Myra’s Gateway to the World
Located on the coastline of Demre, Andriake was one of the three most important ports of Lycia in antiquity and the point where Myra met the sea. It was not just a harbor but also one of the largest logistics and storage centers of the Roman Empire in the Mediterranean. Today, it hosts the Museum of Lycian Civilizations, showcasing the grandeur of the past.
Turning Points of History
Known since 200 BC, Andriake gained its true fame during the reign of Roman Emperor Hadrian (117-138 AD). Massive granaries were built here to meet the empire's grain needs. Thanks to its strategic location, the city became an indispensable stop for merchant ships sailing from Egypt to Rome and maintained its vitality until the Middle Ages.
Engineering and Logistics: The Granarium
The most magnificent structure in the city is the 2300-square-meter granarium, which today serves as a museum. This structure, consisting of seven rooms, demonstrates Roman genius in food security. Furthermore, the monumental fountain (Nymphaeum), the docks built for merchant ships, and the remains of a synagogue proving the presence of a Jewish community document the cosmopolitan structure of Andriake.
Practical Information
- Location: Çayağzı district, Demre.
- Transportation: Located on the coastal road from Demre center towards Çayağzı.
- Entrance Fee: Paid (MuseumPass is valid). The Museum of Lycian Civilizations is located here.
- Visiting Hours: Summer Season 08:30-20:00, Winter Season 08:30-17:30.
- Activities: You can observe rare bird species from the bird sanctuary observation tower inside the museum complex.
