Saint Nicholas church
built and located on the western side of Demre district. Saint nicholas was
born in 3rd century in Patara and became the bishop of myra later on. The fame
that Saint nicholas gained was derived from the miracles he had made.
St. Nicholas also known as
Santa Claus the lovely character and beloved man giving presents to children in
christmas times. This belief was derived from the story of a help of Saint
nicholas to a poor man with 3 daughters who were not found suitable men. Saint
nicholas contributed 3 cases gold to this family and got women match with their
men.
According to another tale
; Saint nicholas was left under a
collapsing church nevertheless miraculously he was saved even without a little
scrape. Saint nicholas was buried to this church. Church was repaired over and
over in years. A group from Italy had
carried the bones of Saint nicholas to Italy.
It is rumoured a wonderful scent was spreaded upon opening the sarcophagus
. The scent was named as Myrrh meaining the resin used in producing lavander. According
to some people resin was oil poured to the gifts in the sarcophagus for
blessing.
Saint Nicholas church has
a very contemporary view with it’s bell tower and upper floor. Structure has a
basilica form with originally 3 naves and 1 extra nave added in time next to
original ones. Rooms for the bishops and nuns and the gateways are available in
the Northern side of the church. Three gates are situated at wesern part of the church with archs leading the middle
nave. An altar and seats made for the
bishops located at the end of the nave . Middle nave was covered with
crossvaults.
Many rumours and
assertions are made for the location of
sarcophagus belonged to Saint nicholas however the sayings are not more than
just words as there is no proof to show the location of sarcophagus of saint
nicholas. The only thing we know about sarcophagus that it was simple and not exaggerately
decorated.
Today st. Nicholas is the
archpriest of many countries and at the date of his death 6th of december many
organizations are made and gifts are given to gits untill christmas.