Basilica of St John, Selçuk

In the Bible

The Gospel of John ends by naming the disciple whom Jesus loved as the one who testifies to these things and has written them down.

John 21:20–24Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them. He was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper to ask, “Lord, who is going to betray You?” When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you? You follow Me!” Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. However, Jesus did not say that he would not die, but only, “If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you?” This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who has written them down. And we know that his testimony is true.

Tradition

By early tradition, John lived at Ephesus and was buried on this hill; Justinian built a great domed basilica over the tomb in the 6th century.

Here today

Ruins of the basilica with the marked tomb of John, below the castle on Ayasuluk hill above Selçuk.

Official site

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Land outlines: Natural Earth (public domain).