Myra & Demre: Lycian Tombs and the Church of Saint Nicholas

✓ Last reviewed: 29 September 2026 — Verified and updated by İlyas Bayrak, licensed Turkish guide (licence 070867), with the My Turkey Adventure editorial team. Prices, opening hours, transport fares and visa rules reflect the latest 2026 guidance. Quick Answer: The ancient city of Myra and the Church of Saint Nicholas in modern Demre, Turkey , are absolutely worth visiting for their breathtaking Lycian rock tombs and their profound connection to the original Santa Claus. This compact site offers a unique glimpse into Lycian burial customs, Roman theatre, and the origins of a global tradition, making it a highlight of any trip along Türkiye's Turquoise Coast. At St. Nicholas Church in Demre, the sarcophagi lie below ground level; the rock tombs are carved into the mountainside immediately behind the town. Fact Detail Location Demre , Antalya Province, Türkiye Period / Type Lycian (from 4th century BC ), Roman, and Byzantine ruins What It Is An ancient Lycian city with rock tombs, a Roman theatre, and the Byzantine basilica of a famous saint. UNESCO Status On the Tentative List since 2009 as part of the "Ancient Cities of Lycian Civilization". Entry Two separate tickets (Myra & Church of St. Nicholas); Museum Pass Türkiye accepted at both. Typical Visit Length 2-3 hours to see both sites comfortably. Nearest Airport Antalya Airport (AYT) Driving Time from Antalya Approx. 2.5 - 3 hours (145 km) Best Months April-June, September-November What Are the Myra Rock Tombs? The most visually stunning feature of ancient Myra is without a doubt its extraordinary collection of Lycian rock-cut tombs. Carved directly into a sheer cliff face overlooking the Roman theatre, the Myra rock tombs date primarily to the 4th century BC . They belong to a unique funerary tradition found only in Lycia, where the elite sought to place their dead in high, inaccessible locations to ease their journey to the afterlife. The tombs at Myra are divided into two main necropolis groups, often called t