Things to see

Things to see and do, in and around Selçuk

Selçuk is a small characteristic quiet town close to Ephesus, which makes this a good place to stay when you are going to visit the well known classical city of Ephesus.

But besides Ephesus there are more places that make Selçuk worth a visit, such as:

Ephesus Classical city
Artemis Temple
St. John's Basilica
Selçuk Ephesus Museum
Sirince
Meryemana (Virgin Mary's House)
Pamucak beach

Ephesus

Ephesus is considered one of the great outdoor museums of Turkey, in fact perhaps of the world.
It is located on the south of Selçuk, just 3 km. away.

Stroll through history in the archaeological site of Ephesus, the western Turkey home to the Temple of Hadrian, the library and the Great Theater. The city remnants highlight its former position as a top Mediterranean trading center: streets paved in marble, mosaic-covered sidewalks, private hill homes

During your stay in Selçuk we are happy to offer you a free lift to the top entrance of Ephesus, where you can start your wondering around in this historic place while enjoying the magnificent view of the surroundings.
On your way back (an easy walk) you can visit Artemis Temple which is on the road back to Selçuk.

Artemis Temple

This temple is located just another step away from the pension, and can be seen from the top roof terrace while enjoying the complimentary wine at sunset.

The Temple of Artemis which is one of the Seven wonders of the world, has spread its fame throughout the world between the years 334-250 B.C. It has been reconstructed seven times due to plunder, earthquakes and fires. It used to be surrounded by immense columns in Ionic order, yet today there is nothing left except an altar. The Temple was the first and largest construction built of marble. A part of the ruins are exhibited in the British Museum in London while the rest is exhibited in the Ephesus Museum in Vienna.

St. John's Basilica

Just a step away from the Pension is St. John's Basilica.
This monumental basilica was built in the 4th century in the burial place of Saint John the Divine. It was designed in the shape of a cross and was covered with six domes.
This historical site is one of the highlights of Selçuk and you will enjoy the view over Selçuk, the Old Mosque and the Castle on the background. Don't miss this one on your stay!

Selçuk Ephesus museum

This museum has a beautiful collection of artefacts from the Ephesus excavations, St. John’s Basilica, and other ruins in the surrounding area. The collection is brought to life by some good information panels, dioramas and photos and is certainly worth a visit, ideally after seeing Ephesus.

You will find the Ephesus Museum just behind the pension.

Sirince

Siringe is a delightful village in the hills just 8 km. from Selçuk, full of pretty historic houses facing a peaceful landscape of vineyards and olive groves. Siringe is well-known because the home made fruit wines. Sirince is easy to visit by minibus from Selçuk.

Meryemana (Virgin Mary's House)

According to Christian traditional beliefs this is the House that Virgin Mary lived her days after the Resurrection of Christ. She was brought to Ephesus by Apostle John.

In 1812 there was a German nun by the name Sister Ann Catherine Emmerich who visualized the journey of Apostle John and Virgin Mary from Jerusalem to Ephesus. She described the house so vividly and it was recorded. The sister had never travelled anywhere else.

The house of Virgin Mary is also sacred to Muslims, because the Muslims recognised Mary to be the mother of Prophet Jesus. The house became a Catholic shrine in 1896.

Today many visitors from all over the world flock to the shrine. There is water which is being believed as a holy water and can be drunk by anyone. The spring water is believed to have healing properties. You can also put papers on the prayer wall and have a wish.

The House of Virgin Mary is worth a visit, also because of the magnificent view over Selçuk's surroundings.

Pamucak beach

Only 7 kilometers from Selçuk you find the long, wide sandy beach of Pamucak. A nice place for a sunbath, a walk or a picnic after visiting the cultural highlights. Toilets and beverages are available.
Just hop on the minibus after visiting Ephesus and within 5 minutes you are there. Or take a bicycle at the pension, they are free and waiting for you to enjoy the (flat road) ride.
A special seasonal attraction from February to March; you will find flamingos in the estuary wetlands.