Most people visit Selçuk with one goal in mind — to see Ephesus.
And while Ephesus absolutely deserves the spotlight, the town of Selçuk itself has plenty of hidden gems.
If you’ve got a bit of extra time (or better planning skills than we had 😅), here are some of the best places to check out nearby. Unfortunately, we only managed to visit the Temple of Artemis — but we definitely wished we’d had time for more.
House of the Virgin Mary
Located on Mount Koressos, this small stone house is believed to be where the Virgin Mary spent the final years of her life after being brought to the area by St. John the Apostle. While this hasn’t been officially confirmed by the Catholic Church, it remains a pilgrimage site for both Christians and Muslims, who come here to pray and light candles.
Visitors come to light candles, leave prayers, and fill bottles with holy spring water. From what I’ve read and heard, it can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and religious holidays.
📍 Distance: About 7 km (15-minute drive) from Selçuk
Temple of Artemis
Once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis was a masterpiece of ancient architecture — famed for its massive scale and intricate sculptures.
Today, only a single reconstructed column and a few scattered stones remain, standing quietly against the backdrop of Selçuk Castle. Still, it’s worth a short visit just to imagine the grandeur of what once stood here.
📍 Distance: 5-minute drive or 25-minute walk from the Ephesus site.
Ephesus Archaeological Museum
Located in the center of Selçuk, this excellent museum displays many of the original artifacts excavated from Ephesus — including statues of Artemis, coins, household items, and beautifully preserved frescoes.
It’s compact but well-curated, offering great context for the ruins you’ll see at Ephesus.
🎟️ Entry Fee: Around €10 (separate from the main Ephesus ticket)
Selçuk Castle (Ayasuluk Fortress)
Sitting high above the town, Selçuk Castle offers panoramic views of the area. The castle dates back to Byzantine and Ottoman times and, although parts of it are still being restored, you can explore sections of the walls and towers. It’s a nice spot for photos and a great way to see the layout of Selçuk from above.
📍 Access: Short uphill walk from the Basilica of St. John
Basilica of Saint John
Built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian I, this impressive basilica stands over the believed burial site of St. John the Apostle.
Once one of the largest churches in the Byzantine Empire, it offers a look into early Christian architecture — and spectacular views of Selçuk and the surrounding countryside.
🎟️ Entry Fee: Around €6
📸 Don’t Miss: The view from the upper terrace overlooking the Temple of Artemis.
Cave of the Seven Sleepers
Just a short distance from Ephesus lies the Cave of the Seven Sleepers, connected to a famous Christian and Islamic legend.
According to tradition, seven young men hid here to escape persecution, fell asleep – and miraculously awoke centuries later. The site includes a series of small caves and ancient tombs.
📍 Distance: About 2 km from Ephesus (can be reached by foot or short drive)
Walk around the city
If you have time, walk around the city, grab something to eat, and enjoy the day.
