One of the best places to visit in Antakya is the Church of St. Pierre and monument museum. It has a great importance in terms of faith tourism. There are also different historical places to visit nearby.
Church of St Pierre
It is considered the world’s first cave church. The church was originally a natural cave. The cave was converted into a church by St. Pierre. St. Pierre was one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ. Saint Pierre came to Antakya between 29-40 AD and tried to spread the religion of Christianity and held the first religious meetings here.
It is also known as the first church of Christianity before it split into Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant denominations. It is known that the word Christian for the community believing in the religion of Jesus Christ was used here for the first time. Therefore, the church is very important in terms of history and religion.
The church is created by making additions to the natural cave. With the additions made to the front of the church in the 12th and 13th centuries, the church turns into a gothic style.
Visiting Hours
The museum, which has a great importance for Christianity, is open to visitors every day, both weekdays and weekends.
The starting time of the visit to the museum is 08:00. Closing time is 17.00.