Location
Overview
Myra was a port of Lycia on the southern coast of Asia Minor, a hub of the grain-shipping route between Egypt and Rome. It appears as a stage of Paul's voyage to Rome.
The change of ships
Sailing as a prisoner toward Italy, "they came to Myra, a city of Lycia. And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein" (Acts 27:5–6) — the great grain ship that would carry Paul toward shipwreck.
On the imperial grain route
Myra's harbour was a regular stop for the Alexandrian grain fleet, which is exactly why the centurion found a suitable westbound ship there.
A later legend
Myra is also remembered as the see of the 4th-century bishop Nicholas — the historical figure behind the legends of "Saint Nicholas."
Events Here
Paul is put aboard an Alexandrian ship at Myra
Scripture References
1 verseActs1 verse
Acts 27:5
And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.
Archaeology & History
Myra (modern Demre) preserves an impressive Lycian rock-cut necropolis and a Roman theatre, and the Byzantine church of St. Nicholas. Its role on the Alexandria-to-Rome grain route makes sense of the ship transfer in Acts 27, when winds had pushed Paul's vessel up under the Asian coast.
Frequently asked about Myra
Where is Myra today?
Today, Myra corresponds to Demre, Turkey.
What happened at Myra in the Bible?
Key biblical events at Myra include paul is put aboard an alexandrian ship at myra.
Where is Myra first mentioned in the Bible?
Myra is first mentioned in Acts 27:5.
How often is Myra mentioned in the Bible?
Myra is mentioned in 1 verse across 1 book: Acts.
What happened at Myra?
On the voyage to Rome, the centurion guarding Paul found an Alexandrian grain ship bound for Italy at Myra and transferred the prisoners aboard it.
Is Myra connected to Santa Claus?
Yes — by tradition the 4th-century bishop Nicholas of Myra is the historical origin of "Saint Nicholas," the figure behind Santa Claus.