Demre-Myra-Kekova ; Myra (Demre) has always been known as one of the most important cities in Lycia. The oldest coins date back to the 3rd century BC. However, it is estimated that the city was founded at least in the 5th century BC. During Roman rule, the advanced and wealthy citizens of Myra generously contributed money to civilian projects. Before leaving Port Andriake for Pol Rome, M.S. He visited the city in the 6th century. During the Byzantine period, Myra became an important administrative and religious center. In Myra, which is also the center of the diocese, Nicholas IV. At the beginning of the century he served as a bishop; He made people love him and he suffered a lot because of his faith. Since then, Myra has always been the place where it was built with a cross. In this respect, Demre attracted the attention of the Christian world in every respect. It has become a traditional organization of St. Nicholas events on December 6 every year. Today we cannot see most of the ruins expected from an important city like Myra in Demre. The remains of the largest theater Lycia still stand today and it is also the best preserved theater Lycia. The theater with 29 rows of seats and a capacity of 9-10 thousand spectators rests on a hill. Even today, it is sometimes used for festivals and games.
Myra metropolitan contains important examples of different types of Lycian tombs. The theater was divided into two as an eastern and western metropolis and was built on a rocky hill towering behind Myra. The rocks were carved and the tombs were decorated with reliefs and inscriptions. Another important relic is the Church of St. Nicholas. Today the church is 7 m below ground level. Holy. Nicholas’ bones were found in a marble tomb inside the church. But some bones were stolen by the Italians and smuggled into Bari. The Russian prince had the church restored in 1862, and St. Nicholas is considered a saint in Russia. The Russians replaced the dome with a medical vault by adding a church bell. Santa’s children are the patron saint of sailors and hard workers. As is well known, he is the Santa Claus of all children in the world.
