Turkey: Antioch on the Orontes

March 31, 2026

Antioch (modern Antakya) on the Orontes.
Antioch (modern Antakya) on the Orontes.
Orontes River.
Orontes River.
St. Peter's Church — exterior.
St. Peter's Church — exterior.
St. Peter's Church — interior.
St. Peter's Church — interior.
Unique Rock Carvings.
Unique Rock Carvings.
Waterfalls at Daphne — the playground for wealthy Romans.
Waterfalls at Daphne — the playground for wealthy Romans.

Antioch on the Orontes—also sometimes called “Syrian Antioch”— was the third-largest city in the Greco–Roman world: behind Rome and Alexandria (Egypt). Today it is called Antakya (Hatay) and has a population of about 150,000. — Here followers of Jesus were first called “Christians” (Acts 11:19–26) and from here famine relief was sent to Jerusalem (Acts 11:27–30). Paul began all three of his missionary journeys from Antioch (Acts 13; 15:35–41; 18:22–23).

We will visit Antioch-on-the-Orontes River on our 35-Day Trip to Israel/Jordan, Turkey, and Greece—from April 5 to May 9, 2023—or join the 15-Day Turkey portion of the trip that includes all 7 churches of Revelation!