Selcuk, the original Greek name Agios Theologos, refers to John the Theologian. It is a small town in the Selcuk district in Turkey. In the 14th century, it was the capital of the Emirate of Aydin and was renamed Selcuk in 1914.
The historic city is one of Turkey's top must-visit tourist attractions, best known for its proximity to the ancient Roman city of Ephesus. It is also notable for hosting the House of The Virgin Mary, known as Meryemana, and its unique artworks. Meryemana is an ancient Catholic and Muslim shrine discovered in the 19th century. According to the legend, the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, lived in this house until she died at 64.
Selcuk is also the location of the Basilica of St. John the Apostle, which dates from the 6th century and is claimed to be constructed over the Apostle's tomb. The basilica, which was based on the now-lost Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople, today lies in ruins; however, it remains one of the most visited attractions in Selcuk and gives a great sense of its enormous size during its golden ages. Today, the old town of charming Selcuk retains much of traditional Turkish culture.
Other points of interest include the Museum of Ephesus, the Aqueduct, and the Temple of Artemis. Ephesus Museum is an archaeological museum holding findings from the nearby Ephesus excavation site. Selcuk Aqueduct is a well-preserved Roman monument, and the story is about dominais dominatedrts. The Temple of Artemis, also known as the Temple of Diana, is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, lying on the edge of the modern town of Selcuk. The temple was destroyed in 401, and today, only foundations and sculptural fragments of the ancient temples at the historic site remain.
The ancient Turkish city also features an Ayasoluk Hill, which dominates the surrounding area. It is home to several historical buildings, including the İsa Bey Mosque, which dates back as far as 1375, and the Grand Fortress, which dates from the Byzantine era. Some remnants of the Byzantine era and a small mosque are within the walls of the Byzantine-era fortress. The hill provides spectacular views of Selcuk and its charming surroundings. It's also a great place to enjoy sunrises and sunsets.
Besides being a historical and cultural treasure boasting some well-preserved ancient monuments and landmarks, Selcuk has several fine-dining restaurants, bars, accommodation facilities, and shops selling local souvenirs.
When it comes to holidays in Turkey, there are plenty of choices of tours, with a stop in Selcuk; during this stop, visitors are more than welcome to explore and discover the hidden treasures of this culturally and historically significant town.
There are choices from 9 to 22-day bus tours combined with a standard Turkish gulet cruise (a traditional Turkish vessel), perfect for couples, families, or friends. All tours can be tailored to you, including the number of days spent in any location, including Selcuk. You have nothing to worry about, as everything is planned for you.
So, let's enjoy every minute of this unique and unforgettable trip!
