There’s something rather poignant about an archaeological site, be that the Roman Forum, Machu Picchu or Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. Structures that were once built to last, built to impress, built with style and grandeur, now besieged by nature. More remarkable is how The Museum Hotel Antakya in southeast Turkey, which opened in January, combines the charm of ancient ruins with the sleek touches of a new-build hotel.

What began as the foundations of a new 200-room resort in the heart of Antakya turned into one of the most astounding finds of the 21st century, as archaeological excavations revealed five layers of heritage spanning 13 civilisations, including some 30,000 ancient artefacts and the world’s largest single-floor mosaic dating back to the 4th century. The building was then raised to make room for a vast open-air national archaeology park, where guests can step out of their rooms into 23 centuries of history.

Set on the foundations of the ancient city of Antioch, with views onto the world’s first cave church, St Pierre, The Museum Hotel Antakya has been designed by Turkish design firm Emre Arolat Architecture (EAA), who were keen to highlight the contrast between the contemporary steel frame with stacked sheltering rooms – linked by walkways and bridges – and the expansive archaeological site. Terraces and gardens located under the canopy further enhance the experience.

Ranging from Superior to Suites, guestrooms are serene with neutral décor, copper accents and warm wooden floors, with all offering views onto the ancient mosaics below and surrounding Habibi Neccar mountains. There’s also local, cultural references in the form of mosaic-inspired designs decorating walls, en-suite marble bathrooms and woven Antakyan tea trays. Elsewhere, the four-bedroom Nas Konut residence is accommodates for longer stays with private lift access, a sun terrace, walled garden, boardroom and kitchen.

Delving deeper into the 2,300 years of antiquity, guests will experience history in-situ as glass panels and open-air walkways throughout look out directly onto the ancient discoveries below – the 17,132m² national archaeology park has opened as part of the state-owned and operated Necmi Asfuroğlu Archaeological Museum (NAAM), named after the owner of The Museum Hotel Antakya. On display is world’s largest single piece floor mosaic, measuring in at 1,050m² and revealing an undulating flow that tells a story of devastating earthquakes and rerouted rivers; the world’s first marble sculpture of Eros, all in one piece, 70cm tall and dating back to 200AD, which led to the discovery of the extremely rare 2nd century Pegasus mosaic featuring 160 shades of natural plant-dyed stones; together with city walls dating back to 300BC. Visitors can also unlock the mysteries of Antioch through videos, touch screens and 3D projections.

The hotel also comprises five restaurants and bars, from an all-day café, poolside space for secret garden shishas and snacks, and a rooftop bar, to a restaurant overlooking the excavation site serving local specialities. Each venue offers a blend of local ingredients and dishes that mix ancient and modern techniques befitting the region of Hatay, recently designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

Inspired by the hotel’s mosaic of Apollo and the Muses and the ancient Roman baths found in the archaeological site, Balans Spa & Fitness, a 3,300m² rooftop wellness hub – the largest of its kind in the city – features a fitness suite and studio for classes such as Pilates and spinning, as well as an outdoor infinity pool and children’s pool, and an indoor pool with Jacuzzi and Vitamin Bar. Tradition meets luxury in a rooftop bathhouse experience with mixed and female hammams, while the spa also encompasses six treatment rooms and a VIP Spa Suite with two massage beds, a Turkish hammam, sofa, Jacuzzi and garden.

Elsewhere, events spaces form an idyllic setting for rooftop weddings and gala events, with the ballroom and four rooftop meeting rooms offering top of the range technology, garden access and breakout areas. The hotel can also arrange guided tours to some of the region’s most celebrated historical, religious and cultural sites.

Click here to watch the hotel’s documentary or check out the video below for more insight.