Selcuk Turkey Travel Guide A Vagabond Life
Selcuk Turkey Travel Guide
Selcuk Turkey is on the western coast of of the country, the gateway to Ephesus and the home of many ancinet and historic sites including House of the Virgin Mary and the 6th century Basilica of St. John the Apostle according to legend is built on the site of the Apostle’s tomb.
We loved our time in Selcuk, not sure if it was the fabulous ANZ Guesthouse we stayed in or the fact it’s a pretty laid back town with yummy food or the incredible historic sites in and around Selcuk but whatever it was we have very fond memories of this town.
Catch an overnight bus from Istanbul which gets you into to Selcuk early in the morning.
Table of Contents
Selcuk Turkey Map
Selcuk/Ephesus Turkey
Things To See & Do In Selcuk Turkey
City of Ephesus
City of Ephesus
If you see one thing in Turkey see Ephesus. Once n Ancient Greek and then Roman city Ephesus is a stunning collection of restored buildings and ancient ruins. Situated 7km from Selcuk, go early to avoid the hoards. Read more about Ephesus.
Basilica of St John
Basilica of St John
Basilica of St John was built by Justinian I in the 6th century and stands over the beloved burial site of John the Apostle. The Basilica sits on the slopes of Ayasuluk Hill below in Aysauluk Castle in the centre of Selcuk.
House of Mary the Virgin
House of Mary the Virgin
House of the Mary the Virgin is not far from Selcuk and is both a Catholic and Muslim shrine. Catholic pilgrims visit the house as they believe that Mary, the mother of Jesus was bought here by Saint John and lived the rest of her life in the house as seen in visions by Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich.
Isa Bey Mosque
Isa Bey Mosque
Isa Bey Mosque was constricted in 1374-75 in honour of Ardini Isa Bey, an Anatolian dynasty, and based on the design of the Great Mosque in Damascus. The Isa Bey Mosque is worth a visit as it is a pretty impressive display of architecture of its time.
Ayasuluk Kalesi
Ayasuluk Kalesi
Ayasulik Kalesi Is on a hill in the centre of Selcuk. Once the heart of Ephesus before the harbour silted up and the population moved to a new site. Inside you will find the remnants of a mosque, cisterns from the Otterman times and the outlines of houses.
Turkey Travel Guide
Turkey Travel Stories
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