St. Paul's Well stands as a remarkable 38-meter (125 ft) deep ancient water source in Tarsus, Turkey, claimed to have belonged to Paul the Apostle during his time there. This impressive stone structure, measuring 1.15 meters (3 ft 9 in) in diameter at the top, offers you a tangible connection to early Christian history.
When you explore the story of St. Paul of Tarsus, you'll discover that this well is part of a larger historical landscape. Together with Saint Paul's Church, which covers 460 m² and features face stone walls and blind vaults, the well has earned a place on UNESCO's Tentative World Heritage List. Notably, these sacred sites gained additional recognition when Pope Benedict XVI declared the period between June 28, 2008, and June 29, 2009, as St. Paul's Year to commemorate the 2000th birth anniversary of the apostle.
As you venture through this guide, you'll uncover how this ancient well, situated in what was once a significant Roman city and thriving intellectual center, continues to slake the thirst of both travelers and history enthusiasts just as it did for a holy man some two millennia ago.
The ancient city of Tarsus holds immense historical value as the birthplace of one of Christianity's most influential figures. Originally built near the Cydnus River (modern Berdan River), Tarsus flourished as a major trade hub dating back to 1600-1180 BCE under Hittite rule.
In 67 BCE, Tarsus became the capital of Cilicia Pedias under Roman control, developing into a prosperous economic and intellectual center. The city's strategic location between the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea made it vital for commerce. Subsequently, Tarsus grew in opulence and wealth, especially after Julius Caesar made it tax-exempt, prompting the grateful city to rename itself Juliopolis. Beyond commerce, Tarsus rivaled Alexandria and Athens as a renowned learning center, attracting scholars from across the ancient world.
Born around 4 BCE in Tarsus, Saul (later known as Paul) came from a devout Jewish family. His father was a Roman citizen, granting Paul dual citizenship - a privilege that would later assist his missionary work. Raised in Jerusalem under the tutelage of Gamaliel, a respected Jewish teacher, Paul received an excellent education in Jewish law and traditions.
As a young man, Paul learned tentmaking, a practical trade that allowed him to support himself while traveling. This skill aligns perfectly with Tarsus's reputation for producing a specific type of felt cloth from black goat wool. Before his conversion, Paul actively persecuted early Christians, traveling from synagogue to synagogue, urging punishment for those who accepted Jesus as the messiah.
St. Paul's Well gained its sacred status through its direct connection to the apostle's life. Scientific evidence dates the well to the Roman period when Paul was alive, lending historical authenticity to its significance. For this reason, Christians who visit the site often consider it part of their pilgrimage journey.
Many believers attribute healing properties to the water, with a local belief that the well's water never diminishes regardless of season. Christians visiting the site particularly value being baptized with water from the well. The well's proximity to the unearthed remains of what is considered Paul's home adds another layer of spiritual significance. In essence, the well serves as a physical link to biblical history, allowing visitors to connect tangibly with the early days of Christianity and the life of one of its foundational figures.
The discovery of St. Paul's Well began with an unexpected find during urban development. In 1999, a rescue excavation in the old quarters of Tarsus unearthed both the still-serviceable well and the ruins of what is believed to be Saint Paul's house. This significant archeological discovery occurred in what is now considered a small enclosed city park, accessible from a side street in modern Tarsus.
The excavation in 1999 represents a crucial moment in uncovering Tarsus's Roman heritage. Initially, archaeologists were not specifically searching for St. Paul's home, but rather conducting standard rescue archaeology before modern construction could destroy historical remains. The well, measuring 1.15 meters in diameter, was remarkably preserved despite being approximately 2,000 years old.
Beside the well itself, excavators uncovered the foundation ruins of what tradition identifies as Saul's family home. Furthermore, the excavation revealed that the well remained functional—an extraordinary testament to Roman engineering and construction techniques. The surrounding area contained artifacts that helped archeologists date the structure to the Roman period, aligning with the timeframe of Paul's life in Tarsus.
The St. Paul's Well site connects to a broader network of Roman-era discoveries throughout Tarsus. Previously, in 1993, city officials began constructing a parking garage in Republic Square but halted work after discovering a well-preserved section of ancient street dating to the second century BCE. Additional findings include a third or fourth-century CE house with mosaics southwest of this road.
Moreover, the partial remains of a large Roman bath stand in the old section of Tarsus, likely dating to the second or third century CE based on its size. Interestingly, restored old houses and the ancient road are located near St. Paul's Well, creating a historical district that showcases Tarsus's importance during the Roman period.
Beyond architectural discoveries, excavations revealed a large Roman inscription for Septimus Severus (222-235 CE) that was repurposed as the cornerstone for an Ottoman educational center constructed in 1550.
Built with remarkable precision, St. Paul's Well showcases impressive ancient Roman engineering that has withstood the test of time. This architectural marvel continues to draw visitors fascinated by its historical and spiritual significance.
The well presents an interesting architectural design with a cylindrical edge but a square body beneath. Its mouth measures exactly 1.15 meters (3 ft 9 in) in diameter, creating a perfect circular opening that narrows into a rectangular shaft below. The construction primarily features rectangular-cut stones meticulously placed to form the enduring structure you see today.
Interestingly, the basalt stone path surrounding the courtyard area has been preserved in nearly its original form since the time of Paul, offering you an authentic glimpse into the Roman-era environment. This careful preservation of original materials adds substantial historical value to the site.
