The cross from a Byzantine chapel dating back to the 12th century has reportedly been stolen in southern Turkey's Antalya province.Before its theft, the 20-centimeter marble cross was positioned at the western entrance of the chapel, which is located outside the ancient city of Myra in the Demre district of Antalya.
Demre District Governor Murat Uz said authorities believed that the cross had been stolen in the past three or four days, and that an investigation had been launched into its disappearance.
A family living close to the chapel initially informed Myra ancient city security officers that the cross was missing.
"The Ministry of Culture and Tourism will make the necessary statements soon," Uz said.
The Byzantine chapel was unearthed in 2010 by Dr. Nevzat Çevik, head of excavations of the ancient city of Myra and a faculty member in Akdeniz University's Archaeology Department, and by Dr. Engin Akyürek, a history professor from Istanbul University.
The structure was restored with contributions from then Culture and Tourism Minister Ertuğrul Günay, and the chapel's surroundings were protected with tight security measures.
The chapel is situated 5.5 meters below the earth's surface, and it is closed off to visitors and covered to protect it from the rain.
The entrance of the chapel also includes stone figures of Jesus, the Virgin Mary and Saint Nicholas.