What is it? Why is it worth seeing?
Myra is one of the largest cities in ancient Lycia. It was a capital of Lycia during the Roman period. Myra is located next to modern Demre. What is so interesting here?
Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is worth seeing. Saint Nicholas the Pleasant was the bishop of Myra from 300 to 343. He was a protector of innocent convicts, conciliator of enemies, protector of children and sailors He became the prototype of Santa Claus, because he brought gifts to children at Christmas. A church was built immediately after that was the place where he was buried. In 1087, Italian merchants stole the relics and took them to the city of Bari. They are still there nowadays. Time gradually lowered the temple under the ground by 4 meters, where it rested for several centuries. Today the church is open to the public. The Russian traveler A. N. Muravyov organized a fundraiser for its restoration.
Lycian tombs are ancient burials that are cut into the rocks in VI-IV centuries BC. In Lycia, it was a tradition to bury the dead on the slopes. The Lycians believed that this way soul would go to heaven faster. In addition, carving a tomb in tuff was easier than building it out of a heavy stone. An interesting fact: the less noble and rich the buried person was, the lower his tomb was.
An antique amphitheater built in the2nd century AD will amaze you with its size. Its diameter is 110 meters, and the territory could accommodate 15 thousand people. Entertainment events, trials, executions took place here. The amphitheater was destroyed several times by earthquakes and was rebuilt again. An interesting fact: during the construction, no adhesive solution was used at all. In the 12th century, after a powerful flood, the amphitheater was buried under a layer of mud. It was discovered only at the end of the last century and is now being restored.
Who will like it?
Connoisseurs of history, lovers of antiquity, pilgrims and everyone who wants to take a photo with a three-meter Santa Claus. The sculpture is located near the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
How can you get there?
Mira is 58 km from the hotel. Therefore, it is better to go there by car.