This Turkish town near ancient Ephesus has Byzantine ruins and a 6th-century basilica. Its museum displays artifacts from the region's rich past.
Selçuk is a small town in western Turkey, just 3 km from the ancient city of Ephesus. The town is home to significant historical sites such as the remains of the Temple of Artemis and the Basilica of St. John. In Selçuk's center, you'll find traditional stone houses, weekly markets selling local produce, and restaurants serving Aegean cuisine. The town serves as a base for many travelers visiting the region's archaeological sites.
Exploring the Ancient City of Ephesus
The ruins of Ephesus, once one of the largest and most important cities in the Roman Empire, lie just outside Selçuk. As you walk the marble-paved streets, you'll pass grand monuments like the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, and the Temple of Hadrian. In the Terrace Houses, you can see intricate mosaics and frescoes on the walls and floors, showing how wealthy Ephesians lived in ancient times.
Visiting the Temple of Artemis and Basilica of St. John
In Selçuk, you can see the site of the Temple of Artemis, once counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, a single column marks where this massive temple once stood. On a hill overlooking the town, you'll find the ruins of the 6th-century Basilica of St. John. This church was built over what's believed to be the burial site of St. John the Apostle. From here, you can see views of Selçuk and the surrounding countryside.
Exploring Selçuk's Town Center
Selçuk's compact center has traditional stone houses and tree-lined streets. On Saturdays, vendors fill the streets for the weekly market, selling fresh produce, cheeses, olives, and household goods. You can try regional specialties at local restaurants, which serve Aegean dishes like grilled fish, wild greens, and olive oil-based meze. Selçuk is also known for its fruit wines, especially those made from local peaches and apricots.
Visiting the Ephesus Museum
The Ephesus Museum in central Selçuk displays statues, friezes, and other artifacts excavated from Ephesus and nearby sites. You can see the statue of Artemis and ornate sarcophagi here. The museum's exhibits explain life in ancient Ephesus and the surrounding region.
Taking a Trip to Şirince
About 8 km east of Selçuk, you'll find the hillside village of Şirince. This former Greek settlement has stone houses with red-tiled roofs and winding cobblestone streets. From the village, you can see olive groves and vineyards. In Şirince, you can taste local wines, buy handicrafts and local products, or eat at one of the village's restaurants. Minibuses run regularly between Selçuk and Şirince.
Getting to Selçuk
You can reach Selçuk from other parts of Turkey. The nearest airport is in Izmir, about 60 km to the north. From Izmir, trains and buses take about an hour to reach Selçuk. There are also direct bus connections to Selçuk from major cities like Istanbul (9-10 hours) and Ankara (8-9 hours). From the nearby town of Kuşadası, frequent minibuses make the 30-minute journey to Selçuk.
