St Paul Trail
The man who spread Christianity to Western Europe.
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St Paul was responsible for the spread of Christianity to Western Europe.
Jesus’ message, aimed at amending the Jewish religion, was preached exclusively to the Jews
of Judea and Jerusalem.
But Paul took this message to both the Jewish diaspora (those living outside Israel)
and also to the worshippers of the traditional gods of the Greeks or Roman Empire, or of
other cults.
In the process he changed the religion of Christianity, partly by adding many instructions
about forms of worship, partly by changing the message (especially regarding women).
Paul had no standard text; he also had never met Jesus personally.
Thus he was able to interpret Jesus’ message quite freely.
If St Paul had not preached, Christianity would probably have died out when the Jewish
rebellion of 66 AD was crushed and Jerusalem burned.
Thus Paul was both a product of his time and a major influence on our time.
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Church of St. Elena
Selge Ancient City
Aspendos Theatre
St Paul Trail
The Man Who Had A Mission
Paul and Barnabas left Perga and arrived in Antioch, a city near Pisidia.
On the day of worship they went into the synagogue and sat down. Acts 13 v 14.
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This one sentence is all that the bible has to say of the apostle Paul's travels from Perga to Antioch, preferring to dwell on events after he arrived there.
His trip was part of his first missionary journey in 47-48 AD, from Antioch in Syria to Cyprus and the regions of Pamphylia and Pisidia in Asia Minor. While no details are given, it would have been no mean feat to cross the wilds of the Taurus Mountains in those long ago times, even with the odd Roman road to walk on.
Two millenia later, Kate Clow and a band of hardy volunteers developed Turkey's second major
long distance walking trail, between the ruins of the ancient cities of Perge and Antioch
and named it the St Paul Trail.
While St Paul's exact route is unclear, this trail passes through the same wild country of rugged
mountains, canyons, lakes and the ruins of ancient civilisations.
The St Paul Trail is a curious one, with two beginnings and one end.
It was opened in 2004, but is still evolving, with new sections and other variants that we did
way marked as late as 2010.
The trail is almost 500 km long and would take several weeks to walk from end to end.
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Born ​
St. Paul was born in Tarsus Cilicia, a region in southeast Türkiye, around AD 5.
On his several missionary journeys, St. Paul visited many parts of Asia Minor and spread the word of Christ throughout the region.
Reading Paul's epistles and the Acts of the Apostles we learn about his life and journeys.
Paul traveled over 10,000 miles by sea and on foot on three missionary journeys with his companions.
He set off on his fourth missionary journey from Jerusalem to Rome alone, and died in the capital city.
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Journey of St. Paul’s Journeys:
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â—‰ FIRST JOURNEY
Antioch ad Orontes (Antakya) – Seleucia Pieria – Perge (Antalya) – Pisidian Antioch (Yalvaç/Isparta)
Iconium (Konya) – Lystra (Konya) Derbe – Attalea (Antalya)
â—‰ SECOND JOURNEY
Antioch ad Orontes – Derbe – Lystra – Galatia – Phrygia – Mysia – Alexandria Troas – Ephesos
â—‰ THIRD JOURNEY
Antioch ad Orontes – Galatia – Ephesos – Alexandria Troas – Assos – Miletos – Patara
â—‰ JOURNEY TO ROME
Myra (and its port Andriake) – Knidos
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Highlight
â—‰ Perge Ancient City The starting point on St. Paul’s missionary journey across Asia Minor, the ancient city of Perge is now home to some of the most beautiful Hellenistic and Roman ruins in Türkiye.
â—‰ Uçansu Falls A hidden paradise of the Antalya province, the Uçansu Falls consist of a lower and upper waterfall, offering visitors an opportunity to swim in the turquoise pools at their summits and base.
​​​​​​◉ Yazılı Canyon National Park
Yazılı Canyon National Park is a natural
wonder in the Isparta province. Travelers
can choose to walk St. Paul’s Road which
are steeped in as much color as they are
history.
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â—‰Aspendos Ancient City Once a thriving city for art and trade during the Roman period, today Aspendos is an archaeological marvel that boasts one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world.
â—‰ Köprülü Canyon National Park Stretching 14 kilometers along the Köprü River and lush forest, the Köprülü Canyon National Park is an adventure playground that offers hiking trails, buggy tours, and watersports.
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â—‰ Selge Ancient City Nestled deep in the Taurus Mountains, the ruins of Selge are an insight into the lives of ancient settlers, including two temples, an acropolis, and an impressive theater.
​​​​​​​​​◉ Adada Ancient City A stone paved road leads travelers to the ancient
city of Adada, where sacred temples, monumental fountains
and a Roman forum serve as reminders of past empires.
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â—‰ Sagalassos Ancient City Sagalassos on the slopes of Akdag
(White Mountain) is one of the most stunning archaeological sites in southwestern
Türkiye, with highlights including a 9000-seat theater, a functioning Roman
fountain, and colossal statues of the emperors Hadrian and Marcus Aurelius.
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â—‰ Kasnak Oak Nature Reserve
Kasnak Oak Nature Reserve stands as an ideal setting for trekking, picnicking, and admiring the mountain flowers and volcanic oak trees that are unique to this region.
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â—‰ Egirdir Owing to its idyllic location on the edge of Lake Egirdir, the Mediterranean city of Egirdir lends itself to many outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and boat tours.
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â—‰ Yalvaç
An official slow city recognized by the Cittaslow Network, Yalvaç is known for its leisurely pace of life and enduring local traditions from food festivals to ancient handicrafts.
Perge Ancient City

St. Paul trail






