St. Nicholas Church, Demre facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St. Nicholas Church |
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St. Nicholas Church
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Christianity |
| Status | Museum |
| Location | |
| Location | Demre, Antalya Province, Turkey |
 Location in Turkey
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The St. Nicholas Church is a very old church building in Turkey. It is now a museum. This church is special because it was built over the burial place of Saint Nicholas. He was a Christian bishop who lived a long time ago in the 4th century.
Saint Nicholas is a very important person for many Christians. He is also the historical inspiration for Santa Claus! The church was first built in the 6th century. It is located in the ancient city of Myra, which is now called Demre. This amazing building is on UNESCO's list to become a World Heritage Site.
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A Look Back: History of the Church
The St. Nicholas Church was built in the year 520 AD. It stands on the foundations of an even older Christian church. Saint Nicholas himself served as a bishop in that earlier church. Justinian I, a powerful Roman Emperor, helped rebuild it.
This church is famous for its beautiful wall paintings, called frescos. It is also important for its amazing architecture and religious history. Over many years, the church was flooded and filled with dirt.
In 1862, a Russian Emperor named Nicholas I helped restore the church. He added a tower and made other changes to its design. The church was used for religious services until 1923. At that time, the Greek people living in Demre had to leave.
Digging Up the Past: Archaeological Discoveries
Archaeologists started digging at the church in 1988. Professor S. Yıldız Ötüken led this important work. They have uncovered parts of the old monastery complex. They also found small chapels around the main part of the church.
One chapel has amazing frescoes. These paintings show scenes from Saint Nicholas's life and the miracles he performed. They also found a damaged stone coffin, called a sarcophagus. Many believe this was the original burial place of Saint Nicholas. His remains were later moved to Bari in 1087.
Beautiful Art: Church Decorations
The church has many beautiful decorations. In one part of the church, you can see unique frescos. These paintings show the life story of Saint Nicholas. They are the only ancient frescos in Turkey that tell his full life story.
Images for kids
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St. Nicholas Church Exterior
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St. Nicholas Church from courtyard
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St. Nicholas Church courtyard from high
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St. Nicholas Church View to choir
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St. Nicholas Church at choir
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St. Nicholas Church view from choir
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St. Nicholas Church Fresco
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St. Nicholas Church Fresco
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St. Nicholas Church Fresco
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St. Nicholas Church Fresco
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St. Nicholas Church Fresco
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St. Nicholas Church Fresco
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St. Nicholas Church Fresco
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St. Nicholas Church Fresco
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St. Nicholas Church Fresco
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St. Nicholas Church corridor with Nicolas frescos
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St. Nicholas Church opus sectile
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St. Nicholas Church opus sectile
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St. Nicholas Church opus sectile
