2025 Isa Bey Mahallesi Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

My Visit to the Basilica of St. John My visit to the Basilica of St. John in Selçuk, Turkey, was a journey into both spiritual depth and historical grandeur. Perched on the slopes of Ayasuluk Hill, the basilica stands as a powerful tribute to one of Christianity’s most revered figures—John the Apostle, the disciple whom Jesus loved. As I approached the ruins, the sense of history was overwhelming. Built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian I, the basilica once stood as a magnificent domed structure, rivaling even the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. Though time has weathered its walls, what remains speaks volumes. The layout of the church forms the shape of a Latin cross, and I could still make out the foundation lines, columns, and scattered marble blocks that once formed intricate archways and majestic halls. One of the most profound moments of my visit was standing before the baptismal tank. Sunken into the stone floor near the entrance, the tank is cross-shaped—symbolic, ancient, and remarkably well preserved. It’s easy to imagine early Christians being immersed here, welcomed into a new life of faith under the same skies I stood beneath. The spiritual significance was palpable, and I found myself quietly reflecting on the continuity of belief that had endured for centuries. The most sacred part of the basilica is undoubtedly the tomb of St. John, believed to rest beneath the main altar. Though the tomb itself is simple—a rectangular stone structure—it holds immense reverence. Pilgrims once flocked here, believing that dust from the tomb had healing powers. Standing above it, I felt a quiet awe, contemplating the life of a man who had walked with Christ and whose Gospel still echoes around the world. Beyond the church’s ruins, the view from the hill is nothing short of spectacular. The Aegean landscape stretches out in every direction—olive groves, distant hills, and the nearby town of Selçuk below. In the distance, the silhouette of the Temple of Artemis and the Citadel add to the timelessness of the setting. The basilica’s elevation offers not just a view of the land, but a sense of how this place once stood at the crossroads of history, religion, and empire. Though the structure is no longer whole, the Basilica of St. John remains deeply alive in spirit. My visit was more than just a historical tour—it was a moment of connection to something much larger, rooted in faith, history, and the enduring presence of sacred places.#selcuk #Basilicaofstjohn #ephesus

#Songkran attractions Come and experience the beauty of ancient Islamic architecture at Isa Bey Mosque (Isa Bey Mosque) Selçuk, Turkey This place was built in the 14th century. It is considered one of the oldest mosques in Anatolia. It still maintains its peacefulness, simplicity, but beauty. The mosque is made of light-colored cut stone, outstanding with carved patterns and unique arches. Every angle is a beautiful photo. Walk slowly, absorb the atmosphere and sit under the shade of the trees outside. It's like going back in time. For those who like historical, quiet, peaceful places There is a certain power that calms the mind... You must come here at least once. 📍 Address: Isa Bey Mosque, Selçuk, Turkey #IsaBeyMosque #TurkeyTravel #Selcuk #HistoricAttractions #OldMosques #IstanbulIsNotJustABigCity #MustVisitTurkey #MosqueVibes #TurkeyReview #ChillOutAttractionsAbroad

🌈Attraction features: Ayasuluk Citadel is located on the northwest side of the town of Selcuk, Turkey. To the south is St. John's Church. The castle is located on the top of Mount Ayasoluk. It was originally built by the Byzantines in the sixth century and later rebuilt by the Seljuks. The part of the city wall you see now was mainly built during the Ottoman Empire. There is the Temple of Artemis at the foot of the mountain, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, but now only one pillar remains, which is regrettable. The Cathedral of St. John was built by Justinian I in memory of St. John and stands on the site where St. John is buried. After visiting these attractions, if you have already been to Ephesus, you can go to the small town of Selcuk, which is very lively and has many beautiful orange trees. 🎟️Ticket related: You need to buy a ticket to visit the castle, which is about 60 lire/person. 🕐️Scenic area opening hours: The opening hours are 08:00-17:00, and the tour lasts for almost 2 hours. 💗Other tips: The castle is an independent attraction. To visit other places, you need to exit from the castle. Selcuk is the best stopover when visiting Ephesus. Generally speaking, the people are simple and the prices are reasonable, making it a very flavorful town.

