Places to Visit in Hatay
Hatay, TurkeyLocated on the southern coast of the Mediterranean, it is a city that is almost like an open-air museum with its historical and cultural riches. This city, which has thousands of years of history, attracts the attention of travel lovers with its structures bearing the traces of different civilizations, its natural beauties and its unique culture. In this article, you will discover in detail the historical places, parks, museums and churches that must be seen in Hatay.
Headlines
- 1 Antakya Archaeological Museum
- 2 Habib-i Neccar Mosque
- 3 St. Pierre Church
- 4 Titus Tunnel and Cradle Cave
- 5 Harbiye Waterfalls
- 6 Long Bazaar
- 7 Antakya Synagogue
- 8 Vakifli Village
- 9 Payas Castle and Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Complex
- 10 Iskenderun Beach and Parks
- 11 Hidirbey Moses Tree
- 12 Soğukoluk Plateau
- 13 Arsuz Beaches
- 14 Hell Creek Canyon
- 15 Mosaic Houses in Antakya
- 16 Tell Atçana (Alalah) Mound
- 17 Kinet Mound
- 18 Ancient City of Seleucia Pieria
- 19 Batiyaz Village
- 20 Places Where the Prophets of Islam and Christianity Lived
Antakya Archaeological Museum
Located in Antakya, the capital of Hatay, the Antakya Archaeological Museum is home to one of the world's largest mosaic collections. Spectacular mosaics from the Roman, Byzantine and Hellenistic periods, as well as ancient artifacts unearthed from excavations in the region, are exhibited here.
Habib-i Neccar Mosque
Known as the oldest mosque in Anatolia, the Habib-i Neccar Mosque was built on the ruins of a temple from the Roman period. The mosque takes its name from Habib-i Neccar, who is believed to have protected the apostles of Jesus Christ, and attracts attention with both its architecture and historical importance.
St. Pierre Church
One of the oldest churches in Christian history, St. Pierre Church was built inside a cave and is an important place of worship that bears witness to the early days of Christianity. Declared a place of pilgrimage by Pope Paul VI in 1963, this church is one of the most important religious structures in Antakya.
Titus Tunnel and Cradle Cave
Located in the Samandağ district, the Titus Tunnel is an engineering marvel built by Roman Emperor Vespasian and his son Titus to prevent flood waters. The nearby Beşikli Cave contains rock tombs from the Roman period.
Harbiye Waterfalls
Located just 7 kilometers from Antakya, Harbiye Waterfalls is a unique escape for nature lovers. These waterfalls are located in the region known as Daphne in ancient times and have been the subject of mythological stories. This area, which is ideal for nature walks and picnics, also offers its visitors many cafes and restaurants.
Long Bazaar
For those who want to observe the local culture of Hatay closely, Uzun Bazaar is a must-visit place with its historical atmosphere and rich variety of products. Here, you can find many different products from local delicacies to handmade products, and you can buy Hatay-specific olive oil soaps and spices.
Antakya Synagogue
Built in the 18th century, the Antakya Synagogue serves as the center of worship for the city's Jewish community. A fine example of how different religious beliefs have lived together in Antakya for centuries, this synagogue reflects the city's religious diversity.
Vakifli Village
TurkeyVakıflı Village, the only Armenian village in Turkey, is located in Samandağ district. The village keeps the traditional Armenian culture alive and is famous for its organic agricultural products. In addition, the traditional stone houses and handicrafts in the village attract the attention of visitors.
Payas Castle and Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Complex
This historical complex from the Ottoman period is located in the Payas district of Hatay. The castle was built to protect the eastern borders of the Ottoman Empire. The Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Complex consists of a mosque, an inn, a bathhouse and a madrasah and is one of the beautiful examples of classical Ottoman architecture.
Iskenderun Beach and Parks
Located on the seaside of Hatay, Iskenderun offers a peaceful environment with parks, cafes and restaurants along the coast. The coastline where you can watch the sunset is a popular relaxation area for both locals and tourists.
Hidirbey Moses Tree
This giant plane tree located in Hıdırbey Village is believed to have grown where Prophet Moses planted his staff in the ground. This tree, estimated to be approximately 3 thousand years old, is a natural monument that fascinates visitors and is one of the symbols of the village.
Soğukoluk Plateau
For those who want to cool off and enjoy nature in the summer months, Soğukoluk Plateau is a plateau covered with pine trees and known for its hiking trails. Located close to İskenderun, this plateau is a perfect getaway for nature lovers.
Arsuz Beaches
For those who want to enjoy the sea and the sun, the Arsuz district of Hatay is famous for its long and clean beaches. These beaches are summer places preferred by both locals and tourists. These beaches, where you can enjoy the sea, also offer the opportunity to do water sports.
Hell Creek Canyon
The Hell Creek Canyon stands out as a treasure waiting to be discovered among the natural beauties of Hatay. Located in the Arsuz district, this canyon is a great place for nature walks and photography. The narrow passages and high cliffs of the canyon offer visitors an exciting nature experience.
Mosaic Houses in Antakya
The mosaic houses in Antakya were built on Roman ruins. These houses are famous for their mosaic floors and reflect the rich history of the region. The mosaics cover many different subjects, from scenes of daily life to mythological figures.
Tell Atçana (Alalah) Mound
Tell Atçana is an important archaeological site located in the Amik Plain. Known as Alalah in ancient times, this mound dates back to 2000 BC. The ancient city ruins unearthed during excavations in the region are quite interesting for history enthusiasts.
Kinet Mound
Kinet Mound near İskenderun is an important settlement area from the Hittite period. Excavations at this mound have unearthed remains dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. Kinet Mound offers important clues about the history of Hatay for those interested in archaeology.
Ancient City of Seleucia Pieria
Seleucia Pieria, near Samandağ, is an ancient port city founded by Seleucus I, one of Alexander the Great's generals. The city was an important trade center during the Ancient Roman period and its ruins can be visited today. The city's walls, theater and agora provide a fascinating atmosphere for those who want to embark on a historical journey.
Batiyaz Village
Located in Defne district, Batıayaz Village is known for its lush green nature and historical stone houses. There are many structures from the Ottoman period in the village and there are great trails for nature walks. The forested areas around the village are ideal for those who want to get away from the city and spend a peaceful day.
Places Where the Prophets of Islam and Christianity Lived
Hatay has an important place in both Islamic and Christian history. In Antakya, traces of the apostles of Jesus, stories about the life of Prophet Moses and memories of Islamic figures such as Habib-i Neccar live in this city. Therefore, Hatay is a unique destination for those who want to make a religious journey.
Hatay offers a unique destination for travel lovers with its historical depth, cultural diversity and natural beauty. Offering a wide range of places to visit from ancient cities to modern museums, from natural wonders to religious structures, this city offers a new discovery opportunity in every corner. Hatay promises an unforgettable experience for those who want to follow the traces of history and feel the peace of nature at every step.
We have tried to provide a comprehensive guide about places to visit in Hatay. When you visit the city, you will accumulate unforgettable memories in this unique atmosphere where both history and nature embrace.