Today Tarsus is located in western Turkey on the Mediterranean coast. It is located about 80 miles east of Jerusalem and about 25 miles from Antalya, which is another major city along the Mediterranean coast. The city was established as early as 5000 BC and was home to several thousand people at its peak in the Roman Empire. The area was rich in minerals and stone and produced beautiful metal work and textiles. It also had several harbors along the Mediterranean coast that were ideal for trade. Today, there are many Christian pilgrimage sites that tourists visit in Tarsus including St. Peter’s Church, The Basilica of St. John and St. Paul’s Cave. Tarsus is also home to many ruins from ancient civilizations including Roman baths and an amphitheater. It also has several beautiful Byzantine churches that are still standing today. The main street in Tarsus has several shops that sell leather goods, shoes, jewelry and clothing.