Myra

Myra was a leading city of the Lycian Union and superseded Xanthos in early Byzantine period to become the capital of the Lycian Union. The ruins of Myra are situated about 2 km north of today`s Demre. Most of Myra is now covered by Demre and alluvial silts because it is located on the river of Demre in a fertile alluvial plain. Today this large plain is almost covered with fields stuffed full of tomatoes. In ancient times this area was also probably farmed extensively, for trade purposes with the interior parts of the Lycian Union.

The date of Myra`s settlement is unknown. There is no literary mentioning of Myra before the 1st century BC when it is said to be one of the six leading cities of the Lycian Union (the other five cities were Xanthos, Tlos, Pinara, Patara and Olympos). It is believed to date back much further however, as an outer defensive wall of the city was dated back to the 5th century BC.

Myra is well known for its amphitheatre (the largest one in Lycia) and the plethora of rock-cut tombs carved in the cliffs above the ancient theatre of Myra.

Hours:
5/1 - 10/31: Daily 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
11/1 - 4/30: Daily 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Time to Allot: 1.5 hours to 3 hours
Best Time to Go: All Year
Cost: 3.30 USD per person
Payment Accepted: Cash only