Roman Catholic tradition states that St. John and the Virgin Mary moved to Ephesus, where they eventually died, but there is an alternative tradition that holds Mary's death to be in Jerusalem, where her tomb is, a tradition held true by Orthodox Christians. This tour to Ephesus, also includes visits to the House of the Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St. John.
After meeting your professional guide on the pier, your private Ephesus shore excursion begins with a drive to the House of the Virgin Mary located in the hills above Ephesus. It is known with certainty that the Virgin Mary went to Ephesus and lived there for some time. The belief that she died in Ephesus was given merit with Anne Catherine Emmerich's 1884 vision. The stigmatized German nun who had never been to Ephesus had a vision of the House of the Virgin Mary and described it in detail to the German writer Clemens Brentano who later published a book about it. In 1891 Paul, Superior of the Lazarists from Izmir read about her vision and found a little building, which corresponded with Emmerich's descriptions. Archeological evidence showed the foundation to be from the 1st-Century A.D., but the little house itself was from the 6th-Century A.D. The site was officially declared a shrine of the Roman Catholic Church in 1896, and since then it has become a popular place of pilgrimage.
From the house, you will travel down to the ancient city of Ephesus. Dating back more than 300 years B.C., the city has an incredible history. While walking through the sight, you can see the Forum, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, the Thermal Baths of Scolastika and the Great Theater. It was in this theater that Paul preached to the Ephesians.
Your next stop is at the Basilica of St. John. It is believed that the evangelist St. John had spent his last years in the region around Ephesus and was buried in the southern slope of Ayosolug Hill. Three hundred years after the death of Saint Paul, a small chapel was constructed over the grave. The chapel was replaced with a marvelous basilica during the region of Emperor Justinian (527 -565 A.D.). The monumental basilica was in the shape of a cross and was covered with six domes. Its construction, being of stone and brick, is an extremely rare find amongst the architecture of its time. Raised on two steps and covered with marble, the tomb of St John was under the central dome.
You will then enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant. After lunch, you will visit the Archaeological Museum in Selkuk. The museum, although small, is considered one of the most important archeological museums in Turkey as it is home to numerous relics from the sight of Ephesus. The museum is set out in themes including the Terrace Houses and items from the fountains. At the conclusion of your Ephesus shore excursion, you will return to the port town of Kusadasi.
