The rich historical fabric of Hatay, where different religions and cultures co-exist.
Located at the very edge of the Mediterranean, where different faiths, languages, and cultures have lived together peacefully for centuries, Hatay offers a unique geography that thoroughly deserves the title of the cradle of civilizations. This two-day intensive route, focused on culture and history, unifies the magnificent traces of Islam, Christianity, and ancient Roman beliefs in a single frame. Ranging from the narrow historical streets of Antakya to impressive ancient engineering marvels, this tour allows you to personally feel Hatay's multi-layered and tolerant texture.
To grasp the soul of the city, you begin your route in the center of Antakya. First, you examine the Antakya Ulu Camii, one of the region's largest Islamic monuments, and immediately after, you experience the spiritual atmosphere of the historical Habib-i Neccar Camii, distinguishing itself as one of the very first mosques built within Anatolian borders. Without straying too far from the city center, you step among the ruins of the ancient city of Antakya, which served as the center of the region's commercial and social life in antiquity. For the final stop of the first day, you head towards the sea to absorb the historical atmosphere of the Çevlik Örenyeri, where important harbor structures belonging to the Hellenistic and Roman periods have been unearthed.
The second day begins with a visit to the St.Pierre Kilisesi, holding immense importance for the history of Christianity and considered one of the first cave churches in the world. After touring this sanctuary carved into rocks, you proceed to the Hatay Arkeoloji Müzesi, which proudly exhibits one of the world's largest and most detailed mosaic collections, allowing you to admire the ancient lifestyle. After visiting the historical Azizler Petrus ve Pavlus Rum Ortodoks Kilisesi, another symbol of the city's cosmopolitan structure, you turn back to the coast. You conclude your route marveling at ancient engineering in the cool environment of the massive human-made Titus Tüneli, which Roman Emperor Vespasian had thousands of slaves carve through mountains, and the impressive Beşikli Mağara right next to it.