A Guide to St. Nicholas Museum in Antalya: The Roots of Santa Claus!

Located in the Demre district of Antalya, the tourism capital with its beaches, bays and historical buildings, St. Nicholas Museum awaits its visitors. The museum, which carries the traces of the tradition of Santa Claus and his legendary character, which is integrated with the belief of St. Nicholas, takes its visitors to the depths of history. The museum is the perfect stop for those who want to learn more about Santa Claus and his story. So, where is the St. Nicholas Museum? How to get there?

Here's what you need to know about the St. Nicholas Museum👇

St. Nicholas Museum is dedicated to the world-famous St. Nicholas, aka Santa Claus, who was born in Patara in the second half of the 3rd century and became a bishop in Myra. Görseli — St. Nicholas Museum welcomes its guests in the Demre district of Antalya. In the museum, you can learn about the life and work of St. Nicholas, who became the most popular saint in almost all of Europe, especially in the former Russian Tsardom. In addition, the items and letters used by St. Nicholas are also exhibited in the museum.

The History of St. Nicholas Museum Görseli — According to written sources, the history of St. Nicholas Museum dates back to the 4th century. According to many sources, St. Nicholas was born in 243 AD in the city of Patara and died in 326 AD in Myra (Demre), where he settled in 285 AD. Nikolaos, who engaged in philanthropic and charitable activities throughout his life, became a beloved and respected cleric by the people. After his death in Demre, where he had served as bishop since 285 A.D., his tomb was turned into a church. With its historical texture and unique architecture, this church has survived until today.
The church, now known as the St. Nicholas Museum, was unearthed as a result of archaeological excavations in 1956. The church, which was buried under the soil as a result of the stones of the Demre Stream, was opened to visitors in 1994, long after its discovery. In the museum, writings, paintings, photographs and objects giving information about the life and work of St. Nicholas are exhibited. There is also the tomb and statue of St. Nicholas in the museum.

What is inside the St. Nicholas Museum?

The St. Nicholas Museum, which is visited by many visitors from the Christian Orthodox sect on December 6 every year, contains many precious artifacts about the life of the venerable cleric.

Inside the Museum

Tomb of St. Nicholas
Statue of St. Nicholas
Items used by St. Nicholas
Letters written by St. Nicholas
Articles giving information about the life and work of St. Nicholas
Pictures of St. Nicholas
There are photographs of St. Nicholas.

The museum is one of the must-see places in Antalya with its magnificent architecture and rich history.

The tomb and statue of St. Nicholas attracts the most attention of the visitors. Built in the 4th century, the tomb is very well preserved until today. The bronze statue of St. Nicholas belongs to the 19th century.

Among the items used by St. Nicholas in the museum are: a hat, a staff, clothes and shoes.
Among the artifacts that reveal the life and writings of Santa Claus, also known as Santa Claus, it is noteworthy that he was a successful bishop, a philanthropist and a man full of love for children.

How to get to St. Nicholas Museum?

Demre district is approximately 150 km from Antalya city center. St. Nicholas Museum is located in Gökyazı district of Demre. You can choose public transportation or private vehicles to go to the museum.

How to get to St. Nicholas Museum by bus?

To visit the museum, you can use buses or minibuses from Antalya city center to Demre.

How to get to St. Nicholas Museum by car?

If you want to visit by your own car, you should follow the D400 highway from Antalya city center to Demre.

How long is the drive to St. Nicholas Museum?

You can visit St. Nicholas Museum from Antalya city center by bus, minibus, taxi or rent a car. The museum is approximately 150 kilometers from the city center, and the journey takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Address and Location of St. Nicholas Museum

Address: Gokyazi, İlkokul Cd. 1st Sk., 07570 Demre/Antalya

Phone: 0 242 871 60 01

Location

How much is the entrance fee for the St. Nicholas Museum and when can you visit?

St. Nicholas Museum is open to visitors every day. Visiting hours of the museum:

Opening Time: 08.30

Closing Time: 20.00

Last Visitor Time: 19.45

The entrance fee for the St. Nicholas Museum is 17 euros. Visitors can also use the Museum Card for entrance. You can visit the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's 'Museum and Ruins Fees' page to get information about current prices before your trip.

T.C. MINISTRY OF CULTURE MUSEUM AND RUINS FEES