Journey to the ancient city of Myra in Turkey, where the legendary St. Nicholas once served as a 4th-century Christian bishop and became the inspiration for Santa Claus. This remarkable archaeological site offers visitors a chance to walk in the footsteps of the real saint whose acts of generosity created one of the world's most beloved holiday traditions. Josh Gates' investigation here uncovered fascinating DNA evidence in the quest to locate St. Nicholas's missing remains.
The St. Nicholas sites in Turkey center on the ancient city of Myra, located near modern-day Demre on the Mediterranean coast. The Church of St. Nicholas, built in the 6th century AD, stands as the primary pilgrimage destination where the 4th-century bishop was originally entombed. Gates investigated these sites to trace the origins of the Santa Claus legend back to its historical roots, examining evidence related to the saint's missing remains. The region attracts both religious pilgrims and history enthusiasts curious about the real figure behind the Christmas icon. Archaeological excavations at Myra have also revealed impressive Lycian rock-cut tombs and a well-preserved Roman theater overlooking the town.
Nicholas born in Patara, Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey)
Death of Nicholas, Bishop of Myra; burial in Myra
Italian merchants reportedly remove Nicholas's remains from Myra to Bari, Italy
Gates investigates St. Nicholas sites for Expedition Unknown
St. Nicholas of Myra is one of Christianity's most venerated saints, with a well-documented historical foundation that distinguishes him from purely legendary figures. Historians generally agree that Nicholas served as Bishop of Myra during the 4th century AD, a period marked by both persecution under Diocletian and the later rise of Christianity under Constantine. The bishop became renowned for his acts of generosity, including the famous account of providing dowries for three impoverished sisters, which evolved into the gift-giving tradition associated with his feast day on December 6th.
The fate of Nicholas's remains has been debated for centuries. According to historical accounts, Italian merchants from Bari removed the saint's bones from Myra in 1087, during a period when the region had fallen under Muslim control and Christian pilgrimage sites faced uncertain protection. The relics were enshrined in the Basilica di San Nicola in Bari, where they remain a major pilgrimage destination. However, questions persist about whether all of the saint's remains were taken, with some researchers suggesting fragments may have been left behind or distributed to other locations.
Gates's investigation approached these questions through modern forensic methods, including DNA analysis of claimed relics. The episode explored the challenges of authenticating centuries-old remains when historical documentation is incomplete and multiple locations claim to possess fragments of the saint. While the Church of St. Nicholas in Demre is no longer the resting place of the complete skeleton, archaeological work at the site continues to shed light on early Christian practices in Asia Minor.
The transformation of the historical Nicholas into Santa Claus represents a fascinating case study in how religious figures evolve across cultures. Dutch settlers brought Sinterklaas traditions to America, where the figure merged with English Father Christmas customs and was further popularized through 19th-century literature and Coca-Cola advertising. Gates's investigation emphasized how the generous 4th-century bishop remains at the core of this beloved legend, even as the modern Santa Claus bears little physical resemblance to the original saint.
The tradition of hanging stockings originated from a legend where St. Nicholas secretly dropped gold coins down a chimney, which landed in stockings hung by the fire to dry
St. Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, children, and students, among many other groups
The Dutch name 'Sinterklaas' directly evolved into the English 'Santa Claus' when Dutch settlers brought the tradition to New Amsterdam (New York)
The ancient city of Myra was one of the most important cities of the Lycian civilization before becoming a significant early Christian center
The Church of St. Nicholas in Demre is open to visitors year-round, with the site accessible from the coastal town along Turkey's Mediterranean coast. The church features Byzantine frescoes and the original tomb of St. Nicholas, though visitors should be aware that the saint's remains are no longer present at this location. Nearby Myra also offers impressive Lycian rock tombs and a Roman theater worth exploring as part of a visit to the region.
Demre (Myra), with Antalya approximately 140 kilometers to the east serving as the nearest major city and international airport.
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the most comfortable temperatures for exploring the outdoor archaeological sites, avoiding the intense Mediterranean summer heat and peak tourist season. The feast day of St. Nicholas on December 6th attracts special religious observances for those interested in pilgrimage traditions.
Italy (St. Nicholas sites)
The Basilica di San Nicola in Bari, Italy, houses the remains reportedly removed from Myra in 1087, making it the complementary site in the St. Nicholas investigation
Holy Land
The Holy Land represents the broader context of early Christian history and pilgrimage sites from the same historical period as St. Nicholas
Istanbul
Istanbul (Byzantine Constantinople) served as the major Christian center in the region during and after St. Nicholas's lifetime, providing archaeological and historical context for early Christianity in Asia Minor
Best time to visit: Visit during spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds while exploring the outdoor archaeological sites.
Travel tip: Combine your visit with nearby Demre town center where you can see St. Nicholas Church museum and sample local Turkish cuisine at family-run restaurants.