St. Simeon Monastery A Testament to Solitude
Constructed in the 6th century A.D., the St. Simeon Monastery stands atop a hill near Aknehir, along the route to the Samandag district. Revered for its association with St. Simeon, who spent 40 years atop a column in solitary contemplation, the monastery comprises sections hewn from solid rock and others surrounded by imposing walls. At the center of its octagonal courtyard lies the legendary column on which St. Simeon lived. The monastery features three churches to the east of the column and an adjacent outbuilding, with three entrances aligning along the east-west axis Exploring Hatay’s Treasures.
Antakya Synagogue Preserving Jewish Heritage
Believed to have been erected in the 1800s, the Antakya Synagogue has served as a place of worship for the city’s Jewish community for nearly three centuries. Housed within its walls is the Torah, inscribed in Hebrew on gazelle skin and boasting a history spanning five centuries.
Samandag – Qevlik A Coastal Gem
Nestled between Mount Silpius (Kel Dag) and Mount Musa, the ancient town of Samandag overlooks the Mediterranean Sea, nourished by the life-giving waters of the Orontes River (Asi). Dating back to the Hellenistic period, the city boasts cave settlements dating to the Paleolithic Age. Samandag’s Qevlik beach stretches for an impressive 14 kilometers, making it one of the world’s longest beaches and serving as a vital nesting ground for sea turtles Private Balkan Trip.
Titus Tunnel An Engineering Marvel
Commissioned during the Roman Period in the 1st century A.D., the Titus Tunnel exemplifies ancient ingenuity. Initiated by Vespasianus in 69 B.C. and completed by his son Titus in A.D. 81, this remarkable feat of engineering diverts floodwaters from the mountains away from the city and harbor. Carved by hand, the tunnel spans 1380 meters in length, with 130 meters enclosed and the remainder open, boasting an average height of 7 meters and width of 6 meters.
