Demre: Myra, St. Nicholas Church and Lycian History

Demre brings together the ancient city of Myra, St. Nicholas Church and natural attractions in the district. These places offer different historical and landscape perspectives: Myra lies in and around the present-day town centre, Andriake in the Çayağzı area, and Beymelek Lagoon in Demre district. When planning your stay, it helps to distinguish between these sites according to their respective themes.

Myra: Significance, Rock-Cut Tombs and Theatre

The ancient city of Myra lies in and around the present-day town centre of Demre. It was one of the six most important cities of the Lycian League and held three votes. This position places Myra within the political history of Lycia; the three votes are a concrete indication of its standing within the league. To understand the site, you can consider its historical role alongside its visible structures.

Most of Myra’s rock-cut tombs imitate Lycian wooden houses carved into the rock. Some of the tombs still have clearly visible reliefs. The house-shaped design makes the comparison between a wooden model and its interpretation in rock easy to see. The ancient theatre can also be understood through its construction history: it was built over an older Hellenistic theatre. The tombs are notable for their imitation of house forms, while the theatre shows a sequence of earlier and later building phases.

St. Nicholas Church: Tradition and Architecture

St. Nicholas Church in Demre is an ancient Eastern Roman church, probably built over the burial place of St. Nicholas. Its Byzantine wall paintings date from the 11th to the 13th century. The church also features marble floor slabs in opus sectile technique. Religious tradition is thus complemented by specific artistic and architectural features: the wall paintings and floor slabs are two distinct design elements within the church.

Andriake and the Museum of Lycian Civilizations

Andriake, Myra’s harbour district in the Çayağzı area, lies close to Demre. The Museum of Lycian Civilizations is located there in the Granarium, an ancient harbour warehouse built in 129 AD. Finds at the museum offer insights into the religion, language, art and beliefs of the Lycian population, as well as their economic and social life. The museum thus complements the archaeological structures with themes relating to Lycian life and society. Its location in the Granarium also connects the museum with Andriake’s role as a harbour.

An asphalt road runs five kilometres from Demre town centre along the river to Çayağzı by the sea. This makes the town centre and Çayağzı distinct points of reference. As road conditions can change, check them before setting out.

Coast and Landscape in Demre District

A report from 2020 lists Demre (Kale) Beach as one of nine sea turtle nesting beaches in Antalya Province. Beymelek Lagoon is also located in Demre district, outside the town of Demre. It is the only natural lagoon on Turkey’s western Mediterranean coast. The beach and lagoon therefore represent different aspects of nature: one is designated as a nesting beach, while the other is a natural lagoon of particular geographical significance.

Choose Hotels in Demre Based on Your Travel Interests

When searching for a hotel in Demre, you can use the destination’s attractions as a guide. Myra, the theatre and St. Nicholas Church are associated with ancient history and architecture; Andriake adds insights into aspects of Lycian life. The beach and lagoon offer a distinct natural focus. Shape your search around the themes that matter to you during your stay, then compare the details of specific hotel offers.

Discover more destinations: Hisarçandır, Elmalı, Gümüşyaka, Duacı, Kaleücagız, Korkuteli, Belek/Antalya, Güvenlik

For the broader travel overview: Antalya.