Myra
Myra Ancient City in Türkiye is one of the famous cities in ancient Anatolia, with a long history and rich cultural heritage. This city in the southern Turkish province of Antalya, nestled in the hills near the Demre River, attracts thousands of tourists who come to explore its ancient ruins. The ancient city of Myra is not only a place closely related to the history of Christianity, but also an excellent place to learn about the civilizations of ancient Greece, ancient Rome and later the Byzantine period.
Historical background
The history of the ancient city of Myra dates back to the 5th century BC. The city was once one of the capitals of Lycia and played an important role in trade and cultural exchange in ancient times. Myra flourished during the ancient Greek and Roman empires, and many of its buildings and ruins reflect the political, economic, and religious atmosphere of the time.
One of the most famous historical figures in Myra is Saint Nicholas, the prototype of today's Santa Claus. Saint Nicholas served as Bishop of Myra and was beloved by the local population, so the city’s ties to Christianity run deep. Every year, pilgrims and tourists from all over the world come to Myra to visit the tomb and church of Saint Nicholas.
Main attractions
The ruins of the ancient city of Myra are well preserved, the most impressive of which are the rock-cut tombs and the ancient Roman theater.
1. Rock-cut Tombs
One of the most famous features of Myra is the rock-cut tombs, which are uniquely shaped and intricately carved into the steep cliffs. These tombs were built by the ancient Lycians to show respect for the dead. The tombs are often built in an imposing columned style, with clear links to ancient Greek and Roman architectural styles. Especially when you stand in front of the tombs and look up at these towering stone carvings, you will be shocked by the magnificence and profound history.
2. Roman Theatre
The ancient city of Myra also has a well-preserved ancient Roman theater. The theater can accommodate about 1,500 spectators and its architectural style is typical of Roman theater design, with exquisite carvings and delicate structure. Standing on the stage of the theater, you can imagine how the audience sat in the audience and enjoyed the theater performances at that time. Today, some cultural activities and performances are still held here, attracting many art lovers.
3. St. Nicholas Church
The Church of St. Nicholas is another important attraction in Myra. The church was built in the 6th century AD in memory of Saint Nicholas. The interior of the church preserves exquisite mosaics and murals. Although some structures have undergone many reconstructions, the religious atmosphere of the past can still be felt. The tomb of Saint Nicholas is also located in the church, and his tomb has become an important destination for pilgrims, attracting believers from all over the world.
4. Museum (Myra Museum)
The Myra Museum is a great place to explore the history and culture of the city. The museum displays a large number of unearthed cultural relics, most of which come from archaeological sites around Myra, including sculptures, bronzes, pottery, etc. These exhibits provide rich information about the ancient Myra and Lykia culture and give people a deeper understanding of local history.
Travel experience
When I stepped into the ancient city of Myra, I deeply felt the historical atmosphere of this place. Walking on the ancient stone road, you can seem to hear the footsteps of people in the past. This feeling of close contact with history is indescribable.
Among them, the cave tombs are particularly shocking. These tombs are not simple caves, but intricately carved works of art. The design of each tomb is unique, from the carvings on the pillars to the shape of the tomb doors, all reflecting people's thoughts and awe of the afterlife at that time. Standing in front of these tombs, whether it is daytime or dusk, the interweaving of light and shadow makes people fall into deep contemplation.
A visit to the ancient Roman theater brings another feeling. This theater is not just an ancient entertainment venue. Its architectural aesthetics and historical value make me feel the greatness of Roman civilization. Sitting in the theater, countless performances and the cheers of the audience emerged in my mind, which made me more deeply understand the important position of ancient theater in social culture.
I was also deeply impressed by my visit to St. Nicholas Church. Although this church is simple, every corner reveals a heavy sense of history. Standing in front of St. Nicholas’ tomb, I couldn’t help but have more respect for the story of this saint who once did good deeds.
Another feature of the ancient city of Myra is its relatively small number of tourists. Compared with other popular attractions in Turkey, the number of tourists here is relatively limited, making the entire travel experience more peaceful and comfortable. I could savor every detail of this ancient city without too much interruption, which makes Myra one of the most beautiful monuments in Türkiye in my mind.
summary
In general, the ancient city of Myra is a place full of history and cultural heritage. It is not only a testimony to ancient civilization, but also a commemoration of the great figure of Saint Nicholas. If you love history and archaeology, or are interested in Christian culture, then the ancient city of Myra is undoubtedly a rare and in-depth travel experience. For me, every stone, every ancient building and every legend here have become precious memories of my journey.