Dating from the 5th century BC, Myra is known for its honeycomb of rock-hewn Lycian house tombs. It was the capital city of Lycia, as well as the 3rd most important port, the town growing rich on coastal trade and supplying incense to Egypt and Constantinople. It was built on the acropolis hill with a defensive wall. Water supply ran in channels cut into the wall of the gorge and the cold sulphur springs at Andriake provided therapeutic baths and healing drinking water. Paul changed ships in Myra in about 60AD on his way to trial in Rome. It is also stated that Luke passed through here as well. Due to plague, Muslim raids, floods and earthquakes Myra was mostly abandoned by the 11th century.
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| Plenty of direction to the ancient City of Myra |
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| It is hard to show the width and depth of these tombs, but they go as far as the eyes can see in either direction, as well as up and down. The defensive walls, with the flag, flank the rim of the hill. |
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| The carved tombs are believed to depict the dwellings of the inhabitants. Many made from wooden pillars are no longer in existence. |
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| Many of the tombs had inscriptions or carvings as in the top photo; the lower photo shows the use of color on some of the tombs, mostly always blue and red. |
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| The Greco Roman Theater - used mostly for games and animal shows. Maybe that is a Gladiator or maybe the Emperor???? |
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| Views in and around the Theater |
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| There are remains of a major Granary, built by Hadrian, as well as aqueducts, which apparently still has a spring running through it. |
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| The still working harbor; tourist boats all on dry dock for winter. |
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