Last updated: September 2026
The Basilica of St John sits on Ayasuluk Hill, in the centre of Selçuk, and was one of the great religious buildings of the Byzantine period in the Ephesus region.
The monumental basilica was built in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian I, over the site traditionally associated with the tomb of the apostle St John.
Today, visitors find ruins, partially reconstructed columns, the baptistery, the tomb area and views over Selçuk.
The same complex also lets you continue on to Ayasuluk Castle.
Allow roughly 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes.
Quick information
- Location: Ayasuluk Hill, Selçuk
- Visit duration: approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes
- 2026 reference ticket: €6
- Approximate value: 338 TL / R$35
- Hours: 8am to 7pm
- Ticket office: until 6:30pm
- Open: daily
- Ayasuluk Castle: within the same archaeological site
- How to get there: on foot from central Selçuk
- Best time: morning or late afternoon
Prices checked in September 2026 and subject to change.
Is it worth visiting?
For anyone already staying in Selçuk or interested in Christian and Byzantine history, yes.
The basilica isn't preserved as a complete building, but the ruins help convey its former scale.
The location is also an advantage.
It's practically integrated into central Selçuk and pairs easily with the Temple of Artemis and the İsa Bey Mosque.
Who was St John?
St John, also known as John the Apostle or John the Evangelist, was one of Jesus's twelve apostles.
According to Christian tradition, John lived in the Ephesus region during his final years.
Ayasuluk Hill became associated with the site of his burial and turned into an important centre of Christian pilgrimage.
It was on this traditional site that the great Byzantine basilica was built.
History of the Basilica of St John
Before the great basilica, smaller religious structures associated with the tomb already existed.
In the 6th century, Emperor Justinian I and Empress Theodora sponsored the construction of a monumental basilica.
The building had a cross-shaped plan and was covered by several domes.
With earthquakes, conflicts and its declining use over the centuries, much of the structure disappeared.
Today, partial reconstructions of columns and walls help visitors understand its former layout.
What to see during the visit
Tomb of St John
The area traditionally identified as St John's tomb sits at the centre of the former basilica.
This is the complex's most important religious point.
Columns and the basilica's structure
Parts of the columns have been reassembled to indicate the building's original shape.
Walking among them helps you better visualise the basilica's former dimensions.
Baptistery
The complex also preserves the area of a former baptistery, linked to the Christian rituals once performed on site.
Views over Selçuk
Ayasuluk Hill's elevated position offers good views over Selçuk and the surrounding landscape.
From different points, you can appreciate how close together monuments from very different historical periods sit.
Ayasuluk Castle
After the basilica, it's worth continuing to Ayasuluk Castle, located at the highest part of the hill.
The fortification has elements linked to the Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman periods.
Inside the area you'll find structures such as:
- walls;
- cisterns;
- an old mosque;
- building remains;
- restored areas.
The climb adds time and walking, but it complements the basilica visit well.
How much does it cost to visit?
The current reference rate for foreign visitors is:
€6
At the exchange rate used in September 2026:
€6 ≈ 338 TL ≈ R$35
Access to the site includes the St John archaeological area and lets you continue through the complex toward Ayasuluk Castle.
Prices can change.
What are the hours?
The Ministry of Culture currently states:
8am to 7pm
The ticket office closes at:
6:30pm
The site operates daily.
Arriving very close to closing isn't ideal, especially if you also plan to climb up to the castle.
How much time should you allow?
Allow approximately:
1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes
Anyone wanting to see just the basilica can finish more quickly.
To walk the area calmly and continue to Ayasuluk Castle, use the longer end of that range.
How to get there
The Basilica of St John is in the town of Selçuk itself.
The official address is:
İsa Bey Mahallesi, St. Jean Sok. No:4, Selçuk/İzmir.
Anyone staying in the centre can often walk there.
You don't need a car just for this visit.
Are the Basilica of St John and Ephesus the same site?
No.
The ancient city of Ephesus has its own entrance and sits outside modern Selçuk's centre.
The Basilica of St John is on Ayasuluk Hill, very close to the town centre.
They are separate attractions with their own tickets.
What to combine with the basilica?
The Temple of Artemis is nearby and has free entry.
The İsa Bey Mosque is also in the same area.
This concentration of attractions makes the basilica a good option to round off a few hours in Selçuk before or after other visits.
Accessibility
The site has:
- uneven terrain;
- some stairs;
- sloped areas;
- a climb toward the castle.
The lower part may be simpler to cover, but seeing the whole complex requires more mobility.
Wear comfortable footwear.
Practical tips
- Allow roughly 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Use €6 as the 2026 foreign-visitor reference rate.
- The current hours are 8am to 7pm.
- The ticket office closes at 6:30pm.
- Wear comfortable footwear.
- Allow extra time to climb to Ayasuluk Castle.
- Combine it with the Temple of Artemis.
- Ephesus is a separate site.
- Confirm prices and hours before your visit.