Daphne (Harbiye), Antakya

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Harbiye, a suburb of Antakya, is perched on a steep forested hillside looking toward the Mediterranean. It has an eventful history.

In Roman times it was called Daphne ("laurel"). Mythology says it was the place where a horny Zeus, pursuing the nymph Daphne, finally caught her and turned her into a laurel tree. Seleucus I built a temple to Daphne here, among the laurels.

To the Romans, Daphne was a place of resort for the rich and powerful of Antioch-ad-Orontes (Antakya). They built sumptuous villas here with beautiful mosaics, some of which have survived and are now on display in the Hatay (Antakya) Archeology Museum.

Most of Harbiye/Daphne is modern cityscape, but your reason for visiting is a steep forested valley with deep shade, numerous waterfalls and water courses, tea gardens and restaurants. Tables and chairs are set by the water, or even right in the water:

In the blazing heat of August in this hot climate, the cool shade and rushing waters of Daphne (defne in Turkish) are a vision of heaven.

Not too far from the valley, perched at the edge of a cliff, several elaborate restaurants with fine views welcome diners for more refined meals than the simple establishments in the valley can provide.