Tarsus

East of Mersin, on the edge of fertile Cukurova Plain, is Tarsus, the birthplace of St. Paul. Of ancient origin, the city was invaded and destroyed on several occasions and only a few monuments of particular interest remain: The Cleopatra Gate thru which Mark Anthony and Cleopatra passed when they came to Tarsus to meet, an ancient church, and the Ottoman Ulucami. You can get the feel of bygone days if you walk thru narrow streets past old houses to find St. Paul’s well. Little streams, waterfalls and shaded trees at the Tarsus Walls on the outskirts of town create an idyllic afternoon. The Karaburcak Park is perfumed but its groves eucalyptus trees.