There is a marble tomb guarded by four pillars in Selcuk, Turkey. The owner of this tomb is none other than the Apostle John! He is one of the twelve disciples of Jesus in the Bible. There are many hypotheses, such as the exact location of the Apostle John's tomb, but considering the fact that the Apostle John spent his life in Ephesus and wrote the Gospel of John on the nearby Ayasuluk Hill, it is most likely that this is John's tomb. In addition to the baptismal site inside the church, many Christians visit this place as a pilgrimage site! Seeing the tomb of an ancient figure who only appears in the Bible in person was so fascinating and exciting that it didn't feel real! #Overseas travel #Turkey travel #Turkiye travel #Selçuk #Turkiye #Must-see historic site

St. John's Church, which I visited while traveling to Selcuk, Turkey, a famous pilgrimage destination. I entered the Church of St. John through the Gate of Persecution, which was built to commemorate the martyred Christians. After the death of the Apostle John, a small wooden church was built first, and in the 6th century AD, Emperor Justinian built the current church, which has six domes and is said to be in the shape of a cross when viewed from above. In the 14th century, it was used as a mosque by Islam, and later, it collapsed due to a great earthquake and was invaded, so reconstruction was impossible, and it only remains in its current form. Many parts of the church collapsed due to the earthquake, but just by looking at the doors and standing pillars inside the church, I can understand the architectural style of that time, and I was lost in my imagination thinking about how many people must have passed through this gate. The materials used to build the church were taken from the Temple of Artemis, which I found ironic. Ephesus was originally a place where Artemis was worshipped, so it was difficult to spread the gospel. (Currently, only one column remains from the Temple of Artemis, which can be seen from the Church of the Apostle John) It is very interesting that even though Turkey is an Islamic country, you can find many traces of Christianity everywhere. Regardless of religion, it was the Church of the Apostle John of Seljuk that would be good to visit at least once. #Overseas travel #World travel #Turkey travel #Turkey #Turkey travel #Recommended Turkey travel destination #St. John's Church #Historical site

A large fortress on a hill that serves as the center of the city of Selcuk, Turkey, is the Ayasuluk Fortress. It is a fortress that has been firmly protecting this place since the Byzantine Empire. Inside the fortress, there are ruined Islamic mosques, churches used as water storage facilities, and houses. It is said that before the fortress was built, the Apostle John sat on this hill and wrote the Gospel of John in the Bible. Since it is in the middle of the town, it is easily accessible even if you don't go there, so I recommend visiting if you are traveling to Selcuk. Situated on a high hill, the view of the town from here is beautiful, and it is a very cool place with the blue sky! #Overseas travel #Recommended Turkey travel destinations #Turkey travel #Turkiye #Selcik #Ayasuluk Fortress #Turkiye travel #World travel #Backpacking

Ephesus, a dazzling gem on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean, is a perfectly preserved classical city that transcends time and space, inviting you to immerse yourself in the glorious past of the Roman Empire. As the glorious capital of the Roman province of Asia, it is known as the "leading metropolis in Asia" and is known for being "better than Rome". Since ancient times, this city of various styles has been an indispensable stop for travelers exploring Turkey. Its ancient city ruins span two thousand years and have now been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, guarding the common memory of mankind. Walking on the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus, a historical corridor about two kilometers long from northwest to southeast slowly unfolds, and every brick and tile tells the glory of the past. The stone column corridor leads you into the sacred hall, and the statue of Artemis silently watches, telling the compassion and strength of the goddess. The altar of Roman Emperor Domitian witnessed the peak of imperial power; the Socratic mural, with the depth of ancient Greek philosophy, is thought-provoking. The relief of Theodosius, a representative of the Monophysite sect of Christ, is a masterpiece of the fusion of religion and art. In addition, the solemnity of the Temple of Hadrian, the tranquility of St. John's Church, the profoundness of the library, the liveliness of the theater, the warmth of the bath... Every relic is a vivid reproduction of the life style of that era, making people feel like they are in a different world, and they are reluctant to leave.