Andriake Ancient City is the ancient harbour district of Myra, located at today's Cayagzi in Demre. Once one of the most important ports of Lycia, Andriake played a major role in maritime trade throughout the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods. Its location beside the sea makes it a particularly interesting place to explore the connection between ancient Lycia and the Mediterranean.
The archaeological site is home to several remarkable remains, including the monumental Granarium, an ancient grain warehouse built during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. Today, this impressive structure houses the Museum of Lycian Civilizations, where artefacts from important Lycian cities are displayed. Visitors can also explore the ancient agora, cistern, city walls, aqueducts, baths, churches, watchtowers and Lycian tombs.
One of Andriake's most intriguing discoveries is its Murex workshops, where purple dye was produced from sea snails in antiquity. The site has also revealed a 5th-century synagogue, providing important evidence of the Jewish presence in ancient Lycia.
For a Demre land tour, Andriake pairs naturally with nearby Myra Ancient City and St. Nicholas Church, creating a fascinating journey through Lycian, Roman and Byzantine history. For Blue Cruise travellers, its location at the historic harbour of Myra also offers a meaningful connection between the ancient city and the coastline that once sustained its trade.
