Myra Ancient City

Ancient City of Myra: The Lycian Capital of Rock-Cut Tombs & Legends

Once the capital of the Lycian people, the Ancient City of Myra lies 1.5 km inland from modern Demre, surrounded by vast greenhouses producing tomatoes. Nestled at the base of a sheer cliff, this remarkable site is renowned for its stunning rock-cut tombs, a grand amphitheater, and rich historical significance.

The Breathtaking Ruins of Myra

🏺 Rock-Cut Tombs – Some of the most ornate and well-preserved Lycian tombs in Turkey, carved directly into the towering cliffs.
🏰 Byzantine Fortress – A ruined castle sits atop the cliffs, with a Turkish flag flying high above.
🦁 Lion’s Tomb (Painted Tomb) – Features 11 life-sized figures carved into its inner walls.
🎭 Greco-Roman Amphitheater – One of Lycian Turkey’s largest and best-restored theaters, with thick defensive walls and intricate carvings.

💀 Scattered around the site are massive stone blocks engraved with grotesque faces and animal motifs, providing a glimpse into Lycian mythology and artistry.

A City Once Home to Artemis & Saint Nicholas

🛕 Temple of Artemis Eleuthera – Once one of Lycian Myra’s grandest temples, it was destroyed in the 4th century AD as St. Nicholas sought to erase pagan influences.
🎅 Church of St. Nicholas (Demre) – The final resting place of the saint, now a small museum and major pilgrimage site for Orthodox Christians.

Myra’s Role in the Lycian Union

🏛️ Myra was one of six major cities in the Lycian Union, alongside:
✅ Xanthos
✅ Patara
✅ Tlos
✅ Pinara
✅ Olympos

📍 All six sites are located between Antalya and Fethiye and can be explored via Turkey’s first long-distance hiking trail, the Lycian Way.

Why Visit Myra?

✅ One of the most stunning examples of Lycian rock-cut tombs.
✅ A grand amphitheater showcasing Greco-Roman architecture.
✅ Rich history, blending Lycian, Greek, Roman, and Byzantine influences.
✅ Easily accessible from Antalya, Kas, and Fethiye.

📍 Explore the ancient splendor of Myra and uncover the legends of the Lycian capital! 🏛️✨