Unfortunately, Santa Claus does not come from the North Pole - he came from what is today Turkey (and today he is possibly in Italy). Still, feel free to visit the North Pole village in Finland where he "officially" lives.
Santa Claus - or Saint Nicholas of Myra as he was called was an early Christain bishop who lived in the maritime city of Myra in the Roman province of Asia Minor (although he was born in the neighboring city of Patara). He was a Greek who is believed to have lived between 270 AD and 343 AD. While in Turkey, see the underground cities in Cappadocia where the Christain Greeks would hide from waves of persecution.
History Of Saint Nicholas
Many miracles were attributed to Saint Nicholas and he was known as Nicholas the Wonderworker. He is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, prostitutes, children, repentant thieves, and others. His habit of secret gift-giving became legendary and that gave rise to the tradition of gift-giving during Christmas.
- Name: Saint Nicholas Became "Saint Nick," Said As "Sinterklaas" In Dutch Becoming "Santa Claus" in English
Very little is known of the real-life character of Saint Nick. The earliest accounts of Saint Nick were written centuries after he died - and they are full of many legendary elaborations. He is said to have become the Bishop of Myra and was persecuted and imprisoned during the Christain persecutions of Diocletian.
- Lived: 270 to 343 AD
- Born: In The City Of Patara
- Lived And Worked: In The Neighboring City of Myra
- Entombed: In Bari, Italy
One of the stories about him was that he saved three girls from prostitution by dropping a sack of gold through their window for three nights. And then their father was able to pay the dowry for them.
200 years after his death the St. Nicholas Church was built in Myra over the site of the church he used to serve in. His skeleton was supposedly moved into the church and during the First Crusade, his remains were taken by the Venetian sailors. They are now in the Basilica di San Nicola in Italy.
Born: City of Patara
Patara is supposed to be the birthplace of Saint Nick.
In 333 BC the city of Patara was captured by Alexander the Great. It became part of the Roman Empire in 43 AD and grew to become one of the leading cities of the region. During Roman times it had a major naval and trading port and later in the Byzantine period, it became a particularly important city for Christians.
The city declined in importance as the wars between the Turks and the Byzantines raged. It lost its significance when the port was filled in by blowing sand in the 16th century.
Today everyone can visit the ancient city of Patara. Currently, efforts are in full swing to restore the ancient city to its former glory.
- Roman Empire: Saint Nick Lived During The Roman Empire
- Patara Lighthouse: Could Be The Oldest Lighthouse Still Standing
The city is located on a plain surrounded by hills and in ancient times boasted a large natural harbor. Like Ephesus up the coast in Turkey (that everyone should visit), its harbor has since silted up.
There are numerous ruins in the city. Patara may boast the oldest lighthouse in the world that is still standing - it was built in 60 AD (called Patara Lighthouse). Additionally, the ancient theater is reportedly open and will start hosting various artistic and sporting events according to Daily Sabah.
Lived: City Of Myra
Near to Patara is Myra where Saint Nickolas moved and became bishop. The ruins here are remarkable for their two necropoleis of Lycian rock-cut tombs that have the form of temple fronts. They are carved into the cliffs of Myra.
- Bishop: Saint Nicholas Was The Bishop Of Myra
- Name: Myra Was Renamed To Demre In 2005
Today the main structure that survives is the granary that was built by the Roman emperor Hadrian. The granary has been turned into the Museum of Lycian Civilizations and has seven rooms.
Entombed: Basilica di San Nicola
Today the Basilica di San Nicola is an important pilgrimage site for Christians in Bari, Italy. December 6 is Saint Nicholas Day and the main feast day of Saint Nick. During the festival, clergy lower a flask into the subterranean tomb of Saint Nicholas to extract myrrh that is believed to exude from the relics. The day is solemnly celebrated in Bari. One can visit the Basilica. All the information about visiting is on the Basilica's website.
- Saint Nicholas Day: December 6 (Gregorian Calendar), December 19 (Julian Calendar As Celebrated By Orthodox Christians)
- Built: Completed 1197
- Houses: Relics Of Saint Nicolas
- Located: Bari, Italy