DEMRE (MYRA) - Kaleköy Simena and Santa Claus Church

The name of "Demre", which was known as the castle of Santa Claus, later became "Kale". In recent years, it is still called Demre.

This charming town is flooded with visitors during the summer season as well as when the end of the year is approaching. The reason for this lies in the fact that the historical St. Nicolaus Church, where St. Nicolaus, known as Santa Claus, lived and served as a bishop, and the statue of Santa Claus in its garden are in Demre.

Turkey's natural beauties, historical artifacts, sparkling sea and the focal point of greenhouse cultivation, Demre is the closest exit gate to the Gulf of Kekova on the old Kaş road. The Church of Santa Claus, which is the basis of Demre's international fame, is said to have been built in the 3rd or 4th century after St. Nicolaus was buried in a sarcophagus after his death on December 6, 343 and was badly damaged in the 529 earthquake. The tomb in the church, which has floor mosaics, sarcophagi, arched halls and rooms, an interesting and very successful acoustic sound system, and was repaired with the support of the Byzantine emperor Justinian, remained intact until the sailors who came to Demre in the 11th century took the bones of St. Nicolaus and took them to Bari in Italy, and the Italians built a large cathedral in Bari in his memory.

The church, located in the bazaar today and accessible for visits, houses the broken sarcophagus tomb of St. Nicholas, which was shattered by the people of Bari, while the bone fragments believed to belong to St. Nicholas, which the people of Bari couldn't take, are exhibited in the Antalya Museum.

Born as the son of a wealthy man in Patara, St. Nicholas received a good education and frequently traveled to Palestine and Egypt during his youth. Sailors believe that they were saved from a storm during a sea voyage thanks to his prayers. St. Nicholas, who has many stories told about him and is considered the protector of children, prisoners, sailors, and travelers, is said to have had around 400 churches built in his name in England alone.

During the Byzantine period, a basilica was built in Istanbul. Every year on December 6th, the day of St. Nicholas' death, "Call for Santa Claus and World Peace" events are held at the Santa Claus Church, and a Peace Prize is awarded in the name of Santa Claus. Since 1981, the Santa Claus Symposium, organized by the Ministry of Tourism, has been held annually, with the participation of religious and scientific figures from all over the world, including the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, contributing significantly to the international promotion of Demre, the homeland of Santa Claus, and Turkey.

While Demre's coastline and the 1 km long beach where Çayağzı (Demre-Myrus) delta flows into the sea host loggerhead turtles, another excursion spot in the region is Myra, an important city of the Lycians founded in the 5th century BC, located 1.5 kilometers from today's city center. The ancient city is famous for its ancient theater and rock tombs. Camel tours are organized at the gate of the ancient city for tourists. Upon entering the archaeological site among carpet sellers, souvenir sellers, and market vendors; you will see the theater on your right and multi-story tomb chambers carved into the mountain slope, which are located to the north of the Noel Baba church. These rock tombs, each serving as a monument, are inside the ancient city of Myra and have been there since the 5th century BC.

During the spread of Christianity, St. Paul, one of Jesus' apostles, visited Myra, and it is known that Myra developed as a religious center during the Christian era. You will encounter the Myra theater at the entrance to the archaeological site. The theater, which is in very good condition, has a total of 35 rows. The theater, which has a special lodge for the king, was also used as an arena where gladiators fought. Andriake ruins are believed to have healing properties, and it is believed that the water of the thermal spring on the road to Çayağzı is good for some stomach diseases and skin wounds with weekly cures. For those who love hiking in the surroundings, there are "Islada" near Kapaklı Village, "Kyenai" reached from Yavu Village, meaning blue in Greek, and "Sura," an ancient Lycian city located 5 km from Demre, famous for fish prophecy in ancient times. According to legend, when the prophets blow the horn three times at the Apollo Fountain, fish come and make prophecies. If the fish eat the meat thrown to them, it is considered good, and if they push it away with their tails, it is considered a bad omen.

