“Peter’s Grotto Church” in Antioch of Syria

July 24, 2026

Acts 11 narrates the spread of the Gospel to Antioch of Syria. It was here that the disciples were first called Christians (v.26). One site of interest there (Antaka, Turkey) today is “St. Peter’s Grotto Church.”

The cave church of St. Peter on Mount Silpius. Photo ©Leon Mauldin.

Tradition holds that early Christians met here in the cave behind the façade (the façade is a Crusader Period addition, 12-13th centuries). The Byzantine Period (AD 330ff.) likely added interior plastering, an apse, a stone altar and mosaic flooring.

The three doorways, round windows, star-shaped tracery are Crusader. The concrete platform, steps and iron gates are modern.

I’ve posted on Antioch here, here, and here.

Click image for larger view.