St. Nicholas Church, Demre

St. Nicholas Church
St. Nicholas Church
Religion
AffiliationChristianity
StatusMuseum
Location
LocationDemre, Antalya Province, Turkey
Shown within Turkey
Geographic coordinates36°14′41″N 29°59′08″E / 36.24467°N 29.98543°E / 36.24467; 29.98543

St. Nicholas Church is an ancient East Roman basilica church in the ancient city of Myra, now a museum located in modern Demre, Antalya Province, Turkey. It was built above the burial place of Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century Christian bishop of Myra, an important religious figure for Eastern Orthodox Christians and Roman Catholics and the historical inspiration for Santa Claus. Its use dated from its 6th century construction for the state church of the Roman Empire by Justinian the Great. The basilica is on UNESCO's tentative list to become a World Heritage Site.