Demre

Turkey

Demre (formerly Kale) is a Turkish Mediterranean town in Lycia. Known as Myra in ancient times, the most famous inhabitant of the town who ever lived is perhaps Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop on whom the Santa Claus figure is usually said to have been based.

A sculpture of St Nicholas near the church

  • St Nicholas Church. The main attraction of the town is the church of St Nicholas, a native of the town during the days of Myra (late 3rd/early 4th century CE). He had a reputation for giving away presents secretly. The figure of Santa Claus is based on him. Entry to the building costs 10 TL.
  • Myra. An ancient Lycian city just outside the modern town.

St Nicholas Church. The main attraction of the town is the church of St Nicholas, a native of the town during the days of Myra (late 3rd/early 4th century CE). He had a reputation for giving away presents secretly. The figure of Santa Claus is based on him. Entry to the building costs 10 TL.

Myra. An ancient Lycian city just outside the modern town.

Climb up to the castle. The track is not marked well and is harder to follow on the way down. If you go up for the sunset, make your way down quickly afterwards.

There is a Carrefour supermarket beside the bus station.

The town's telephone code is (+90) 242, which it shares with the rest of Antalya Province (i.e., eastern Lycia, and Pamphylia).