Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source 8 places to visit in the Antakya district of Hatay: Habib Neccar Mountain, Asi River and Hatay Archaeology Museum. Plan your trip to Antakya with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Antakya is the most populous settlement in Hatay province. It covers an area of 703 km², lies at an altitude of 170 m and has a population of 301,855. It is one of the important sacred sites of Christianity. The Asi River flows through its centre.
Antakya was founded around 300 BC by Seleucus Nicator, one of Alexander the Great’s commanders. According to ancient sources, with a population of 300,000, Antakya was the third-largest city in the Roman Empire. The city was founded at the foot of Mount Silpius and on the banks of the Asi River. Excavations at the Tell-Açana mound show that the area has been settled since the Chalcolithic Age.
The Hatay State, which existed for 10 months, was established on 2 September 1938, with Tayfur Sökmen as its first and only president. On 23 July 1939, Hatay joined its motherland, Türkiye. With Law No. 6360, enacted in 2012, Antakya became a metropolitan district.
Antakya is a city located some 22 km inland from the coast, at an elevation of around 80 m above sea level. Habib-i Neccar Mountain is a natural barrier that bounds the city from south-west to north-east.
The Asi River forms the Türkiye-Syria border for approximately 30 km flowing north. In antiquity it was known as the Orontes, and its source is in the Lebanon Mountains.
Antakya was founded around 300 BC by Seleucus Nicator. With the establishment of a metropolitan municipality in 2012, Antakya became a metropolitan district. The city was severely damaged in the 2023 earthquakes.
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Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source A museum home to one of the largest mosaic collections in the world, filled with unique mosaics from the Roman and Byzantine periods. Its new building, opened in 2014, has an exhibition area of 30,000 m² and is one of the largest mosaic museums in the world.
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Photo: Dosseman (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source A covered bazaar dating from the Ottoman period. At 2 km long, it is one of the longest bazaars in Türkiye. It is a lively commercial centre with shops selling spices, soap and handicrafts.
View on mapThe castle and walls of Antakya, said to have been founded by Seleucus, one of Alexander the Great's generals.
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Photo: Volkan Hatem (CC BY 2.5) · Source Considered one of the first churches of Christianity, St. Pierre Church is located in a cave on the slope of Habib-i Neccar Mountain. It is believed that the Apostle Peter preached here, and it has been recognised by the Vatican as a place of pilgrimage.
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Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source One of the oldest known mosques in Anatolia, the Habib-i Neccar Mosque was built in the 7th century. The tomb of Habib-i Neccar, who is mentioned in the Quran, lies inside the mosque.
View on mapSt. Peter Church in the Küçükdalyan neighbourhood, attached to Antakya.
View on mapA mountain on the outskirts of Antakya, symbolised by the city walls' remains that surround the city.
View on mapThe river that flows through the centre of the city and was known as the Orontes in antiquity.
View on mapWhile you are in Antakya, you can also see the highlights of Hatay province. These places are in other districts.
A product registered with TÜRKPATENT as a protected designation of origin.
Antakya Ekmek Oruğu was registered as a protected geographical indication on 5 November 2025 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1787). Product group: bakery and confectionery products, pastries, desserts. Registered by: Hatay Governorship.
Antakya Kağıt Kebabı was registered as a protected geographical indication on 24 August 2020 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 523). Product group: dishes and soups. Registered by: Antakya Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Antakya Künefelik Peyniri was registered as a protected geographical indication on 22 December 2021 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 979). Product group: cheeses. Registered by: Antakya Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Antakya Sakal Kaldıran Tatlısı was registered as a protected geographical indication on 5 November 2025 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1786). Product group: bakery and confectionery products, pastries, desserts. Registered by: Hatay Governorship.
Antakya's ancient name was Antiochia, which was founded by the Seleucid Empire in 300 BC. In the Roman period, Antiochia, the third-largest city in the world, was one of the centres where Christianity first spread.
For centuries Antakya has been a city where different religions and cultures have lived together. A city where mosques, churches and synagogues stand side by side, it is a symbol of a culture of tolerance.
Antakya is the provincial centre of Hatay and its largest district. Trade, tourism and agriculture are the main economic activities. The reconstruction process following the 2023 earthquake is ongoing. The Hatay Archaeology Museum and St. Pierre Church are important for cultural tourism.
Antakya is 25 km from Hatay Airport. It is 190 km from Adana and 200 km from Gaziantep. It is connected to major cities by intercity bus services.
There are 8 highlights in Antakya: Habib Neccar Mountain, Asi River, Hatay Archaeology Museum, St. Pierre Church, Habib-i Neccar Mosque, Antakya Uzun Çarşı, Antakya Castle and Walls and St. Peter Church.
Antakya Carra Peyniri, Antakya Ekmek Oruğu, Antakya Kağıt Kebabı and Antakya Künefelik Peyniri are the standout flavours on the tables of Antakya.
Antakya is known for Antakya Kerebici and the Ancient Antiochia Heritage. It is a product registered as a protected geographical indication with TÜRKPATENT.
Antakya is 25 km from Hatay Airport. It is 190 km from Adana and 200 km from Gaziantep. It is connected to major cities by intercity bus services.
Suggested visit length: 2–3 days. Best time to visit: spring and autumn (March–May, September–November).