St.Paul in Perge

One of the most important stops during our Biblical tours in Turkey is the ancient city of Perge. This well-preserved city is located 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) east of Antalya (Attalia). lt was the capital of Pamphylia. Just like Ephesus, Perge is known for the worship and the temple of Artemis, where the annual festivals were celebrated.

There are so many remains that you can see in Perge: social and cultural buildings such as necropolis, theatre, city walls, stadium, gymnasium, Roman baths, agora, high towers, monumental fountains, column lined streets, Greek and Roman gates including the gate that Paul would have walked through. Apostle Paul and Barnabas visited Perge twice. In 46 AD, Paul came to Perge from Paphos (in Cyprus) and from there continued on to Antioch (in Psidia), and then finally returned to Perge, where he preached the word of God (Acts 14:25) before sailing from Attalia to Antioch. Paul, Barnabas and John Mark, Barnabas' cousin, stayed in Perge for short time, it was here that John Mark left Paul to return to Jerusalem. On his return from Pisidia, Paul preached at Perge again.

lf you are planning to visit this site in summer, we suggest an early morning or late afternoon visit, because Antalya area is very hot and humid during summer. Don't forget to bring enough water!