Antioch Catholic Church

It is possible to visit the church throughout the year; however, the most significant date is June 29. The annual mass held for the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul brings together the Catholic community from all over Turkey and abroad in Antakya. For those who wish to attend the mass or simply experience that atmosphere, this date holds special importance.

For general visits, spring (April–May) and early autumn (September–October) are the most suitable periods, both in terms of weather conditions and for combining with other historical sites in Antakya. Between April 1 and October 1, the church is open from 08:30 AM.

The Antioch Catholic Church is located right in the heart of the city's historical fabric, on Kurtuluş Street. You can use the Habib-i Neccar Mosque as a reference point; the church is right next to the mosque.

From Hatay Airport, there are shuttle and taxi options to the city center. Within Antakya, it's easy to reach by dolmuş (shared taxi) and taxis. Since Uzun Çarşı (Long Bazaar), the Archaeology Museum, and other historical structures are within walking distance, you can include the church in your walking route.

30–45 minutes is sufficient for the church itself. Since Antakya's historical center offers a dense list of places to visit, you can combine the church with other sites in the area to create a half-day or full-day walking route. The Habib-i Neccar Mosque, Uzun Çarşı, and nearby historical structures can easily be seen on the same day.

If you're spending a day in Antakya's historical center, you might consider this route: Start from Uzun Çarşı, then visit the Habib-i Neccar Mosque and the Antioch Catholic Church side-by-side. For lunch, try Antakya cuisine at the small restaurants in the bazaar. In the afternoon, head to the Hatay Archaeology Museum; allocate at least two hours for its mosaic collection. You can conclude the day with a visit to St. Pierre Church.

Antakya has one of Turkey's most deeply rooted culinary cultures. Around the church, in Uzun Çarşı and its side streets, there are dozens of small businesses offering local delicacies such as hummus, künefe, katmer, and spicy ezme. For breakfast, olive oil cheeses and Antakya-style olive paste are a must-try. When it comes to künefe, Antakya more than lives up to its well-deserved fame.

Since the church is an active place of worship, it is necessary to observe silence and the rules of the venue during your visit. It is advisable to consult with officials before entering during worship hours. As opening hours may vary by season, especially for those planning a visit in winter, it is recommended to get up-to-date information from anadolukatolikkilisesi.org/antakya. Regarding photography, it is also necessary to follow the guidance of the officials inside.

The exterior facade of the church and its side-by-side view with the Habib-i Neccar Mosque offer one of the best frames reflecting Antakya's interfaith fabric. By stepping back along Kurtuluş Street, it is possible to capture both structures in the same shot. Inside the church, lighting conditions vary throughout the day; natural light coming through the windows creates a softer atmosphere before noon.