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Turkish Mediterranean Coast
Antalya Province
Demre (Kale)
Things to Do in Demre (Kale)
Santa Claus Museum
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Santa Claus Museum

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#7 of 21 things to do in Demre (Kale)
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2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
29 within 3 miles
Demre İpek Restaurant
102
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Turkish • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Sisci Huseyin
12
0.2 miTurkish
Demre Gaziantep Restaurant
34
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Fast Food • Turkish • Grill
Nur Pastanesi Demre
7
504 ft$ • Turkish
Demre Adana Sofrası Kısmet Restaurant
8
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Mediterranean • Turkish
Kabak Cafe
4
506 ft
Bereket Doner
8
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Fast Food
Taşdibi Mercan Restaurant
2
0.2 miTurkish
Su Cafe & Bistro
1
0.2 miCafe
Dondurmaci Hasan
1
0.4 mi$ • Turkish
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Attractions
11 within 6 miles
Church of St. Nicholas
554
23 ftReligious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
Kalekoy Harbour
422
0.2 miMarinas
Myra Antik Kenti
479
0.7 miAncient Ruins
Rock tombs in Myra
406
1 miAncient Ruins
Andriake Ancient City
40
2.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Suluklu Beach
12
1.7 miBeaches
Sura Ancient City
10
2.1 miAncient Ruins
Çayağzı Plajı
1
1.9 miBeaches
Asırlı Adası Deniz Mağarası
2
Caverns & Caves
Gökkaya Plajı ve Koyu
2
Beaches
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
123 reviews
Excellent
77
Very good
26
Average
17
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Berkay
Istanbul, Türkiye32 contributions
Santa Claus Museum and Church
Apr 2021
I was a little child, when I first visited this place and it was very exciting to be in the homeland of real Santa (Saint Nicholas of Myra).

The last visit was in April 2021 and it was a nice experience to see all of the beautiful frescoes and details of the church. I was really glad to be back there.
Written March 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shirley M
London, UK199 contributions
Interesting museum
Oct 2020
The museum was very interesting,The tomb of Santa is here. Entracne fee was very cheap. Also has a cafe and a couple of gift shops.
Written October 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
541nenam
Novi Sad, Serbia48 contributions
Every Orthodox should visit
Aug 2017 • Friends
The Church from the 6th cent. was made on the foundations of the older Christian church that was the seat of Saint Nicholas's bishopric. The church is now a museum which doesn't stop Russian tourists to bow and pray in front of the sarcophagus that was made for the body of the saint, but I am not sure whether the body was ever inside (very pious Orthodox but in museum that doesn't have any particle of sanctity, it is pointless).
Written August 10, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Aaron G
Los Angeles, CA224 contributions
Not much, but interesting nonetheless
Apr 2021
The best part of this museum is you get to traumatize your children and show them Santa's tomb. The museum, which is really the church the original St. Nicholas ran, is quite educational, but not a whole lot to see, especially after seeing the fantastic Myra tombs. But if you're in Myra anyway for the tombs then definitely give it a go. The tickets are cheap (or free if you have a Turkey Pass, which I highly recommend) and there are plenty of great places to get lunch nearby.
Written April 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
patriciak
Las Vegas, NV2 contributions
amazing museum
Aug 2020
This museum has very nice and interesting things. Entrance price is really cheap. Santa's tomb was here. the monuments and sculptures are very interesting and clean. where is we came Demre loves history. Thanks!!!
Written August 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Marion S
Johannesburg, South Africa1,563 contributions
Worth the visit
Apr 2017 • Couples
A beautiful old church built around the mid 5th century. Tickets cost 20 TL per person to go in. Outside is a tea garden and small gift shop. Across the road are many shops all with Russian signage. St Nicholas was an important Saint for both Greek and Russian Orthodox in the Christian world. He died in Demre and was canonized after his death. On the 6th December every year there are celebrations here for the day he died. It is called St Nicholas
Written April 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MindStorm
Honolulu, HI902 contributions
Interesting history of Santa
Apr 2016 • Friends
Supposedly the original St Nicholas was entombed here (his bones later removed by grave robbers). Good frescas and views of the ancient church. We went in early April and were almost alone -- one Turkish family was there, who allowed us to photograph their little girl (about 8) walking across the frame.
Written April 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jorgen O
Souillac, France93 contributions
If you have nothing else to do !
Jan 2016 • Couples
A very big dissapointment. Being a proffessional Santa and Mrs Claus,, we were not very glad to use a day including bus ride from Antalya to see this. The bus ride was very fine, coffee served in the bus, bus-stop at toilets, all OK. The Museum is in a town where the city has no real interes in visitors. The guide told us, the city did not care if russian groups offered to make concerts in the church/museum. Allthough st Nicolas is very popular in Russia. The Santa figure from the city homepage is now guarding the entrance to the russian souvenir shop. The town was just looking bored, when we were there, off season january, but anyway.....
Written February 10, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GoncziDezso
Odorheiu Secuiesc, Romania299 contributions
Inside of museum are the Church of St. Nicholas
Jun 2015 • Couples
We had enjoy the church and the museum too.
The museum shop was cleverly arranged, air-conditioned with pleasant music. The souvenirs were surprisingly good price compared with bazaar.
Written July 5, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ati01
Melbourne, Australia102 contributions
good protected zone
Sep 2014 • Solo
the church or museum was under renovation and the room was under shelter. hieroglyph was like new and
Written June 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Santa Claus Museum (Demre (Kale)) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Claus Museum
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