Saint Pierre Church The St. Pierre Church is located on the historic grounds of the ancient city of Antiokheia, positioned to the west of the Asi River and at the foot of Hac Mountain. This church held great importance within the community, as it was near the Agora square during its growth period between the 2nd and 4th centuries. While no written documents exist to confirm the exact time of its construction, research indicates that Christians have been using this place since they first arrived in the area. Originally, the church was established inside a cave where St. Pierre delivered his first sermons. Gradually, this cave was developed into a formal structure measuring approximately 9.5 meters wide, 13 meters long, and 7 meters high. It is thought that the initial phase of construction involved hollowing out a large rock to form a vaulted chamber. This portion of the building dates back to approximately 38-39 AD. Subsequently, stone walls and two columns were built to enlarge the structure, creating three barrel vaults, each containing its own nave. The St. Pierre Church honors its namesake, who is acknowledged as the founder of the Antakya Church and the archpriest of the region’s first Christian congregation. Serving as a gathering place for Christians over many centuries, the church was instrumental in the spread of Christianity, establishing its importance both religiously and historically. This church holds profound significance in the vibrant history of Antakya, where Christianity evolved and expanded globally. It stands as a testament to this transformation and is cherished by visitors of various faiths who often worship in the nearby temples. The local community regards this monument with deep respect and honor. In 1963, Pope Paul VI declared that all pilgrims should visit this historic site during their pilgrimage journeys. Today, the St. Pierre Church welcomes visitors openly and is surrounded by a lovely garden. Since 2011, it has been listed on UNESCO's Tentative List. If you have any questions or inquiries regarding Saint Pierre Church, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or simply message us via Whatsapp, and we will reply as soon as possible.