Could sarcophagus in Türkiye’s Antalya hold remains of St. Nicholas known as Santa Claus?

Archaeologists have unearthed a sarcophagus during ongoing excavation work at the St. Nicholas Church in Demre, Antalya, shedding light on the ancient past of the historical site.

The church, believed to be located near the burial place of St. Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra and the inspiration for the modern-day Santa Claus, has been a site of important archaeological findings for years.

The discovery was made in the church’s two-story annex, which has been under excavation since 1989.

Significant find in pursuit of St. Nicholas’ tomb

The excavation, led by Associate Professor Ebru Fatma Findik from Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, is part of the “Legacy for the Future Project” initiated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The latest excavations, which have been ongoing for two years, have now revealed a sarcophagus made from local limestone. The sarcophagus, measuring approximately 2 meters in length, is believed to be partially buried 1.5-2 meters underground. Its design features a raised lid and a pitched roof, consistent with other sarcophagi from the region.

Findik explained that prior to discovering the sarcophagus, they had found animal bones and numerous fragments of clay lamps, leading them to believe they were dealing with a burial site.

Quest for inscriptions on sarcophagus

One of the key objectives of the excavation team is to uncover any inscriptions on the sarcophagus, which could provide crucial insights into its date and the identity of the deceased.

“Our biggest hope is to find an inscription on the sarcophagus. This would help clarify the burial contents and allow us to determine the exact period it dates to,” Findik stated. While the lid of the sarcophagus has been uncovered, only a small section of the burial chamber has been exposed, and further excavation is expected to reveal more details in the coming months.

Could it be site of St. Nicholas’ burial?

The discovery holds particular significance for understanding the final resting place of St. Nicholas. Historical sources have long speculated about the location of his tomb, with some suggesting that he was buried near the sacred area of Myra. The proximity of the sarcophagus to the church, thought to be built on or near his burial site, lends weight to the theory that this could indeed be the sacred area mentioned in ancient texts.

“Some sources suggest that St. Nicholas was buried near the sacred area of the city of Myra. The fact that we have found a sarcophagus near the church, which is thought to house his tomb, may indicate that this is indeed the sacred area we have been searching for. This is a significant archaeological confirmation of historical sources regarding the burial place of St. Nicholas,” Findik commented.

Groundbreaking discovery for archaeology

The find is an important development for both historical and religious communities, offering a deeper understanding of St. Nicholas’ final resting place.

As the excavation continues, researchers aim to answer many lingering questions about the church and the tomb of one of early Christianity’s most significant figures.

UNESCO heritage and global icon

The Saint Nicholas Church in Demre was added to UNESCO’s Tentative Heritage List in 2000, solidifying its importance as a cultural and historical treasure.

Each year, this sacred site hosts countless visitors, especially Russian tourists, making it a key destination for faith tourism.

The discovery of the sarcophagus at St. Nicholas Church brings researchers closer to solving the mystery of his burial.