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...
Shopping Hatay Markets & Bazaars
Antakya and Hatay are noted for many traditional products including olive oil soap and, in Daphne, fine silk. 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...
Samandağ 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...
İskenderun
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 İskenderun, a Crusader church and castle were rebuilt by the Ottomans into a mosque complex—worth a visit. More...
—by Tom Brosnahan
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