A sarcophagus has been unearthed in the Church of St. Nicholas in the Demre district of Antalya. Associate Professor Ebru Fatma Fındık from Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, who leads the excavation team, stated that the discovery was made as part of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkiye’s project titled “Heritage for the Future.”

The sarcophagus was found within a two-story structure near the churchyard. It is made of local stone, features a barrel-shaped lid, and has a semicircular protrusion on one side. Preliminary measurements indicate its dimensions are approximately 2 meters by 1.5 meters. Alongside the sarcophagus, fragments of terracotta lamps and animal bones were also uncovered.

According to Ebru Fatma Fındık, the sarcophagus's proximity to the presumed tomb of St. Nicholas makes this find particularly significant. The excavation and restoration work aim to further enhance tourism in the area.

St. Nicholas and His Legacy St. Nicholas, born around 300 AD in the city of Patara, is widely venerated as the patron saint of children and sailors. He is the subject of numerous legends, including tales of miraculous acts and generous deeds. St. Nicholas served as the Bishop of Myra (modern-day Demre), where he was interred in a sarcophagus after his death in 343 AD.

The Church of St. Nicholas, constructed in his honor, is a significant site for Christian pilgrimage and an architectural gem of the Near East. It is listed on UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List. Every year, thousands of visitors travel to Demre to connect with the legacy of St. Nicholas.