At "Antioch in Psidia"

By day 7 of our trip we reached the area of Pisidia (more accurately Phrygia) and the city of Antioch which is mentioned several times in the book of acts (chapters 13 and 14) and in Galatians (1:1-2) and 2 Timothy (3:11).  The ruins of the city, largely excavated, are on a hillside just outside the modern town of Yalvac.  The mountain range in the background of some pictures is the Sultan mountains.

Visible along our tour are remains of the ancient streets, the theater, in not so good repair, which seated about 15,000 people. and what is known as the "Church of St. Paul", one of the largest basilicas in Asia Minor.  Remaining there is a 6th century font, inscribed with the words, "St. Paul", a discovery which lead to the designation "Church of St. Paul." 

Also visible along our tour was what remains of the Temple of Augustus, which was at the high point of the city.  It was 85' by 50' and was cut into a rock cliff at the highest point of the city.  150 columns supported the second story.  All that is visible today is the floor and the walls that remain near the rock cliffs.

This was the day that our camera was having some problems, so I've included some shots by our tour companion, Pr. Jeff.  Thanks, Jeff, for such great pictures...  And remember you can click on a picture for better viewing.

Thanks for stopping by today. 

Looking down the hillside to the Sultan Mountains.  The remaining walls of the Church of St. Paul are in the foreground.  The "apse" (semi circular recess at the front of the church, where the altar is) is to the right.

Street up into the city.  Notice wheel ruts in the stone.

Theater ruins.

A "side" street.

The "Apse" of St. Paul's Church

Tourists and Pilgrims still gather for prayer and worship

The interior of the church.  Baptismal Font near center of picture.

The Baptismal Font.  Appears to have originally had a "wall" around it.