Ancient City of Patara in Antalya

Patara is an ancient city located on the west coast of Lycia, today the town of Kalkan in Antalya. It was once a leading city in the Lycian League along with Xanthos and Letoon.

Patara, apart from being an interesting ancient city is also famous for the marvelous Patara Beach and the spawning grounds of caretta caretta turtles. Patara beach is a place where many people flock to in the summer season. It's protected by the Natural Life Conservation Foundation because it's one of the rare places where these turtles lay their eggs.

Some of the important structures you will see in the ancient city of Patara are the Roman Triumphal Arch, temples, a necropolis area, a lighthouse, bouleuterion (parliament building), the city gate, a theater building, churches, baths (Nero Bath, Vespasian Bath), the granarium (granary), and warehouses.

Birthplace of St. Nicholas

It is believed that Saint Nicholas was born in Patara around 280 AD. During Nicholas’ lifetime, the harbor filled with silt and the city gradually lost importance. St. Nicholas lived most of his life in the nearby town of Myra (Demre).

Birthplace of Apollo and Artemis

Patara was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, according to Greek mythology. Apollo and Artemis are the twin children of Zeus and his forbidden lover Leto. According to legend, Leto managed to escape from Hera and came to Patara, but no one helped her relieve her pains while giving birth, as they were afraid of the wrath of Hera. She wraps palm trees in her arms and is able to relieve her pain. First she gives birth to her daughter Artemis and then Apollo after being in pain for nine days.