Basilica of Saint John is located in Selçuk, a small town near Izmir in Turkey. The architectural marvel is a symbol of spirituality, history, and cultural significance. The Basilica was built in the 6th century, under emperor Justinian I and his wife Theodora over the supposed site of the St. John Apostle's tomb.
St. John was believed to have lived his last years in Ephesus, where he wrote the fourth Gospel. The Basilica of St. John used to be the second biggest church in Anatolia. Now it's mostly ruins, but you can still see how impressive it was. The church had a cross shape with six domes. St. John's tomb was under the main dome, and in ancient times people believed that even the dust from the tomb had miraculous healing powers. Many Christians came here and offered their prayers. The construction of the Basilica of Saint John was of stone and brick, which is an extremely rare find among the architecture of its time.
Visiting this religious and vital site can be an exhilarating experience to cherish for years to come.
Highlights
• Enjoy the sacred beauty of one of the most religiously significant sites in Turkey - the Basilica of Saint John.
• Wander through the sacred spaces where early Christians gathered for worship, and contemplated the religious heritage that thrived within its walls.
• Explore the ruins of this famous historic site and enjoy nearby attractions like Selçuk Castle.
• Stroll in Curetes Street and its marvellous structure (now ruins), visit the Temple of Hadrian and explore the Ancient City of Ephesus.
• Feel the history converge with spirituality at the sacred place of worship and get a deep sense of the cultural significance of ancient times.
How To Reach
By Train:
Take the train from İzmir Basmane Train Station to Selçuk Station. The journey is one hour long and the trains run multiple times a day. From Selçuk Train Station, you can take a short taxi ride or walk to the Basilica of Saint John.
By Bus:
The minibus service connecting Selçuk and İzmir runs frequently, ensuring a seamless journey. Minibuses travel regularly between İzmir’s main bus terminal (Otogar) and Selçuk's Otogar, operating every 15 to 20 minutes all day long.
By Car or Taxi:
You can also book a taxi or rent a private car to reach the destination. It gives you more comfort in terms of timings but can be a little more expensive than other modes of transport.
Best Time To Visit
The Basilica of Saint John is open from morning 8 AM to evening 6 PM, and it is usually swarmed with history lovers and tourists all year round.
Best Season to Visit:
The best months to visit the city of Selçuk are April and May, and September and October. The most optimal time as the weather is not too hot or too cold.
Best Time to Visit:
Opening hours are a good time to visit the site. It is a large site, so plan your visit accordingly, while avoiding much crowd.
Best Day of the Week:
Weekends are quite busy and crowded. You can pick any day according to your personal preference.
Other Essential Information
- Be mindful while capturing photos. Do not click or use your phone in restricted areas.
- Maintain a respectful demeanour and avoid loud interactions during your visit.
- Do check the timings before going to the site.
- It is advisable to dress modestly as it is a religious site.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as you may need to navigate uneven terrain or climb stairs within the basilica complex.
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