Regarding the well's depth, sources offer varying measurements. Some archeological reports indicate a depth of 38 meters (125 ft), while others cite 18 meters [47]. The most comprehensive archeological surveys suggest the 38-meter measurement is likely more accurate, as it aligns with detailed excavation reports.
Perhaps most remarkably, the well water maintains a consistent level throughout the year, neither decreasing in summer nor overflowing in winter. This reliability made it an invaluable resource for inhabitants of ancient Tarsus and continues to fascinate modern visitors.
Following the 1999 excavation, careful restoration work revealed additional wall remains belonging to St. Paul's house directly adjacent to the well. To protect these precious historical elements, conservation specialists installed protective glass coverings over vulnerable sections, balancing preservation needs with visitor access.
The site has undergone thorough restoration and now exists as a protected historical monument. Today, the well and its surroundings serve as both a historical attraction and an active pilgrimage destination, with many visitors still drawn to its sacred waters.
Beyond its historical and architectural value, St. Paul's Well has achieved international recognition for its cultural and religious significance. This ancient water source represents a living connection to early Christianity that continues to draw visitors from around the world.
In February 2000, Turkey's Ministry of Culture officially submitted "St. Paul Church, St. Paul's Well and surrounding historic quarters" to UNESCO for consideration as a World Heritage Site. The nomination falls under the Cultural category and cites three specific criteria for inclusion: (ii), (iii), and (iv). This recognition acknowledges not just the well itself but the entire historic environment of old Tarsus as an interconnected cultural landscape.
The UNESCO tentative listing acknowledges how these sites collectively represent the birthplace and early environment of one of Christianity's most influential figures. The submission emphasizes the well's exceptional preservation, noting it as "one of the best preserved values of Christianity to date".
For devout Christians, visiting St. Paul's Well constitutes an essential stop on pilgrimage journeys. Throughout history, Christians traveling to Jerusalem would deliberately route through Tarsus, considering the well visit a fundamental part of their spiritual journey.
Today, pilgrims engage in several meaningful practices at the site:
The site's spiritual significance increased dramatically when Pope Benedict XVI declared the period from June 28, 2008, to June 29, 2009, as "The Year of St. Paul" to commemorate the 2000th anniversary of the apostle's birth.
St. Paul's Well occupies a strategically central location in Tarsus, serving as a cornerstone for the city's historical narrative. It stands at the starting point of the Old Tarsus Houses district and is directly adjacent to the Ancient Roman Road, creating a natural historical walking route for visitors.
Nearby, you'll find St. Paul's Church (also known as the St. Paul Memorial Museum), which was commissioned by the Orthodox community in 1850 on the site of an 11th or 12th-century place of worship. Although no official Christian community has existed in Tarsus since 1923, restoration work in 2001 returned the church's beautiful frescoes to their original glory.
As you explore the area, you'll discover how these sites collectively tell the story of Tarsus as a meeting place of religions and cultures across millennia, where Christianity and Islam have shaped the city's rich cultural heritage.
St. Paul's Well stands today as much more than a simple water source. Throughout your journey to this ancient site, you experience a tangible connection to early Christianity and the remarkable life of one of its most influential figures. This 2,000-year-old architectural marvel continues to function exactly as it did during the apostle's lifetime – a testament to Roman engineering excellence and historical preservation.
Undoubtedly, the well's enduring appeal lies at the intersection of faith, history, and cultural heritage. Pilgrims arrive from across the globe, drawn by the opportunity to touch waters once used by Paul himself. The consistent water level, regardless of season, adds another layer of wonder to this already significant location.
The 1999 excavation marked a turning point for this sacred site, rescuing it from potential obscurity and establishing its place on UNESCO's Tentative World Heritage List. Together with Saint Paul's Church and the surrounding historical quarter, the well creates a powerful historical landscape where visitors can walk the same paths Paul once traveled.
Your visit to St. Paul's Well offers more than historical sightseeing – it provides a spiritual journey through time. Whether you seek religious connection or historical understanding, these ancient sacred waters continue to quench both literal and metaphorical thirsts. St. Paul's Well thus remains a living bridge between past and present, faith and history, making it an essential destination for anyone exploring Turkey's rich cultural heritage.
Q1. What is the historical significance of St. Paul's Well in Tarsus?
St. Paul's Well is a 38-meter deep ancient water source in Tarsus, Turkey, believed to have belonged to Paul the Apostle. It dates back to the Roman era and is considered a tangible link to early Christian history, attracting pilgrims and history enthusiasts alike.
Q2. How was St. Paul's Well discovered?
The well was unearthed during a rescue excavation in 1999 in the old quarters of Tarsus. Along with the well, archaeologists discovered the ruins of what is believed to be Saint Paul's house, shedding light on the area's Roman heritage.
Q3. What are the unique features of St. Paul's Well?
The well has a circular opening of 1.15 meters in diameter that narrows into a rectangular shaft. It's constructed with meticulously placed rectangular-cut stones and maintains a consistent water level throughout the year, regardless of the season.
Q4. Why is Tarsus significant in Christian history?
Tarsus is the birthplace of St. Paul, one of Christianity's most influential figures. It was a major Roman city and intellectual center during Paul's time, playing a crucial role in the early spread of Christianity.
Q5. How is St. Paul's Well preserved and recognized today?
The well has undergone careful restoration and is now a protected historical monument. It's part of UNESCO's Tentative World Heritage List along with Saint Paul's Church and the surrounding historic quarters, acknowledging its cultural and religious importance.