[2025 Isa Bey Mahallesi Attraction] Travel Guide for Basilica Of Saint John (Updated Jun)

The Basilica of St. John is a cathedral located above the burial place of John the Apostle. The cathedral is located on Ayasuluk Hill, below the fortress, near the center of İzmir province. On the day we went, the cathedral was closed, so we only took pictures of the surrounding area. The church is small and in ruins due to its age. According to legend, during his lifetime until his death, he preached Christianity. Before his death, other apostles visited St. John, and on the following Sunday, St. John continued to preach Christianity before he entered the cave of his church, which was lit by a strong light that prevented his disciples from getting any closer. When the light faded, he disappeared with it. It is said that St. John did not die, but lay beneath his tomb, and every time he breathed, he stirred up the dust around his altar, which made them holy. For this reason, the dust, called manna, was said to be able to heal the sick. #waitingfordeparture

The romantic St. John's Church is a very old Gothic church in the old town. On the way to the Old Town Square from the Palace Castle, you can see the beautiful St. John's Church. This Gothic building, with its dark red spires towering high, is very different from the surrounding architecture. The top of the church, arranged in red and pink, looks like a huge harp, which is particularly eye-catching. In addition to the exquisite and beautiful appearance, the history of this church is also quite legendary. It used to be a very old building. It was born in the 13th century and has been transformed into a larger scale. However, unfortunately, the church was destroyed by fighters during World War II. The church that I see now is rebuilt by the descendants according to the style of the church that year. The entire church is red in appearance and is decorated in a classic style. Especially with a historical background about it, there is an inexplicable tribute to it. It not only brings together the wisdom of the local people, but also the people's good wishes for peace. Next to the church in St. John, there is also a Temple of Grace Temple. Although the two seem to be closely intertwined, the styles are quite different. Next to the Temple of Grace Temple is the late Renaissance, it seems a lot simple, but the "Angel's Gate" carving on the door of the church is amazing, the whole sculpture is exquisite, and it is only wonderful. The interior of the church is bright and elegant. Many newcomers will hold weddings here, which shows that in the eyes of local people, they still have a very high status.

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

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

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.

St. John's Church and Aya Soluk Castle St. John's Church is an inconspicuous place hidden behind Aya Soluk Castle. Unexpectedly, here is the Gospel of John written. The place below. So it has also become a holy place for Christianity. However, there are not many people to visit, and tickets for Aya Soluk Castle already include it. The whole ruin is very majestic and you can see the whole picture of Selcuk here. Isabe Mosque At the foot of Aya Soluk Castle, there is an Isabel Mosque, which is a magnificent architectural style that belongs to the post-Seljuk forward Ottoman transition period. style of. Remember to bring a headscarf and take off your shoes when you visit. It is very interesting that there are even more free Qurans in various languages (including Chinese version). Artemis Temple Speaking of the Seven Wonders of the World, we may all think of pyramids, sky gardens, etc. But who will first think of the Temple of Artemis? Who knows that it is on the edge of Selcuk's insignificant path? Its like being forgotten by everyone. When I came here, no one was visiting. The Temple of Artemis was originally built to be larger than the Parthenon in Athens. It is a glorious presence in the Western world. Its 127 pillars each The part is engraved with patterns. Now, there are only a few broken roots left. There are even ducks running around inside. The seven wonders that are really lonely.

St. John's Church is a Gothic style. It was the first Christian church in Hong Kong. It was built in 1847 and cost 8,736. Half of it was paid by the British government and half was raised by believers. During World War II, the Japanese army set up the church as its headquarters. After the war, it suffered severe damage. After many times of rebuilding, the old appearance was preserved. In addition to being the center of Hong Kong's Christianity, the church is also a place for weddings and funerals. It is also the main hall of the Anglican Hong Kong and Macao diocese, and it has a status that cannot be ignored in Hong Kong. Traffic Raiders: Central Station, once you come out, cover the garden, pass through the Chater Garden, continue along the cable car sign, go through a traffic light, and walk straight along the Garden Road for a while, you can see St. John's Church is on your right hand side.