Saint Nicholas, the Greek Christian bishop famous for his miracles and gift-giving, which inspired the figure of Santa Claus, lived in Myra, now part of modern-day Turkey. After his death, Byzantine Emperor Theodosius II commissioned the Church of St. Nicholas to be built over the site where Nicholas served. His remains were initially reburied there but were later moved to the Basilica di San Nicola in Southern Italy.
Recent archaeological efforts, however, have unearthed a sarcophagus at the St. Nicholas Church in Myra, where the bishop was originally interred. This site has been under excavation since 1989, with the current phase of the “Legacy for the Future Project” led by Associate Professor Ebru Fatma Findik from Hatay Mustafa Kemal University.
The latest discovery involves a limestone sarcophagus, about 2 meters long, buried 1.5 to 2 meters underground, complete with a raised lid and a pitched roof, characteristic of local burial customs. The find has reignited interest in confirming the exact burial place of Saint Nicholas. Professor Findik noted, “Some sources suggest that St. Nicholas was buried near the sacred area of the city of Myra. The fact 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 significant discovery offers new insights into the life of this notable bishop and his pivotal role in early Christianity, potentially resolving long-standing questions about his original burial site.