Church of St Nicholas
The church where St Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, served and was buried — a major pilgrimage site in Demre.
St Nicholas was bishop of Myra in the 4th century and is venerated across the Christian world; his story also inspired the figure of Santa Claus. The church in Demre was built over his tomb and enlarged in the Byzantine period, with frescoes, mosaic floors and a sarcophagus traditionally associated with the saint.
The building was restored in the 19th century and is now a museum. It remains a pilgrimage destination, particularly around the saint’s feast day on 6 December.
- →The church sits below modern street level and has a protective roof — visits are comfortable even in summer.
- →Pilgrimage groups can request permission for services well in advance; we can advise on the process.
Tours visiting this place
Hotels nearby
A luxury resort in a large forested estate at Tekirova, close to Phaselis and the Tahtalı cable car.
A top-tier luxury resort on the Kemer coast with villas, fine dining and a secluded, forested setting.
A very large luxury resort between the mountains and the sea, with many restaurants, an aquapark and a big kids’ offer.
Places nearby
- Myra Rock Tombs & Theatre1.7 km
Rock-cut Lycian tombs carved into the cliff above a large Roman theatre in Demre.
- Kekova & Simena (Kaleköy)12.5 km
A sheltered bay with the sunken ruins of Kekova island and the castle village of Simena (Kaleköy).
- Kaş31.5 km
A small harbour town with a relaxed atmosphere, clear water, diving sites and a Hellenistic theatre.
- Olympos & Çıralı (Chimaera)47.0 km
Lycian ruins in a forested valley by the beach, next to Çıralı and the eternal flames of the Chimaera.
- Phaselis59.5 km
A Lycian port city in a pine forest, with three natural harbours, a Roman street and an aqueduct.
- Tahtalı Mountain (Olympos Teleferik)60.1 km
A cable car from the coast to the 2,365 m summit of Tahtalı Mountain, with views over the whole Kemer coast.