Introduction
The basilica is located on Ayasuluk Hill in Selçuk, Turkey, which is near the ancient city of Ephesus. It is about 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) southwest of the city center. The Basilica of St. John, also known as the Basilica of St. John the Apostle, is a church located in Selçuk, Turkey. It is believed to be built on the site where St. John the Apostle, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, was buried.The original basilica was constructed in the 4th century by the Roman Emperor Constantine, but it was destroyed in the 7th century by an earthquake. The current basilica was built in the 6th century by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. It was an important pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages, and many European travelers wrote about their visits to the basilica.
Attraction for tourists
Today, the Basilica of St. John is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can see the remains of the basilica, including the impressive ruins of the church's central dome and the tomb of St. John. The site also includes a museum with artifacts from the basilica and the surrounding area.The basilica is a Byzantine-style church that was built using bricks and stones. It has a central dome and several smaller domes, and it was once decorated with mosaics and frescoes. However, most of the interior decoration has been lost over time.
Tomb of St. John
St. John the Apostle lived in Ephesus for many years and wrote his Gospel there. He was also believed to have been buried there after his death. The exact location of his tomb was lost over time, but it was rediscovered during excavations in the 20th century.
Rehabilitation of Basilica
The ruins of the basilica were extensively restored in the 20th century, and the site was opened to the public as a museum in 2012. The museum includes exhibits about the history of the basilica, as well as artifacts from the surrounding area, such as sculptures and mosaics.
Religious importance
The basilica is also a popular site for religious pilgrims, especially those of the Eastern Orthodox faith. The feast day of St. John is celebrated on May 8th each year, and many people visit the basilica on this day to honor the saint.
Information for visitors
The basilica is open to visitors every day, and admission fees apply. Visitors are required to wear appropriate clothing, and photography is not allowed in certain areas of the site. Overall, the Basilica of St. John is an important historical and religious site that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Turkey and the surrounding region. The site is open to visitors year-round, but it can get very crowded during peak tourist season (typically May to October). Visitors are advised to arrive early in the day to avoid long lines and large crowds.
Structural Information
The basilica is built on a hill overlooking the ancient city of Ephesus, which was once one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire. Today, the ruins of Ephesus are a major tourist attraction, and many visitors combine a trip to the basilica with a visit to the ancient city.The central dome of the basilica is particularly impressive, and it is one of the few surviving examples of a Byzantine-style dome in the world. The dome was originally covered in lead, but it was removed during restorations in the 20th century. The tomb of St. John is located in a small chamber beneath the floor of the basilica. According to legend, the tomb was originally covered in marble and decorated with mosaics, but these decorations were removed over time.
Introduction of museum
The museum at the basilica includes a collection of artifacts from the site, as well as exhibits about the history of the region. The museum also features a replica of the Gospel of St. John, which is believed to have been written in Ephesus.
Healing Power
The tomb of St. John was located beneath the altar of the basilica, and it was considered a sacred site by many Christians. The tomb was believed to have healing powers, and many people came to the basilica to seek healing for their illnesses.
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