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Antakya's long history includes
the violence of earthquake and conquest.
Still, there's lots to see.
Mt
Sipylus,
with a Roman/Byzantine fortress on
its summit, rises
to the east behind the older, eastern
part of Antakya. The foundations date
from the days of Emperor Theodosius
(378-395 AD). Much of what you see
was added by Nicephoras Phocas about
the year 969.
Hatay (Antakya) Archeology
Museum
This is one of the main reasons you've
come to Antakya: to see the wonderful Roman
mosaics in the museum. It has
other good exhibits as well. More...
Saint Peter Cave Church
Said to be the "first Christian church,"
this cave on the outskirts of the city
is less impressive than the view of
Antakya from its hillside perch. More...
Daphne (Harbiye)
Romans came to this forested resort suburb
to enjoy its ebullient cascades and
cooling, shaded streams of clear water.
They built sumptuous villas with rich mosaics.
Antakyans still come here to sit in
the shade, dangle their feet in the
cool streams, sip tea, talk and dine.
It's a very pleasant place.
More...
Samandag Beach
A broad swath of dark sand is good for
swimming, though unfortunate Mediterranean
currents bring considerable litter
to it. More...
Titus Tunnel
Inland from Samandag beach is a Roman
engineering marvel, a long subterranean
aqueduct cut from the living rock.
More...
Iskenderun
Once called Alexandretta, this modern
city, an important port, looks nothing
like it's portrayed in Indiana
Jones and the Last Crusade. More...
Payas
North of Iskenderun, a Crusader church
and castle were rebuilt by the Ottomans
into a mosque complex—worth a visit.
More...
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