"Tarsus - the birthplace of St. Paul" Tarsus by Diana75

Tarsus Travel Guide: 10 reviews and 61 photos

Located at 25km from Mersin, Tarsus was the final destination of our Christian pilgrimage on the steps of St. Paul in Turkey.

Tarsus’s population of about 25,000 persons includes besides Turks and Syrian Muslims, Armenians, Greeks, Syrian Christians, Persians and Afghans, a fascinating mix of Christians and Mulims.

It was my second trip to Turkey and my first time to Tarsus, but I am more than sure that Turkey, approached from a different point of view that the classical one (sun, bath and fun), has far much more to offer so as you cannot stop being amazed of all the beautiful places which sometimes are hidden or even unknown.

Is this the case also with Tarsus, this ancient city where St. Paul was born and Mark Antony met Cleopatra in 41 BC.

Last visit to Tarsus: Sep 2002
Intro Updated Mar 28, 2006
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Reviews (6)

Tarsus origin Favorites (2)

Tarsus was the largest city in Cilicia in ancient times. It was an unpretentious town, with narrow, tortuous streets,... more travel advice

Saul of Tarsus - St. Paul Favorites (2)

Tarsus was the birthplace and the early residence of the apostle Paul, known then as Saul of Tarsus. As a child, Paul... more travel advice

Cleopatra's Gate Things to Do (4)

Tarsus was the place where Mark Antony met Cleopatra in order to obtain money from Egypt. Cleopatra came to Tarsus in... more travel advice

St. Paul church Things to Do (4)

This church located in the center of Tarsus, called St. Paul church, is managed by Italian sisters from a Catholic... more travel advice

Comments (4)

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matcrazy1 Feb 21, 2007 at 1:56 PM

Very interesting read and wonderful pictures! Cleopatra's Gate looks fantastic although it's damaged.
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LoriPori Nov 13, 2006 at 5:57 AM

Another intriguing page of a little but historic town of Tarsus.
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tini58de Jun 5, 2006 at 5:39 AM

Wow, I did not know that Cleopatra ever visited Tarsus - interesting little page, Diana! Thanks for sharing!
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whitecliff62 Mar 29, 2006 at 4:58 AM

Your a true Turkey lover Diana, im writing all these new destinations down for my next visit to Turkey hopefully at the end of the year.