This is the place where the Christianity was born as a religion literally. So, the spiritual meaning of the place is extreme and it has been for years one of the pilgrimage destinations for Christians. However, the remnants are almost non existent, it's a cave with very few aspects remaining from the early ages of the religion. Furthermore, the church is closed to visits until end of August 2013 due to renovations. So, during our visit, we could only see the gates and the cave tombs at the rocks. But the view of Antakya city from the hill where the church is located is very beautiful too.
The actual location is closed for rennovation but even just looking up to where the first Christian Church in the World is was breathtaking! To think that we walked up as far as they would let us and to know that we were stepping in the same places as described in religous text was very provoking.
The renovations on the church are finished. It opened one month ago in January 2015. From viewing the earlier ire picture, the renovation was extensive. It's too bad they didn't do anything for the pathway to get to the figure of Charon. There is now a nice carpark and nice walkways up to the church.
I went to Antioch of Acts 11 and Acts 13:1 just to get a good feeling of the First Century Church. I happened to be there on a Monday and this place was closed. So I just went till the gate and peeped inside. There is a fee for entry on the open days.
The church is a cave church and the facade of the cave dates 1000 years after it was used by early Christians. Barnabas and Paul the Apostle from Tarsus are believed to work here for Christian community, and there the converts were called Christians for the first time in history.
Whether or not you accept/believe that this was one of the first Christian churches, it is an interesting bit of archaeology and architecture. Read a little of the reported history before going to help you understand what you're seeing. Most interesting to me was standing at the entrance door and looking back at the city seeing the minarets sticking up. It seems like Christianity and Islam have co-existed here for centuries and the locals don't seem to mind.
That's important for all Christian people and all of the people to see i think.It takes you to old times and thinkings.
Closed. We were able to get a few pictures from down the hill, but we were unable to go past the guard's station. The walk there from the center of town was delightful and the signs were easy to follow.
Sometimes the greatest legacy of the world would be at your side. But, you know you do not see this beautiful place. St Pierre Church a place like this. Place of pilgrimage for Christians.
A lot of history at the church. Very small and simple. Easy to visit. Note visitors must be able to climb steps to visit the church. Nice views of Antakya.