored in 1042 by the Byzantine Emperor Constantine the 9th and his wife Zoe. The Church of St. Nicholas has one of the most outstanding architectures of Byzantine art.

Close to the church, there is the ancient city of Myra and the museum of Lycian civilizations. In addition, other historical buildings in the vicinity are all connected with each other. I recommend you to visit other historical places if you find the time.

About St. Nicholas

Saint Nicholas is a bishop born in Antalya in the 4th century. He was born in the ancient port city of Patara. He was educated in the ancient city of Xanthos. Saint Nicholas is the son of a wealthy merchant and was raised by his uncle, who became the archpriest after his father died. Saint Nicholas was a benevolent person and he distributed all the wealth left by his family to the poor and needy people in the surrounding area.