Myra was one of the six principal cities of Lycia, the Teke peninsula today. Lycia and the Lycians are not well known by many people. They were the greatest local settlers in the area that we are aware of. They were fierce fighters and one of the very first people we know of, to form a league of city-states, the Lycian League, to defend themselves against the invaders. It has been an important city during the Roman period and a particular city while the early Christian and Byzantium time. The ship bringing the captive St.Paul went via Myra to Rome and St. Nicholas was a bishop here in the 4th C AD. The citizens moved out about 7th century due to earthquakes and the silting of the harbor by the river Myrus. There is an excellent selection of rock tombs which describe characteristics of the Lycian culture at Myra with with the Roman Theater and the Church of St. Nicholas. The many rock tombs give us valuable clues of what the Lycian houses and monuments looked like. For example, even although they are carved out of rock they reflect wooden beams, doors, windows and many other aspects of Lycian constructions. The Lycian sarcophagus’ and other tombs are also unique and characteristic of the region and the people. The Roman Theater is in reasonably good condition. The center of the cavea rests on the rock. The stage building is in good shape. The architectural elements of the theater are covering the stone masks that lie all around inside and outside the theater. The rock tombs, the theater, the local modern day life and the castle on the mountain all together allow a good picture of the old and the new side by side.

Antalya Tours, Perge, Aspendos, Side, Phaselis, Kekova, Termessos, Kursunlu, Myra, DemreThe church of St. Nicholas, now in the middle of what is now called Kale, was apparently built in the 3rd or 4th century. Now it reflects many changes, and it has been restored. Nonetheless, it is touted by many visitors from all nationalities and prayers from all over the world that has come to see the church of St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas was born in Patara c 300 AD. He was from a wealthy family was said to have moved to Palestine and Egypt. He was regarded as the patron saint of Greece, Russia, children, prisoners and travelers. By the late middle ages, 400 churches were dedicated to him in England alone. Santa Claus, of the children, was indeed running to the aid of those who were in need throughout his life. His statue, with the bag of gifts for the children and in the company of the children, in the garden of the museum/church, now greets all. There are too many stories to relate about him, but it is known that he was imperative in the early and medieval church. Myra with the church of St. Nicholas, the Roman ruins, by being near Kekova and other sites is an beautiful place to visit. Indeed, you can see visitors of all nationalities throughout the day.