St. Pierre Church is located in the Antakya district of Hatay, on the western bank of the Orontes River (Asi River), carved into a natural cave on the steep slope of Mount Hacı. Geographically situated in the Mediterranean Region, this sacred site is considered one of the oldest Christian worship places in the world, both religiously and archaeologically. Although it may appear as a modest cave at first glance, its historical significance makes it unique.

^{St. Pierre Church  (Türkiye Kültür Portalı)}

The First Sermon, The First Community, The First “Christian”

Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, is believed to have come to Antakya (Antioch) in the 1st century AD, where he preached and formed the first Christian community. According to Christian literature, this cave is also the place where the community was first called “Christians.” Therefore, St. Pierre Church is not only a place of worship but also the origin of the name of a faith.

From Cave to Church

Initially a simple cave used for secret gatherings, the structure was expanded after the Roman Empire officially recognized Christianity. During the Crusader period, especially in the 12th and 13th centuries, Gothic elements were added, gradually shaping the church into its present form. Inside, notable features include an altar, mosaics dating from the 4th and 5th centuries, and a marble statue of Saint Peter.

Hidden Passages and Holy Water

The church was not only a place for worship but also a refuge protecting believers. A secret tunnel used for escape during pagan raids and a holy spring seeping through the rocks, used for baptism and healing, are located here. Over the years, visitors have regarded this water as sacred, drinking it or taking it to the sick.

The Ferryman of the Underworld: Kharon Relief

Just east of the church, accessible via a rocky path, is a relief of Kharon from Greek mythology, the ferryman of the dead. This unfinished bust, with a covered head, symbolizes the people’s faith during a plague in the 2nd century BC. It stands as a remnant of pagan beliefs and highlights the religious diversity of the region.

Cultural Heritage and Universal Value

With Saint Peter recognized as the first Pope in the Catholic world, the church has become a symbol of the Catholic faith. Declared a pilgrimage site by Pope Paul VI in 1983, a mass is held here annually on June 29. Included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List in 2011, St. Pierre Church holds great significance both for religious tourism and as a universal cultural heritage site.