Demre is a district of Antalya Province on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey.

Demre is the Lycian town of Myra, the home of Saint Nicholas of Myra the original Santa Claus.

The district was known as Kale until it was renamed in 2005.

History

The foundation date of Myra is not known exactly. However, the archaeological data, obtained from the researches in the grave reliefs with regard to style, indicates that the city has existed in the 5th century before Hellenistic Period. The city experienced its golden period during the 2nd century AD. Myra, completely destroyed by the earthquake in 141 AD., was rebuilt by the charities of the rich Opromaos from Radiopolis and Lucius Magnun, Roman Proconsul. Artemis Eleutera Sacred Place in the city was also rebuilt. Having been renovated in this period, the theatre with its ornaments was characterised as a wonder of the world in the Late Antique Period. Some of the numerous masks ornamenting this stage building are exhibited in the Demre Museum and some in the Antalya Museum.

During the reign of Theodosius II (408-450 AD.), the city became the Metropolitan of the Lycians. In this period, the reputation of the city as the centre of pilgrimage where diseases having been cured spread not only in Lycia but also throughout the Christian World. The reason for this is that Santa Claus (St. Nicholas) has lived here in Myra in this period.

Climate

Summers are hot and dry, winters mild and rainy.

Geography

Demre is on the coast of the Teke peninsula, west of the bay of Antalya, with the Taurus Mountains behind. The mountains are forested and the coastal strip is made of good soil brought down by the mountain rivers. The climate is the typical Mediterranean pattern of hot dry summers and warm wet winters.

Before tourism boom began in the 1980s the local economy depended on agriculture, which is still important today. The villages of Demre grow pomegranates and citrus fruits and now a large quantity of fruits and vegetables all year round in glass houses. Also with its rich history, attractions like the island of Kekova, the sea and warm weather this coast is very popular with holidaymakers from Turkey and all over Europe, although Demre still does not have the high volume of tourists enjoyed by districts nearer Antalya airport. Some local handicrafts like rug making, and events such as the annual camel-wrestling festival bring in extra income.

The local cuisine predictably includes fish and seafood from the Mediterranean.

Places of interest

* A number of tombs with a particular local style.
* The Roman theatre and other remains of Roman Myra, in the town of Demre.
* Tombs carved into the rocks.
* The church of St Nicholas of Myra, the original Santa Claus, who was born in Patara in nearby Kaş, but worked here in Myra.
* The antique cities of Andreake and Simena
* A boat trip to the islands and sunken ruins of Kekova.

Sightseeing

The Church of St. Nicholas

Patara-born St. Nicholas lived in the middle of the 5th century AD. He became famous with his charitable personality and miraculous ability to cure people’s diseases. While being just a priest at the beginning, because of his fame he was declared as a Saint later. His church was also turned into a centre of pilgrimage. The main component of today’s church is the structure of the church belongs to the 5th century AD. Which of the tombs found in the church belong to St. Nicholas is still a matter in debate. Every year ‘Santa Claus and Invitation to the World Peace’ activities are held in the Church of St. Nicholas on the 6th of December, decease date of Santa Claus.

Andriake

After planning the Parthian War, Trajan came to stay in Myra and indicated the need for a port to be built in the south of the city, but this was realised in the period of Hadrian.

The city, to a great extent, was at the foot of the hill in the south port. The necropolis and the other remains of the city are in the north side of the port entrance, very near to today’s Demre. Aqueducts, Nymphaeum, Agora and cistern are among the remains. Famous Granarium (silo) takes place in the west of the Agora.

Myra

This ancient city is next to the Demre Brook. It at the foot of the mount, north of the Church of St. Nicholas. In Myra, there are Rock Tombs and a well preserved theatre.

Demre

Demre is a place where the sea unites with green. Çayağzı, Kömürlü and Sülüklü are the beaches for swimming in Demre.