If someone told you that Santa Claus wasn’t from the North Pole but from a sunny town on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, you’d find that hard to believe. But that’s exactly what makes Myra, in today’s Demre, so fascinating. This little corner of Turkey is where history, legends, and beautiful ancient ruins come together.
Myra Is A City Carved Out Of Stories And Stone
Myra is an ancient Lycian city that existed long before the Romans, the Ottomans, and even many famous Greek states. Historians believe parts of it date back 2,500 years, to around the 5th century BCE. It’s a place where people carved entire houses, doors, columns, and decorative carvings directly into cliffs. The Lycians believed that high places brought souls closer to the heavens, so they carved tombs into the steepest slopes possible.
When you arrive at Myra today, the first thing that catches your eye is a mountain of rock-cut tombs. Some have faces carved on them, some have reliefs of families, and many resemble wooden houses. Just below the tombs lies a giant Roman theatre, the largest in all of Lycia. This theatre once hosted crowds cheering for gladiators, play performances, festivals and celebrations.
Today, you can walk through the aisles, sit on the old stone seats, and imagine the energy of thousands of people watching events right where you stand. Climb to the top rows, and you get a beautiful view of Demre, a surprising mix of ancient ruins and bright green modern greenhouses scattered across the landscape.
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The Ancient City Behind The Legend Of Santa Claus
Now comes the part that makes Myra feel almost magical. Around the 4th century CE, a kind, gentle, and deeply religious priest named Nicholas became the Bishop of Myra. He was born nearby, in the city of Patara, and grew up in a wealthy Christian family. But instead of living a luxurious life, he spent his time helping the poor, protecting children, and secretly giving gifts to families in need.
One of the most famous stories says Nicholas helped a poor father who could not afford dowries for his daughters. For three nights, Nicholas secretly dropped bags of gold through their window so the girls could marry and escape a life of hardship.
This story, along with many others, spread across Europe. Children began to look up to him as a protector. His name changed slightly as centuries passed; in some countries, he became Sinterklaas, and eventually, that transformed into Santa Claus. So yes, the real Santa Claus walked in Myra, prayed in Myra, and served the people of Myra.
A Byzantine church was built here in his honour, and you can still visit it. Standing there feels almost surreal, like touching a real piece of Christmas history. Whether you’re a history lover, a Christmas fan, or someone who simply enjoys beautiful places, Myra is worth every moment.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva/Ilya B and Canva/Africa images
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