The Church of Saint Nicholas `Museum`

The Church of Saint Nicholas is located in the village of Gökyazı, belonging to the district of Demre. Saint Nicholas, born in the ancient city of Patara and died in the ancient city of Myra where he served as bishop, is also known as 'Nicholas the Wonderworker'. The tomb built in his memory has become one of the most important symbols of Demre's tourism potential.

The Church of Saint Nicholas, built by the residents of Myra in memory of the saint, known as the 'Wonderworker', due to his aid to the poor and distribution of gifts, is considered one of the finest examples of Middle Byzantine church architecture, thanks to its decorations and architectural style.

Since 1994, the church has been open to visitors. There are many buildings constructed at different times on the original foundations of the church, creating the appearance of a complex built in different periods. Over time, the walls of the church, restored, have been adorned with images depicting the miracles attributed to Saint Nicholas. Inside the church is a Roman-period sarcophagus adorned with fish scales and acanthus leaves, presumed to belong to 'Nicholas the Wonderworker', resting in eternal sleep.

There are various claims about where the stolen bones of Saint Nicholas are located. According to the most common version, the bones were stolen by merchants from the Italian city of Bari during the Crusades and placed in the crypt of the Basilica of San Nicola in southeastern Italy. The remaining parts of the bones are currently exhibited at the Antalya Archaeological Museum.

Every year on December 6th, an important date for Christians, many visitors of Orthodox faith come to Demre to commemorate the anniversary of Saint Nicholas' death and participate in a mass service held in the church.

Saint Nicholas in the guise of Santa Claus Few people know, but the prototype of the famous Santa Claus is none other than Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker. Secretly, under the cover of darkness so that no one would recognize him, Nicholas would leave gifts for the poor during Christmas. Once, he climbed onto the roof of a house and dropped a bag of gold down the chimney. The bag landed in a stocking that a young girl had hung by the fireplace. This is where the Western tradition of leaving gifts at Christmas in stockings originated. By the way, Turks still refer to the Church of Saint Nicholas as "Baba Noel Kilisesi" — the Church of Father Christmas. And not far from the church stands a monument to Saint Nicholas in the guise of Santa Claus.