St. John Basilica

Description

The magnificent basilica ruins, believed to be the burial place of John the Apostle, sacred to Christianity, and built by Emperor Justinian.

Story

St. John Basilica is a structure of great importance for Christian history, located in the Selçuk district of İzmir, near the ancient city of Ephesus. The basilica was built over the spot believed to be the tomb of **Saint John (St. Jean)**, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. It is widely believed that Saint John came to Ephesus with Mary, the mother of Jesus, and lived there. While a small chapel stood over Saint John's tomb in the early days of Christianity, this chapel was transformed into a magnificent cross-plan basilica in the 6th century by the Byzantine Emperor **Justinian**. This basilica was considered one of the largest and most sacred structures in the Christian world at that time. The dimensions and architectural structure of the basilica reflect the architectural grandeur of the Justinian period (the same period in which Hagia Sophia was built). With six domes and a cross plan, the structure demonstrates a synthesis of Roman and Byzantine architecture. Excavations and research have confirmed that Saint John's tomb is located directly beneath the basilica, under the central dome. The basilica was later used as a mosque after coming under Seljuk rule but was largely destroyed by earthquakes and devastation in the 14th century. Even today, the remains of the basilica reveal its former grandeur and artistic richness. St. John Basilica, along with the House of the Virgin Mary and Ephesus, proves how important İzmir was as a center for early Christianity. The area also includes the walls built to protect the basilica and the nearby **Ayasuluk Castle**. Visitors can wander among the imposing ruins of the basilica, tracing both architectural history and the spiritual footsteps of Christianity's first steps in Anatolia.

Visit Tips

• Be sure to add this basilica to your itinerary along with your visit to Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary.
• Climb to Ayasuluk Castle surrounding the basilica ruins to see the view of Selçuk and Ephesus.
• While examining the remains on the ground, pay attention to the area where St. John's tomb is located.
• Museum Pass is valid; there will be a lot of walking in the area.

Photos