Basilica of St. John in Ephesus: A Historical Treasure

The Basilica of St. John in Ephesus

One of the most popular and frequently visited Christian sites in Turkey is the Basilica of St. John in Ephesus. Located in the center of Selçuk, on the slopes of Ayasuluk Hill and just below the Selçuk Fortress, this historic site is about 2 miles away from the ancient city of Ephesus. Ayasuluk Hill, which hosts the basilica, was once home to human settlements dating back to 3000-2000 BC.

The Basilica of St. John is an essential part of our Private Tours. You can explore our Ephesus Private Tours here.

The Life of St. John the Apostle

 

St. John, also known as John the Evangelist or John the Theologian, was the youngest of the twelve apostles and had a close relationship with Jesus. This bond is symbolized in icons of the Last Supper, where John leans on Jesus. At the crucifixion, Jesus entrusted John with the care of His mother, the Virgin Mary.

After being exiled from Jerusalem, John and Mary traveled to Ephesus between 38 and 47 AD. John later faced exile again, this time to the island of Patmos, where he wrote the Book of Revelation around 90-95 AD. Returning to Ephesus, he continued writing the Gospel before passing away naturally at around 100 AD. He was buried on Ayasuluk Hill, which became a revered site for Christians.

Construction and Architectural Significance

In the 6th century AD, Byzantine Emperor Justinian built the monumental Basilica of St. John over the Apostle’s grave. It was constructed using materials from the nearby Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This basilica, cross-shaped with six domes supported by marble columns, was the second-largest church in Asia Minor after the Hagia Sophia.

Pilgrimage and the Role of Ayasuluk Hill

The Basilica of St. John became a significant pilgrimage site. Many believed the dust from John’s tomb had healing properties. The hill, named Hagia Theologos (Holy Theologian) during the Byzantine era, also lent its name to the city.

To protect the basilica from Arab raids in the 7th century, a hilltop castle was constructed, and the site was surrounded by defensive walls built from materials taken from Ephesus.

Transformations Through Time

In 1304, the Seljuk Turks converted the basilica into a mosque. However, in 1402, the Mongols destroyed much of the site during their invasion. Under Ottoman rule, the ruins were neglected for centuries.

In the mid-20th century, Austrian archaeologists began restoring parts of the basilica. Recent reconstruction efforts, supported by religious foundations, have made the site more accessible. Visitors today can see the rebuilt tomb, baptistery, semicircular clergy seats, and a treasury turned chapel featuring frescoes of saints.

Legacy of the Basilica of St. John

The Basilica of St. John in Ephesus remains an iconic historical and religious site, attracting visitors worldwide. Its connection to early Christianity, combined with its rich architectural heritage, makes it an unmissable destination for history enthusiasts and pilgrims alike.