Where to Stay in Demre

 We only liked one place to stay in Demre. That's Hoyran Wedre Village Houses. You can check out the facility at https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/Demre-Hotels

Places to Visit in Demre 

Antalya Demre has multiple ancient cities, the most famous of which is the ancient city of Myra. I recommend visiting here. There are houses carved into the rocks, similar to the Sümela Monastery. Houses and structures are assembled like this. Then there is an ancient theater here, which I highly recommend seeing. The Santa Claus Church is also here. The Lycian Civilizations Museum is also in Demre. The Andriake Ancient City near Demre is, of course, also among the places to visit. After that, Demre Bird Paradise, where approximately 150 different species of birds live, is a magnificent place. Of course, if we continue with the beauties, you can visit Taşdibi Beach with its crystal-clear water. Kekova Sunken City, Kekova Beach are also places that can be preferred. Here in Demre, your chances of seeing loggerhead turtles are very high. Simena Ancient City, that is Kaleköy, must be seen. Üçağız Ancient City is also among the places to come here. There are natural terraces here, and when that magnificent view merges with the turquoise sea, all that's left is for you to complete unique memories. You must also come here to where the colonies called Kekova are and see them with boat tours.

KALEKÖY (SİMENA) 

Kaleköy (Simena), located between Demre and Kas, can be reached by boat from Kas, Demre, or Üçağız, as there is no road. The ancient name of Simena, which is known for its houses built of rubble stone within the walls, is Kaleköy. The houses built of rubble stone within the walls of Kaleköy, which is the most beautiful settlement in the region, are an indication that there is no irregular construction in Kaleköy. When approached by boat or viewed from above, one of the most striking ruins is the Lycian-type sarcophagus in the sea. These sarcophagi, weighing tons, can be found all over the city, especially on the left side of the castle, which is on the left slope of Kekova. In addition to the seven-tiered small theater carved out of a rock, created by carving a rock, and the walls built during the Roman period, there is a medieval castle on top, dominating all bays and the breathtaking view of Kekova island.

What to Do in Demre 

In the charming town of Demre, which is a part of Antalya, you can take a boat tour. You can rent a canoe in Kekova bay. You can visit ancient sites, dive in clear waters, swim. You can enjoy a magnificent terrace in places where there are ancient cities, just like artificial terraces, there are natural terraces, and you can watch the view and find peace. You can go hiking in vast forested areas, natural places. You can ride a bike and enjoy delicious fish and seafood, especially crab. You can see loggerhead turtles.

Where to Eat in Demre 

When it comes to eating in this charming town, the Mediterranean cuisine comes first, of course, since it is Antalya. Besides sea products such as blue crab and lobster, various fish species are also available here. Generally, there are restaurants, cafes, bars, taverns, and fish restaurants. Of course, in addition to Turkish cuisine or Greek cuisine and world cuisine, important presentations are made for us. Especially at Kaya Restaurant, you can eat crabs, I recommend coming here, the food and presentations are exquisite. One of the nice restaurants to go to is Gaziantep Restaurant. Cafe Ankh is also a very interesting place, and their ice creams/ice cream desserts are very famous, you can taste them as desserts. You can eat Turkish products and pastries at Kıvrak Cafe Restaurant. Likya Cafe Restaurant makes special presentations with its beautiful view. You can eat your pasta at Kekova Restaurant; it is delicious. In addition, Roma Restaurant is famous for its handmade ice cream. You can stop by Petek Patisserie for dessert. Tutku Restaurant is one of the places where you can eat crabs. You can also eat pastries at Kısmet Pide Salon. Şişçi Hüseyin is also one of the famous places in Demre. Denizaltı Cafe Bar can offer you different presentations.

How to Get to Demre

 It is 147 km away from Antalya. To go to Demre, you need to go to Antalya first. If you are coming by bus, you can use reciprocal bus services between Demre and Antalya until 20:00. From Antalya Airport, which is 10 km away from the city center, you can take a central bus / airport shuttle and rent a car. You can also reach Antalya Bus Terminal by taking the 600A municipal bus every half hour, which enters the city center from the airport. You can also come to Demre from the direction of Kaş.