Saint Pierre Church The St. Pierre Church is situated on the former site of the ancient city of Antiokheia, to the west of Asi River and at the base of Hac Mountain. The church played a significant role in the community as it was located in close proximity to the Agora square during its expansion between the 2nd and 4th centuries. Although there are no written records that could help establish the date of its construction, studies suggest that Christians used the site since their initial arrival in the region. The church was built inside a cave where St. Pierre first preached. Over time, the cave was transformed into an official building with dimensions of 9.5 meters in width, 13 meters in length, and 7 meters in height. It is believed that the first construction of the building involved carving out a large rock to create a vaulted space. This part of the structure dates back to around 38-39 AD. Later, stone walls and two columns were added to expand the building, resulting in the creation of three barrel vaults, each with its own nave. The St. Pierre Church is dedicated to its namesake, who is recognized as the founder of the Antakya Church and the archpriest of the first Christian community in the area. As a meeting place for Christians for centuries, the church played a vital role in the expansion of Christianity, making it an important landmark in both religious and historical contexts. The church bears immense significance in the rich history of Antakya, where Christianity was transformed and spread to the rest of the world. It acted as a witness to this process and holds a special place in the hearts of visitors from other religions who often worship in the nearby temples. The local community regards the monument with great respect and reverence. In 1963, Pope Paul VI decreed that all pilgrims should visit this historic site on their pilgrimage tours. Today, the St. Pierre Church is open to all and is surrounded by a beautiful garden. It has been included in UNESCO's Tentative List since 2011.