Researchers told the Turkish newspaper Hurriyet that they had uncovered an intact temple and burial grounds below St Nicholas church in the province of Antalya, where the 4th century Christian saint is believed to have been born.
Cemil Karabayram, director of surveying and monuments in Antalya said that a recent digital survey of the area revealed a shrine below the surface of the church.
She said: "We have obtained very good results but the real work starts now.
"We believe this shrine has not been damaged at all, but it is quite difficult to get to it as there are mosaics on the floor.
"We will reach the ground and maybe we will find the untouched body of Saint Nicholas."
The latest research contradicts the long-held belief that the saint's bones were taken from Myra during the crusades in 1087 and brought to the Basilica di San Nicola in Bari, Italy, where the St Nicholas Basilica still stands.
Saint Nicholas, who died in 343 AD, was known for secret gift-giving, such as putting coins in people's shoes, which led to him being called Father Christmas in 16th century Europe.
