Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
the Dominican Republic
Fiji
Archaeological site · Selçuk, Esmirna
St. Jean Bazilikası
Ruins of a Byzantine basilica on the Ayasuluk hill, linked to the tradition of St. John.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About St. Jean Bazilikası
The Basilica of St. John occupies part of the Ayasuluk hill in Selçuk. The Byzantine building was raised over a place traditionally linked to the apostle. The ruins allow you to recognise the plan of a large-scale church, with different circulation and worship spaces.
Columns, pavements and architectural remains help to perceive the proportions the construction had. The religious account should be presented as tradition, without turning burial attributions into archaeological certainty. The hilltop position also offers a reading of Selçuk’s landscape.
The walk has slopes and open areas. Check the visitable route and the access conditions to the castle sector, which occupies another part of the hill. Organise the visit with the İsa Bey mosque and the museum according to available time, leaving Ephesus for its own period.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From one hour to one and a half hours.
Best time
Morning or afternoon with less heat on the hill.
How to get there
Uphill walk from the centre of Selçuk or transport to the site approach.
Tip
Differentiate the basilica route from the Ayasuluk sectors that have their own access.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about St. Jean Bazilikası
Is the Basilica of Saint John an intact church?
The visit is archaeological, among the remains of a large Byzantine building.
Is it inside the ancient city of Ephesus?
No. It is on Ayasuluk hill, adjacent to the core of Selçuk.
Is it correct to state that the tomb is proven?
The association with Saint John should be treated in the context of religious tradition.