Selcuk is home to many popular tourist destinations in addition to being within close proximity to Sirince and Kusadasi. Yet, Selcuk is easily overlooked by many tourists because the majority of them come to the area on cruise ships and are gone by the end of the day. Tourists that have more than a few hours to spend should stick around and see what Selcuk has to offer.
Ephesus, Selcuk’s Main Attraction
This ancient Roman city and former capital of Asia sees thousands of tourists every year. At one time there were over 200,000 people living there, including historical figures. Tourists can visit as part of a tour group
or walk the site individually. It is the most popular attraction in Selcuk, therefore getting there is not a problem.
House of the Virgin Mary
According to legend, the Virgin Mary spent the remaining years of her life nestled in a small house on Nightingale Mountain. It is said that her house faces St. John’s Church in order to easily notify the other if they were in danger. It is a pilgrimage site for Muslims and Christians alike and has been visited by three popes. The site holds a ceremony to commemorate Mary’s ascension into heaven on August 15th of every year.
Church of St. John the Evangelist (Basilica of St. John)
This is the site of St. John the Evangelist’s Church and his grave. He spent many years in Ephesus (now Selcuk) and brought Mary to the city in order for her protection. The ruins are not large, therefore visitors do not need to set aside a significant amount of time to tour it. The church’s shaded area has a great view of the Isa Bey mosque, which is about a five minute walk from St. John’s Church.
Isa Bey Camii (Mosque)
The Isa Bey Mosque is so close to the Church of St. John the Evangelist that most people visit both attractions in the same day. It was built in the 1300s and is still a working mosque today. When one enters, they will be greeted
by a large, fragrant courtyard with fruit trees and a fountain. Entrance to the mosque is free.
The Seven Sleepers
According to Sacred Destinations, “The “Seven Sleepers” were seven young men who had been walled up in a cave during the persecutions under Decius (c.250). They fell asleep, miraculously waking up around 435 in the time of Theodosius II. The seven men wandered into the city of Ephesus, amazed at all the churches and the freedom of worship for Christians. The Sleepers later died naturally (and permanently) and were buried in the cave in which they had slept.” This attraction is fenced off, but that does not keep tourists out. It is a minor attraction compared to the other ones in the area, but visitors that wish to see the grotto and the tombs should stop by.
Ephesus Museum
For those wishing to have a more complete view of Ephesus, without multiple visits, should tour the museum. The museum has many artifacts from Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis. Visitors should not miss the objects from Ephesus’s terrace houses and the large statue of Artemis. The Temple of Artemis is also located in Selcuk, but other than a field (which floods in the summer) and a few columns, most of the artifacts are in the museum.
Selcuk’s Storks
Less of an attraction than a symbol of Selcuk, the town has a local population of storks that take advantage of the town’s proximity to the water and the ancient aqueducts to build their nests. They are not year-round residents so the best time to see the storks is during the spring and summer months. Visitors that can’t find the storks need to only listen for the clack clacking noise which the birds make with their beaks.
Within 20 Minutes of Selcuk
These destinations can all be reached by minibus. Travelers should go to the minibus station (otogar) and find the buses labeled with their destination’s name.
* Sirince (4 miles/8 km from Selcuk)
* Kusadasi (12 miles/20 km from Selcuk)
* Pamucak Beack (5 miles/9 km from Selcuk)