Selçuk

Selçuk is a municipality and district of İzmir Province, Turkey. Its area is 317 km, and its population is 38,151 (2022). The town Selçuk is located 2 kilometres (1 mile) northeast of the ancient city of Ephesus, that was once home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Selçuk is one of the most visited tourist destinations within Turkey, known for its closeness to the ancient city of Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary, and Seljuk works of art. The ruins of the 6th century Basilica of Saint John the Theologian, which, some claim, is built on the site of the Apostle's tomb, is also inside the town. Procopius said that the basilica was a most sacred and honoured place in Ephesus. It was severely damaged and sacked by the Seljuks in 1090 and by the Aydinids and Menteshe in 1308. The place was excavated in 1927, and Pope Paul VI paid it a visit and prayed there.