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Antakya,
the biblical Antioch, is situated on the Asi River (Orontes) in a
fertile surrounding. Antakya was once the capital of the Seleucid kings
and the life they lead in Antakya was renowned for its luxury and
pleasures during Roman times. The city was the center of Christianity
and had been visited by St.Barnabas, St.Paul and St.Peter. The city was
also famous as a center of artistic, scientific and commercial
activities.
The
Hatay Museum deserves a particular interest, in that it houses one of
the richest collections of Roman mosaics in the world.
A little
outside the city is the holy site where St.Peter's Grotto is situated.
The cave church is the place where St.Peter preached and founded the
Christian community. It was declared as a holy place by Vatican in 1983.
The Iron Gate of Antioch is to the south of the grotto among the ruins
of the city. One can sense these far off times since little has changed
since that time. The Castle of Antioch will give you a panoramic view
over.
Antakya
is steeped in history and mythology at every step Harbiye, 8 km. after
Antioch, is the place where Apollo fell in love with Daphne and tried to
have her, but Mother Earth, in order to save Daphne, turned her into an
elegant tree. The site is full of these trees accompanying the orchid
gardens, and waterfalls where you may have a pleasant meal. St. Pierre
Church, Haron Carving are the main historical remains.
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