Patara is an ancient city that has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Once the capital of the Lycian Empire and ranked among the six most important Lycian cities its ruins are set in a spectacular location with magnificent views. Nearby Patara Beach is the longest beach in Turkey at 18 kilometers in length. The nearby village of Gelemiş is were visitors to the ancient city of Patara can find accommodation in small hotels and pensions as well as restaurants serving traditional Turkish cuisine. Due to the protection of the area by the Turkish government, Gelemiş is still retains the charms of a traditional Turkish village without expansive development targeting the large numbers of tourists that come to the beach and wander around the ruins of the ancient Lycian city. Saint Nicholas was born in Patara and later lived in Demre after the death of his parents. Rumors abound as to where the remains of Nicholas are buried, but they were removed by Italian seamen and taken to Bari, Italy where they evidently remain. Due to the devotional nature Nicholas has been afforded, many churches in different countries have burial shrines dedicated to the saint and the Turkish government has requested his return to Turkey from the Italian authorities.