Antakya  is the seat of the Hatay Province in southern Turkey, near the border with Syria. In ancient times the city was known as Antioch and has historical significance for Christianity, being the place where the followers of Jesus Christ were called Christians for the very first time. The city and its massive walls also played an important role during the Crusades.

With its remarkable history there is much for visitors to see in Antakya, although much has doubtless been lost in the rapid growth of the city in recent decades.

• Antakya Archaeological Museum has the second largest collection of Roman mosaics in the world, found when excavating Roman villas on the hillside at Harbiye. (Entry is 5 lira for foreigners, 2 lira for Turkish citizens).
• the rock-carved Church of St Peter, with its network of refuges and tunnels carved out of the rock, a site of Christian pilgrimage. There are also tombs cut into the rock face at various places along the Orontes valley.
• The seedy Gündüz cinema in the city centre was once used as parliament building of the Republic of Hatay.
• the waterfall and restaurants at Harbiye.
• The Ottoman Habib-i Neccar Camii is the oldest mosque in Antakya.
• The labyrinth of narrow streets in the old market area
• The views of the city from the hillsides above

With its rich architectural heritage, Antakya is a member of the Norwich-based European Association of Historic Towns and Regions [2]. Sadly the Roman bridge (thought to date from the era of Diocletian was destroyed in 1972 during the widening and channelling of the Orontes