St John’s Basilica
According to a Christian tradition emerging at the beginning of the 2nd century, St John, one of Jesus Christ’s disciples, is cited as being one of the authors of the Bible. Following his death, a simple grave was built for him on the southern slope of Ayasuluk Hill. A wooden roofed basilica was built on this grave at the beginning of the 5th century, but this structure was replaced by Emperor Justinian in the mid 6th century, with a new domed basilica based on a cross design. Prom the 6th century following the relocation of Ephesians to Ayasuluk. St John’s Basilica became the location of the ancient Bishopric Church, and Ayasuluk Hill was encircled by perimeter walls. From 1974. following fundamental restoration work on the Basilica Its environs have been turned into an archaeological park.
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