Antakya, Turkey
Antioch (Antakya)
The city where followers of Jesus were first called Christians, and where Paul started his mission trips.
Biblical significance
Antioch on the Orontes was the third city of the Roman Empire and the launch point for the Gentile mission. The Church of St Peter, a cave chapel cut into Mount Starius with a tunnel escape at the rear, is claimed as one of the oldest Christian places of worship. The city was devastated by the February 2023 earthquake; access to sites varies as reconstruction continues.
Scripture
Loading the passage…
Open in YouVersion →Loading the passage…
Open in YouVersion →Loading the passage…
Open in YouVersion →Excerpts from the World English Bible. Full text opens in the YouVersion Bible app.
Best time to go
Spring or autumn. Check current access before travelling.
Visitor notes
Earthquake recovery is ongoing; confirm site openings locally before planning.
Coordinates
36.2021, 36.1603
On the map
Open the world atlasWatch the site
Antioch (Antakya) on film
This chapter of the documentary begins at Antioch (Antakya).
Watch on YouTubeFind it on Google Maps
Antioch (Antakya) on the map
Open directionsPlan your pilgrimage
Getting to Antioch (Antakya)
Everything you need to turn this holy place into a journey. We may earn a commission from these partner links, at no extra cost to you.
Share your experience
Have you been here?
Rate this place and share your experience with other Christrails travellers.
Rate This Place
Be the first to rate this place
Visitor Experiences
No visitor experiences yet. Be the first to share yours.
Share this page
Nearby in this category
5/5 SignificanceJerusalem, Israel
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The church built where Christians believe Jesus was crucified and buried, and where he rose again. Six different churches share the same building.
4/5 SignificanceVatican City, Vatican City
St Peter's Basilica
The biggest church ever built, with Michelangelo's dome over the tomb of Peter the fisherman.
5/5 SignificanceBethlehem, Palestine
Church of the Nativity
The oldest church still used every day. It stands over the cave where Jesus is believed to have been born, marked with a silver star.