St. Nicholas Church, Demre
Mediterranean Region
St. Nicholas Church in Demre, Turkey, is an ancient East Roman basilica built in the 6th century AD on the foundations of an earlier Christian church where Saint Nicholas served as bishop. Constructed during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, the church is renowned for its remarkable Byzantine architecture and vibrant wall frescoes depicting the life and miracles of Saint Nicholas. The church was an important religious center for both Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Christians. Over centuries, it was flooded and silted up but was restored in 1862 by Russian Emperor Nicholas I, who added a tower and other architectural features. The church functioned as a place of worship until 1923, when the Eastern Orthodox community was displaced due to the population exchange between Greece and Turkey. Archaeological excavations beginning in 1988 revealed parts of the monastery complex and chapels, including frescoes and a desecrated sarcophagus believed to be the original burial place of Saint Nicholas before his relics were moved to Bari in 1087. Today, the church operates as a museum and occasionally hosts Orthodox liturgies on December 6, the feast day of Saint Nicholas. It is also on UNESCO's tentative list for World Heritage Site status, highlighting its cultural and historical significance.
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Tip: The best time to visit St. Nicholas Church is during the cooler months of spring and autumn to avoid the Mediterranean summer heat. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance during peak tourist seasons to avoid queues. Occasional Orthodox liturgies on December 6 offer a unique cultural experience. Discounts may be available for students and groups. The church is accessible by local transport from Antalya, and guided tours are recommended to fully appreciate the frescoes and historical context.
Interesting facts
- •The church is built over the original burial place of Saint Nicholas, the historical figure behind Santa Claus.
- •It contains the only known ancient fresco cycle of Saint Nicholas's life in Turkey.
- •The relics of Saint Nicholas were moved from this church to Bari, Italy, in 1087.
- •Russian Emperor Nicholas I personally restored the church in 1862, adding a tower.
- •The church is listed on UNESCO's tentative list to become a World Heritage Site.
History
St.
Nicholas Church was built in AD 520 on the foundations of an older Christian church where Saint Nicholas served as bishop.
Emperor Justinian I contributed to its reconstruction, establishing it as a significant religious site.
In 1862, Russian Emperor Nicholas I restored the church, adding a tower and modifying its Byzantine architecture.
The church was actively used until 1923, when the Eastern Orthodox community was displaced due to the population exchange between Greece and Turkey.
Archaeological excavations began in 1988, uncovering frescoes and parts of the monastery complex, revealing much about its historical and religious importance.
Place Guide
Nave and Frescoes6th century
The central nave is adorned with vibrant Byzantine frescoes depicting the life and miracles of Saint Nicholas, providing a unique visual narrative of the saint's legacy.
Desecrated Sarcophagus6th century or earlier
Located in one of the chapels, this sarcophagus is believed to be the original burial place of Saint Nicholas before his remains were moved to Bari in 1087.
Byzantine Architectural Features6th century, restored 1862
The church showcases classic Byzantine architectural elements, including its basilica plan and opus sectile decorations, reflecting its 6th-century origins and later restorations.
Contact
Phone: (0242) 871 68 20
