Antioch Part 2

The main attraction in Antioch is what is known as St. Peter's Grotto, it is basically just a cave in the mountain. But it is said that Peter headed up a congregation of followers of Christ there. This is the place where they were first called Christians. Unfortunately, the actual chapel was closed due to landslides so we couldn't go inside. Kind of disappointing.
Still, we were led up the mountainside by a man named Mehmet who showed us various caves carved into the mountain that were used as tombs or hiding places for the early Christians.

This a view of the city of Antioch. I especially loved this trip because of what I have been studying in Bible Study. We are learning about Antiochus and Ptolemy and the wars fought over Jerusalem. The king of the north referred to in the book of Daniel was from Antioch. Also, in addition to Peter, of course, the Apostle spent many years in Antioch. So did John and Luke. It is so cool to be able to walk where the apostles walked and try to imagine what it was like back then.

Mehmet told us that these large carvings are of Peter and Mary. But two books I bought on the trip each call something else. I guess it is open to interpretation.