Christmas is celebrated as the birth of Jesus Christ, bringing joy and happiness into our lives. Do you remember during our childhood when we used to wish for Santa Claus and ask for gifts? I still do this even though I am an adult. While most people think that Santa is an imaginary figure, you’ll be astonished to know that Santa is based on a real person. St. Nicholas, a saint, is the historical figure behind the Santa we know today. The church dedicated to him is a fascinating place to visit, making it the centrepiece of my blog
Location
St. Nicholas Church, also known as the Church of St. Nicholas, is located in the town of Demre, which is in the Antalya Province of Turkey. It’s situated near the southern coast of Turkey, along the Mediterranean Sea.
More about st Nicholas or Santa claus
The real life Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, was a bishop in a Turkish town on the Mediterranean coast in the 4th century. He was known for his generosity and his kindness to children. Soon stories of miracles that he performed for the poor and unhappy started spreading. He was reputed to have given marriage dowries of gold to three girls whose poverty would otherwise have forced into lives of prostitution and to have restored to life three children who had been chopped up by a butcher and put in a tub of brine. Now that’s a miracle! And if that doesn’t give him the right to become the legend now known as Father Christmas, nothing does.
St Nicholas Church
The church to honour Saint Nicholas and contain his tomb was built in the 6th century on the foundations of the older Christian church where he served as Bishop.
Outside the church you will see the structure of St Nicholas or our beloved Santa
This is the empty sarcophagus at the Church of Saint Nicholas in Demre, Turkey, long thought to be the burial place of St. Nicholas. In the church you can see the tomb but not the body. People are still unaware of what had happened to the body. There is a Cathedral in France claims that they have it but how it went their we can’t trust it
The internal architecture of St Nicholas
Inside, it is a very striking building indeed and beautifully restored.One arcade contains many well preserved frescoes.The Frescoes depict the life of St Nicholas. Different phases of his life are marvellously portrayed on the walls of church.St. Nicholas remains a significant religious figure for Turkish, Greek, and Russian Christians. The church’s restoration, funded by Tsar Nicholas I, made it a prominent pilgrimage destination. Long lines of people eagerly await their turn to see the statue of St. Nicholas. As they approach the protective glass, they extend their hands to touch it, standing in silent prayer for a while.
The Church was once part of the ancient city of Myra, a hub of political and cultural activity believed to have rivalled Ephesus in significance. Despite much of it lying buried underground today, about a mile from the Church stands the impressive Roman theatre, carved into the local hillside and still prominently visible. Some breathtaking carvings, remarkably untouched by time, are scattered in the vicinity. Adjacent to this amphitheatre lie tombs intricately carved from and into the rock, designed to resemble grand wooden houses, dating back to around five centuries BC. Surprisingly, during our visit, this remarkable site appeared almost deserted, in stark contrast to the Church, which draws in over half a million visitors annually.
How to reach?
The St. Nicholas Church is actually located in Demre, Turkey, not Italy. If you’re looking to reach the St. Nicholas Church in Demre, Turkey, you can fly into Antalya Airport, which is the nearest major airport. From there, you can take a bus or rent a car for the approximately 3-hour journey to Demre. Once in Demre, the church is easily accessible within the town.
Where to stay?
In Demre, you’ll find various accommodation options ranging from hotels to guesthouses. Some popular choices include hotels near the coast for a scenic stay or places closer to the town centre for convenience. Checking travel websites or apps like Booking.com, Airbnb, or TripAdvisor can help you find options that suit your preferences and budget. It’s a good idea to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Final thoughts
Amidst the emergence of Christmas, this destination is truly commendable. With the presence of the real Santa and a glimpse into his life, this church deserves all the praise. The intricate designs of the church are fascinating to behold, and the enigmatic mystery surrounding the sarcophagus makes this place uniquely captivating. Celebrating Christmas at this destination promises a rewarding experience that will last a lifetime
