We have two pieces of news: the good news is that Santa Claus exists, the bad news is that he died

Turkish archaeologists have discovered an intact tomb under the Church of St. Nicholas in the city of Demre, Antalya province. Archaeologists have stated that they may have stumbled upon the burial of Santa Claus, the prototype of which is considered to be the all-Christian Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, or Saint Nicholas.

The city of Demre was built on the ruins of the ancient city of Mira, where Saint Nicholas is believed to have lived in the IV century. Until now, most of the relics of the saint were kept in the Italian city of Bari, from where, in fact, they were brought to Moscow in May 2017. According to legend, the remains of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker were transported to their city in 1087 by Italian merchants from Mira conquered by the Seljuk Turks.

According to Turkish experts, the remains that are stored in Bari belong to another person.

Source: Daily Mail

Saint Nicholas, or Nicholas the Wonderworker, is revered as the patron saint of travelers, prisoners and orphans. In the West, he is the patron of almost all strata of society, but mainly children. The Church of St. Nicholas in Demre is a popular place among pilgrims. Archaeological excavations have been carried out there for the last 20 years.

Cemil Karabayram, head of the Department of Geodesy and Monuments of Antalya, said that scientific and technological studies have revealed the existence of an untouched tomb under the church.

"The tomb in the dungeon of the church is in good condition. We believe that it is not damaged. However, it is still difficult to get to it, because the entrance is lined with a mosaic that needs to be studied piece by piece, and then moved."

Cemil Karabayram also said that old records were found, which say that the remains taken to Bari belonged to another priest.

In the study of the tomb, scientists use computed tomography and ground-penetrating radar. "The whole world is looking at us now. We declare that the remains of St. Nicholas rest in this church and they are untouched. The work is nearing completion. When we get the results, Antalya tourism will skyrocket."

The kindness and generosity of St. Nicholas is remembered even after so many centuries. His image gave rise to the popular character Santa Claus.