“St. Simon Monastery, dating back to the 6th century, will be promoted for tourism in Hatay

Governor Mustafa Masatlı, who inspected the ongoing efforts at the St. Simon Monastery located on a hilltop at an altitude of 480 meters, established in the 6th century by Antiochian St. Simon to provide religious education, stated their aim to reintroduce the region to tourism.

After the inspections, Masatlı made a brief statement, saying, “We examined the St. Simon Monastery, which has been continuing its existence from the 6th century within the borders of our ancient city’s Defne district.

This monastery, established by Antiochian St. Simon for religious education, was considered a pilgrimage center in early Christianity and holds significant importance for religious tourism. Hopefully, following the restoration efforts at the monastery, we will promote it for tourism.”