What is Myra most famous for? Santa! Acting as Bishop of Myra, Nicholas was a highly influential early church leader in the 4th century. He was important enough to the region that for centuries later pilgrims and locals venerated his tomb. In fact, the church built around his remains still attracts famous visitors, such as the Russian Czar, Nicholas II.

However; the city of Myra, located in central Lycia, is much older than St. Nicholas. In fact, it boasts a number of fascinating individuals and ruins! Most well-known today would probably be either the stunning rock cut tombs or the temple of Artemis Eleuthera, both of which have been recognized as some of the most splendid buildings of Lycia. This coin depicts a very distinguished veiled portrait of Athena-Eleutheria, the city’s local deity. Interestingly, unlike the standard Athena, this deity focuses on the personification of liberty.