Exploring the Ancient Citadel of Saint Jean in Selçuk, Turkey
- Budget Nomad
- Jul 2
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 21
Welcome back, fellow adventurers! If you're planning to explore the Aegean region of Turkey, you absolutely must visit the ancient citadel of Saint Jean (Saint John) located in Selçuk, just a stone’s throw from Ephesus. This towering historical site offers incredible panoramic views, a deep connection to early Christianity, and an unforgettable peek into Roman-era architecture.
In this travel blog, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know before visiting, including entry prices, history, site layout, safety tips, and more—plus some of my own reflections as a curious (and occasionally clueless!) traveler.
📍 Where is the Ancient Citadel of Saint Jean?
The Citadel of Ayasuluk Hill (commonly referred to as the Castle of Saint John or St. Jean Kalesi) is located right in the heart of Selçuk, Turkey. It dominates the town’s skyline and is impossible to miss. Simply look up from any point in Selçuk and you’ll spot this imposing structure sitting proudly on the hill.
How to Get There:
From Izmir, Selçuk is just a 1-hour train or bus ride.
From Ephesus, it’s walkable or a quick 5-minute taxi ride.
The entrance is adjacent to the Basilica of St. John.
🎟️ Entry Price and Tickets
The entrance fee is 150 Turkish Lira (around $4.50 USD), which is an absolute bargain for what you get.
You can buy tickets directly at the site entrance. If you're a student, don't forget your ID—student discounts are available! There’s also the option to purchase a Museum Pass for Turkey, which covers dozens of sites nationwide. However, the pass is only valid for 15 days, which might not be ideal for slower travelers.
🏛️ Ancient Ruins and Roman History
Once inside, you're immediately immersed in ancient Roman ruins scattered across the hillside. Crumbling columns, carved stones, and weathered pathways tell the story of a bustling religious and defensive hub from centuries past.
At the top, you’ll find the Basilica of Saint John, said to be the burial place of the Apostle John, one of Jesus’ most beloved disciples. According to biblical tradition, John brought the Virgin Mary to Ephesus after Jesus’ crucifixion, making this site deeply significant in Christian history—especially for Catholic pilgrims.
There’s even a model display showing what the basilica once looked like, complete with domes, courtyards, and beautifully structured arches.
🌄 The View from the Citadel
One of the highlights of visiting this site is the incredible panoramic view from the castle’s walls. You’ll get a 360-degree lookout over the town of Selçuk, the surrounding mountain ranges, and on clear days, even a glimpse of the Aegean Sea.
Selçuk itself is a charming town, with colorful houses that climb the nearby hills, creating a postcard-perfect backdrop. It’s the kind of place where time slows down and the past blends with the present.
🏰 Military Design & Natural Defenses
What struck me most was the castle’s strategic positioning. The citadel is surrounded by natural barriers—mountains on three sides and valleys that funnel any potential approach. If I were a soldier back in Roman times, I’d say this was the perfect place to set up defenses.
From the outer wall, which is a solid 1.5 meters thick, you can spot various watchtowers and stairs used by ancient guards. The design is clearly meant to offer both protection and visibility over the surrounding terrain.
Whether you’re a military history buff or just enjoy imagining ancient battles, this place will get your imagination running.
⚠️ Travel Tips & Safety Advice
While the site is stunning, a quick warning for families: there are no safety rails or barriers at the high ledges. This is quite common across Turkey’s historical sites, including places like Çanakkale.
If you're traveling with children, please keep a close eye on them—especially near drop-offs. That said, I personally enjoy the lack of barriers; it makes the experience feel more authentic and adventurous.
Other Tips:
Visit early in the morning to avoid the intense heat. I went at 9 AM and it was already scorching!
Wear good walking shoes. The paths are uneven and ancient.
Bring water and a hat—shade is limited.
💬 Final Thoughts
The citadel of Saint Jean in Selçuk is not just a castle—it’s a living relic of Christian, Roman, and Byzantine history, with stories carved into every stone. The quiet, uncrowded nature of the site also adds to its charm. I had the entire place to myself!
Whether you’re visiting Turkey for religious history, Roman ruins, or stunning views, this underrated site should be on your list.
📌 Essential Info at a Glance
Detail | Info |
Location | Selçuk, Turkey |
Entry Fee | 150 TL (~$4.50 USD) |
Opening Hours | 08:00 – 19:00 (Check locally) |
Time to Explore | 1.5 – 2 hours |
Best Time to Visit | Early morning or late afternoon |
Nearby Sites | Ephesus, Temple of Artemis, Isa Bey Mosque |
📹 Watch the Video Tour
I’ve made a full video walkthrough of my trip to the citadel, including footage of the ruins, the views, and my personal commentary. Be sure to check it out on my YouTube channel:
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Until next time, safe travels and keep exploring!
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