| Thursday, August 2, we rented a car and drove first to Demre (ancient Myra) and then up to the mountains to visit the archeological site of Arycanda. Myra had been one of Lycia�s six principal cities, and some of the best examples of Lycian house tombs exhibiting richly carved house facades were located here. Next to these rock tombs was a well-preserved Roman theater. About 1� miles away was the small Church of St. Nicholas, built in the 7th century over the same site as the original church. In the 4th century AD, St. Nicholas (the real Santa Claus) had been the bishop of Myra. Coming from a wealthy family, he had devoted his life to helping the poor and at Christmas secretly brought gifts to the poor children. His identity was discovered one year by townsfolk, and soon afterwards they began calling him Santa Claus (Father Christmas). Following his death on the 6th of December, 343 AD, St. Nicholas became known as the patron saint of children and seamen. Now every year in Demre a festival takes place on December 6, St. Nicholas Day. |
