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The date of Myra's settlement is unknown. There is no literary mentioning of Myra before the 1st century BC when it is said to be one of the six leading cities of the Lycian Union (the other five cities were Xanthos, Tlos, Pinara, Patara and Olympos). It is believed to date back much further however, as an outer defensive wall of the city was dated back to the 5th century BC.
The St. Nicholas Church
is a must see and is a short distance from the site of Myra on the outskirts of Demre and is
really worth the trip. Inside the church is the sarcophagus of St. Nicholas although his remains were taken to Italy
in the 19th century. The
earliest church of St. Nicholas was built in the 6th century AD probably over St. Nicholas' tomb. Later
the church was rebuilt in the 9th century (probably rebuilt after Arab attacks). It was further rebuilt in 1042 under the patronage of Constantine
of Byzantine Empire and a monastery was added
at that time. Czar Alexander II of Prussia bought the building in 1863 and began to have it restored, but the renovation was
never completed. Excavations and restorations were done during the 1960's and continue
even today from the early 1990's.
St.Nicholas was a popular bishop at Myra in the 4th century AD, born in
Patara between 260 and 280 AD. St.
Nicholas was famous for his miracles and was known for his kindness. His parents died of the plague and he was left as
a wealthy young man.
St. Nicholas was known for his charitable nature and humility. Several legends about him have been based on his kind and giving nature and have led to the development of Santa Claus.
Today, Noel of the Christianity is rooted from St. Nicholas of Myra.
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