Church of Saint Nicholas - Demre, Turkey

The Church of Saint Nicholas in Demre may not be the most interesting building from the outside, it has a fascinating interior and an even more fascinating history. The Byzantine church is also worth a visit if the story is about Saint Nicholas, who later became Santa Claus or Sinterklaas. Saint Nicholas from Patara was the Bishop of Myra in the 4th century, who lived and worked here. Legend has it that Saint Nicholas was involved in helping young people and the poor. The original church was destroyed in an earthquake, only to be repaired and damaged by Arab invasions.

The current church dates back to the 11th century, with the ruins today being the result of restorations and expansions carried out during different periods. Inside, you'll find spectacular mosaics, domes, frescoes, and mausoleums. Recently, a team of experts discovered a hidden temple underneath the church. Many speculations have suggested that this temple most likely contained the tomb of Saint Nicholas. If you want to visit a church, try visiting in the early morning or late afternoon, which are the least touristy times, and you'll get a much richer experience.