Lycian Civilization is one of the oldest Mediterranean civilization and Patara was the capital of Lucian league. According to mythology It is birthplace of Apollo and it is known that St. Nicholas was born here.
Excavations, Patara ancient city is older than 2000 years and it has many monuments to light ancient history. Some of the most interesting finding in the city are The Parliament building, The Heater, Ancient lighthouse, An amazing main street, baths and temples.
Patara was the harbour of the Lycian league and the place for league conferences. in Roman times Patara was still important as it was a port which contact Rome to the eastern provinces and also it was the seat of the Roman provincial governor. The grain stores which are built in the reign of Emperor Hadrian are still standing. It is believed that Patara was one of Apollo's soothsaying centre Temple of Apollo in Patara said that has equal reputation of that in Delphi and it is believed that omens spend winters in Patara and summers in Delos. Patara kept its importance in Byzantine period too. St. Nicholas which is a real person was born to a rich family from Patara and later he went to Myra and became Bishop of it.
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