Ayasuluk - St.Jean Archaeological Sitevisitor guide.

HOLY CITY OF CHRISTIANS: LEGENDS HOLD THAT THE VIRGIN MARY LIVED HERE Regarded as one of the paramount figures of Christianity, St. John (St. Jean) was one of Christ's twelve apostles. Also known as 'Saint John', it is believed he penned the 'Gospel of John' in Ephesus. The basilica erected over St. John's tomb is one of the most prominent witnesses of the Early Christian era. Following Christ's crucifixion, legend recounts that his beloved apostle St. John, deeming it perilous for the Virgin Mary to remain in Jerusalem, brought her away to Ephesus. It is believed the Virgin Mary lived on Mount Bülbül until age 101 and passed away here, and that St. John interred her on this mountain in a secret spot known to no one but himself. MANY RELICS OF JOHN THE BAPTIST ARE HERE! Erected over St. John's tomb by Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD, the Church of St. John was one of the largest edifices of the era. At the center of the six-domed church lies St. John's tomb. In the church whose dome was supported by 12 columns, there is also a baptistery dated to the 4th century AD. The portal of the basilica also merits special attention. Following the spread of Christianity, when Ephesians relocated to Ayasuluk after the 7th century AD, the Basilica of St. John superseded the former episcopal church in Ephesus. WHILE YOU ARE HERE Do not leave the region without visiting Ayasuluk Citadel within the borders of the St. John site. Tracing back to the Neolithic, the fortress stood through Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods. Restored in part, the towers, walls, Ottoman palace remains, baths, and mosque inside the citadel are well worth seeing. DOWNLOAD MUSEUM BROCHURE NEARBY MUSEUMS EPHESUS ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE AYASULUK CITADEL EPHESUS MUSEUM İZMİR CULTURE AND ARTS FACTORY EPHESUS EXPERIENCE MUSEUM EPHESUS TERRACE HOUSES