Myra was an ancient town in Lycia. Today what remains is the impressive rock-cut-tomb necropolis and the equally impressive Roman theatre. The site is compact, but has some of the most impressive rock carvings we’ve seen in Turkey. Very detailed and clear. Entrance is 15 Lira ($7.50 CAD) per person.
Despite being in a predominantly Muslim country, the town of Demre (the modern name of the modern city surrounding the ruins of Myra) knows a tourist attraction when it sees one. For 15 Lira ($7.50 CAD) you can visit the church of Saint Nicholas. Something we didn’t do. I know it’s old and religiously significant and all, but we’re just churched out. As in we’ve seen a lot of churches since we left home, and we really don’t care if we see another one. The church is just the start of it. The town has erected several statues, restaurants, and shopping centers in his honor. If you have time, I found this writeup on the four different Santa Clauses of Demre interesting. You may too.
Anyways, Christmas has come and gone and so has Santa’s time in this post. Without further adieu I give you photos from our walk through the Myra ruin site.
Love the carvings. Hard to imagine people actually walked around there…
How long would you say a visit to Myra takes?
Not that long in truth. It’s a fairly compact site. We spent about 2 hours exploring the ruins inside the entrance gate and another hour walking a part of the Lycian Way, which is free, to a ruined fortress on the hill.
3 hours in total is actually already more time than I thought. Thanks!
I am loving seeing all these amazing archeological finds that I’ve never heard about. Gorgeous!
It was pretty cool. One of those places where we saw a poster, and figured we just had to see it for ourselves.
Hi! nice your pictures. I would to like to know, the time I needed for visit Myra and St Nicholas Church. Thanks a lot.
We are a group (60 years old). thanks a lot!
We didn’t go inside of St Nicholas Church, so I have no idea how long it would take to see.
Myra is quite a compact site. You should be able to see as much of it as you like in the space of about 2 hours.