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Explore Saint Pierre Church: A Historic Landmark of Early Christianity

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Ömer Faruk Kino
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Declared in 1963 by Pope Paul VI as a place of pilgrimage, St. Pierre (St. Peter's) Church, where Mass is celebrated every year on June 29 by the Catholic Church, is the first church built before the separation of the Christian denominations of Orthodoxy and Protestantism. This historical building, which was transformed from a natural cave, was transformed into a church over time with the additions made. So, where is Saint Pierre Church? How to visit Saint Pierre Church? What to see in Saint Pierre Church? 

Here are all the details about Saint Pierre Church...

History of Saint Pierre Church

History of Saint Pierre Church Görseli

Saint Pierre, also known as Saint Peter, is believed to be one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ. St. Peter, who is said to be the most trusted of these apostles, was given a special mission and asked to spread Christianity. This is why the church is also named after him.

St. Peter organised secret meetings in this region in order to fulfil this sacred mission given to him by Jesus Christ before his crucifixion. Peter, who came to Antioch in 29-30 A.D., started to spread Christianity with his sermons here. In this period, those who believed in this religion, which did not yet have a name, were called “Christians” for the first time.

In the “Acts of the Apostles” section of the Bible, it is told that Barnabas went to Tarsus and found Paul, and then they went to Antioch together.

St. Peter is considered by Christians to be the founder of this church and the first high priest of Christians in the region. What Jerusalem means to Muslims, Antakya has a similar sanctity for Christians. The first community to become Christians by believing in Jesus Christ also emerged here.

Architecture of Saint Pierre Church

Architecture of Saint Pierre Church Görseli

Saint Pierre Church, which was created by carving the Habib-i Neccar Mountain in Hatay, has small water springs flowing from the rocks of the mountain. These springs are collected in a pool inside the church and are considered by Christians to be the first source of baptismal water. Both Christians and Muslims drink this water for healing purposes.

However, due to earthquakes over the centuries, these water sources have decreased.

Where is Saint Pierre Church, and How to Get There?

Where is Saint Pierre Church? 

It is located in Küçükdalyan Mahallesi of Antakya, the central district of Hatay, at the 2nd kilometre on the Reyhanlı road. Located near Habib-i Neccar Mountain, this church is about 3 kilometres from Antakya city centre.

📍 Address: Kucukdalyan, 31010 Antakya/Hatay

How to get to Saint Pierre Church?

To get there by private car, drive 1.1 kilometres on Atatürk Street towards Cumhuriyet Square. Then turn right in the direction of Yavuz Sultan Selim Street. After proceeding 1 kilometre more, turn onto the Reyhanlı road. Then turn right onto Senpiyer Street and proceed approximately 400-500 meters to reach the church.

For those who prefer public transportation, it is also possible to reach the church by public buses departing from the city centre.

📍Click for the location.

Saint Pierre Church Entrance Fee and Visiting Hours

Entrance Fee: 150 TL for locals, 8 Euros for tourists. 

The Museum Card: Valid.

Visiting Hours:

  • Opening: 08:00

  • Closing: 19:00

  • Box office closing: 18:30

Saint Pierre Church Visitor Reviews

🗣️ “Easy access, parking is available. There is a slightly ramped exit. The Museum Card is valid at the entrance, If you don't have one, you can get one here. If you visit it without listening to its story or having any information, it may not be very impressive architecturally. However, it becomes more meaningful when you learn its history. It can be visited in 15 minutes on average.”

🗣️ “Easy to reach, the Museum Card is valid. It is a bit of a walk to get to the church. I recommend visiting early in the morning in summer. The photos are much more beautiful in terms of light. Be sure to include it in your trip to Hatay.”

🗣️ “Well preserved as the first church. I wish more explanation had been given by the museum. We were able to get information thanks to the guide. I recommend that you read about the place before you go or visit with a guide.”

🗣️ “Not far from the centre of Hatay. The Museum Card is valid. It is a church carved out of the mountain over time. There is an altar and a statue inside. Baptism was performed with the water coming from the mountain.”

🗣️ “The Museum Card is valid. There is free parking, but you have to walk a bit. A must-see. You can see a little bit of Hatay from above.”

Places You Can Visit While You Are in Hatay

Note: Some of the locations listed below may not be open for visits due to the recent earthquakes.

Hatay Archaeology Museum: It houses one of the largest mosaic collections in the world.

Vakıflı Village: Known as the only Armenian village in Turkey, it attracts attention with its natural and cultural atmosphere.

Harbiye Waterfalls: A promenade famous for its cool air and natural beauty.

Iskenderun Naval Museum: Offers a rich collection of naval history and maritime history.

Hatay Long Bazaar: Historical bazaar full of traditional handicrafts, spices and local delicacies.

Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Complex: A collection of architectural structures from the Ottoman period.

Cin Tower: A historical watchtower from the ancient period, associated with legends.

Monastery of Saint Simeon: 6th-century ruins of a monastery dedicated to the monk Simeon, who lived on a pillar.

Asi River: The river flowing through Antakya gives the city an aesthetic atmosphere.

Titus Tunnel and Beşikli Cave: An engineering marvel built during the Roman period to remove water from the mountain.

Damlatas Cave: The cave attracts attention with its natural formations and is known for its cool air.

Great Mosque of Hatay: One of the oldest mosques in the city, a good example of the multicultural structure.

Payas Castle: A historical defence castle from the Ottoman period.

Virgin Mary Pool: A place of baptism, which is considered sacred in the Christian faith.

Ancient City of Issos: The famous battlefield where Alexander the Great defeated the Persian king Darius III.

Habib-i Neccar Mosque: Considered one of the first mosques built in Anatolia.

Moses Tree: The place where Moses planted his walking stick in the ground and is believed to have turned into a tree.

Antakya Synagogue: One of the oldest synagogues in Turkey.

Kozkalesi: A historical castle from the Middle Ages.

Suleiman the Magnificent Mosque: An important place of worship built by the Ottoman sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.

Erzin Springs and Hot Springs: Natural hot springs are famous for their healing waters.

Belen Pass Nature Park: An ideal natural area for nature walks and picnics.

Soğukoluk Plateau: It is an escape point in summer with its cool air and green nature.

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