[puravida]

Selçuk is the central town of Selçuk district, İzmir Province in Turkey, 18 km (11 mi) northeast of Kuşadası, 3 km (2 mi) northeast of Ephesus. Its name comes from the Seljuk Turks who settled in the region by the 12th century.

Selçuk is one of the most visited touristic destinations within Turkey, known for its closeness to the ancient city of Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary and Seljukian works of art. The 6th century basilica of St. John the Apostle, which, some claim, is built on the site of the Apostle's tomb, is also inside the town. However with the vast majority of tourists only using Selçuk as a stopping point for Ephesus and not visiting the town itself, the old quarter of Selçuk remains generally undisturbed and undeveloped, retaining traditional Turkish culture and locality.

Ayasoluk Hill dominates the surrounding area, with several historical buildings on its slopes, including the İsa Bey Mosque built by the Seljuk Turks in 1375, and the Grand Fortress.

The Ephesus Airport and Selçuk Training Center of the Turkish Aeronautical Association is only 3 kilometers away from Selçuk, offering piloting, parachuting, and microlight training.


The annual camel wrestling championship takes place in Selçuk in the Winter, near Ephesus.

Tomb of St. John the Disciple, Selcuk, Turkey

Statue of Artemis, Ephesus Museum - Selcuk, Turkey

Basilica of St. John - Selcuk, Turkey

St John Basilica, Selçuk

[puwer98]

Good information and nice pictures

[Mella]

Nice post Stephen, i love Selcuk.

[teosgirl]

Great info puravida.

A quick question please.
On the way to Izmir *toll road* as you're joining the toll there seems to be a castle atop a very big hill *left hand heading towards Izmir*...does anyone know what this place is and if it's accessable?

Thanks,
Charlotte

[puravida]

Dates back to when the greeks where in the area, I cannot remember the history

[Mella]

Originally Posted by teosgirl

A quick question please.
On the way to Izmir *toll road* as you're joining the toll there seems to be a castle atop a very big hill *left hand heading towards Izmir*...does anyone know what this place is and if it's accessable?

Char, I always notice the castle and Umit and I always say one day we're going to climb up to it!

It's called Keçi Kalesi (Goat Castle)

From the other side of the hill you can climb up to the castle..it's 300 mts altitude and it is 9 kms to Selcuk.

[teosgirl]

lol Mella..hiking? how far is it?! where's the closest road lol...
not sure about the hike, but it looks beautiful..views are fab.

Thanks a lot for the info and pics you've solved my mystery, it always used to bug me when we drove past, wondering what it is!

Charlotte