The Ancient City of Myra: the stone-carved heritage of the Lycian civilisation.
Located in the Demre district of Antalya, the Ancient City of Myra is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Mediterranean Region and one of the most important cities of the ancient Lycian civilisation. With its thousands of years of history, magnificent tombs carved into the rocks and an impressive Roman theatre, Myra is among the most visited cultural heritage sites in Turkey.
Throughout history, Myra was one of the leading cities of the Lycian League and experienced great development, especially during the Roman and Byzantine periods. Considered an important trade and religious centre in antiquity, the city now offers visitors the opportunity to journey into the past thanks to its unique architectural structures.
The most striking structures of Myra are the Lycian Rock Tombs carved into the high cliffs. The ancient Lycians built their tombs on mountain slopes because they believed that after death, souls could reach the sky more easily. Still largely preserved today, these tombs reveal the mastery of the Lycian civilisation in engineering and stonework.
Another important structure of the ancient city is the Roman Theatre. Thought to have a capacity of about 10,000 people, the theatre is considered one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in the region. The detailed stonework and architectural structure of the theatre give visitors a sense of the splendour of the Roman period.
Myra is also of great importance in terms of Christian history. The world-renowned Saint Nicholas, the religious figure known as Santa Claus, served as the Bishop of Myra for many years. The Church of Saint Nicholas in Demre is visited by thousands of visitors from different countries around the world every year. Thanks to this feature, Myra is an important centre for faith tourism as well as cultural tourism.
The Demre region, where the Ancient City of Myra is located, is also surrounded by the natural beauties of the Mediterranean. Nearby destinations such as Kekova, the Sunken City, Simena (Kaleköy) and Üçağız create unforgettable travel routes for visitors to the region. This geography where history and nature come together stands out as one of the most special exploration points of Antalya.
Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, the Ancient City of Myra offers a unique experience for visitors who want to discover the traces of past civilisations. With its magnificent rock tombs, impressive theatre and rich historical heritage, Myra is one of Turkey's must-see historical treasures.