St Nicholas Church

St. Nicholas Church in Demre, built in honour of Saint Nicholas, is one of the most important Byzantine monuments on Turkey's Mediterranean coast. Saint Nicholas served as the bishop of ancient Myra and became known as the inspiration for the figure of Santa Claus. The church was built as a basilica in the 6th century and was rebuilt and expanded over several centuries.

Inside, visitors can admire well-preserved Byzantine frescoes, marble floor decorations and architectural details reflecting different periods of the church's history. The building is also associated with the tomb of Saint Nicholas, although his remains were taken to Bari in 1087.

A visit to St. Nicholas Church is an excellent addition to a Demre land tour, particularly when combined with the nearby Myra Ancient City and Andriake Harbour. Together, these sites offer a fascinating journey through the Lycian, Roman and Byzantine heritage of the region.