St. Nicholas Church, Demre Church

Address: Demre / Myra, Antalya Province, Turkey

Hours: Daily 8am-7pm (times vary seasonally)

Admission: 10-20 TRY (entrance to St. Nicholas Church/Museum combined with Myra archaeological site; prices vary)

The Church of St. Nicholas in Demre is a ruined early Byzantine basilica located in the modern town of Demre in Antalya Province, Turkey, and traditionally associated with Saint Nicholas of Myra. The standing remains and excavations make it one of the best-known archaeological sites linked to the historical bishop celebrated as St. Nicholas.

The exposed basilica retains parts of its three-aisled plan, columns, and mosaic fragments, and visitors can see the area identified as the saint’s tomb within the church complex. An on-site museum displays architectural fragments and inscriptions recovered during excavations, and the site is often visited together with the ancient Lycian city of Myra nearby.

The church dates to the Byzantine period, with main construction from the 6th century, and it was a major pilgrimage destination in the medieval period. Over the centuries the building fell into ruin; many of the saint’s relics were removed to Bari in 1087, which changed the church’s liturgical role but left it an important historical and archaeological site.

The site sits in Demre on the Mediterranean coast, within the plains of ancient Lycia. It is accessible from the Antalya coastal region and lies close to other classical sites in the Kaş-Demre-Myra corridor.

• Visitor tip: Timed visits are common at the site and the adjacent museum; combine the church with the nearby ancient ruins of Myra for a fuller visit.
• Location tip: The complex is in the modern town of Demre (ancient Myra) on the Mediterranean coast of Antalya Province, making it an easy day trip from nearby coastal resorts.

What to See#

• Basilica ruins: A ruined 6th-century basilica with a three-aisled plan and surviving columns, arches, and fragments of mosaic and wall painting visible among the excavated foundations.
• Tomb of St. Nicholas: A stone tomb within the church complex traditionally associated with Saint Nicholas; the tomb was an important pilgrimage focus although major relics were removed to Bari in 1087.
• Site museum: A small on-site museum displaying architectural fragments, inscriptions, floor mosaics and other finds recovered during excavations of the church and surrounding necropolis.

Demre is approximately 145 km southwest of Antalya; reach by regional bus from Antalya Otogar (~2-3 hours) or by car along D400 and local roads. Local minibuses (dolmuş) connect surrounding villages.

• Wear shoes suitable for uneven archaeological grounds - the Myra ruins adjacent to the church are rough underfoot.
• Visit early morning to avoid tour-boat crowds from Antalya; fishermen on the quay will often offer unexpected local history.