St. Nicholas Church, Demre

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 St Nicholas, a 4th-century Christian bishop of Myra,[1][2] an important religious figure for Eastern Orthodox Christians and Roman Catholics and the historical inspiration for Santa Claus.[3] 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.

The church was built in AD 520 on the foundations of an older Christian church where Saint Nicholas had served as a bishop.[5] Justinian I contributed to the reconstruction.[6] It is noted for its remarkable wall frescos, and its architectural and religious significance.