30/4 St Johns Basilica

In Selcuk (was Ephasus)

Bit of a disturbed sleep.  I seem to have gotten a cold. Phoebe provided a nasal spray, a strepsil and a couple of panadol. A slow start to the day.

E-signed my tax.

Walked up the road to St Johns Basilica.

A basilica is a church that has special importance for worship or history, while a cathedral is the seat of a bishop.

John is the John who wrote John's Gospel, the books John 1,2 & 3 and revelation was buried here.  He apparently protected Mary and had her living in a house on a nearby hill.  The Basilica was built by the Emperor Junstinian in the 6th century that 500AD +   

https://muze.gov.tr/muze-detay?sectionId=STJ01&distId=STJ

Constructed 6th century. ie AD500+

Bizintine emperor.

On the site where John is believed to be buried. Died at the age of 98.

1304 Selcuk Turks converted to mosque. 

1402 mongols destroyed

Mid 20th century Austrian archaeologists began restoration.

They have done some restoration work.  Enough to make it a Tourist draw card.  (Pardon my sarcasm)

And boy do they come

There's lovely feeling of connection and relaxation traveling with someone you love and who loves you.

I think the cold was beginning to drain me.  It was a beautiful sunny day so laid down in the sun and rested.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were about 30 Catholic priests from Austria having a retreat.  When we arrived they were sitting in this amphitheater having a worship service.  Then they dispersed for private reflection, prayer and study.  

Then we walked up to the fort at the top of the hill.
The fort was built to protect the Basilica.

The view is awe inspiring

This is another cistern for water storage.  Water storage cisterns seems to be a feature of Turkey.