The Basilica of Saint John As tradition holds, St. John spent his final years in Ephesus and was laid to rest near Ayasuluk Hill. Around the 4th century, roughly three centuries after his passing, a modest chapel was built over his tomb. Later, during the reign of Emperor Justinian the Great (approximately 527–565 AD), this chapel was transformed into a grand basilica. St. John, one of Jesus Christ’s most devoted apostles, followed Him from the days they were together by Lake Galilee. He witnessed pivotal moments in Jesus’ life, such as the Transfiguration, Crucifixion, and more. St. John is credited with writing the Fourth Gospel as well as the Book of Revelation. While Jesus was on the cross, He entrusted His mother to St. John, who is widely regarded by scholars as the beloved disciple mentioned in the Gospel of John (John 19:26–27). In the first century, numerous Christians faced persecution and were killed for their beliefs. Among them were Apostle James and Stephen, who were martyred in Jerusalem during the latter part of the century, while Paul was put to death in Rome. According to tradition, St. John journeyed to Ephesus with Mary, the mother of Jesus, where he is believed to have composed his Gospel. The Book of Revelation was later authored on Patmos Island, near Greece, in 96 AD. The basilica built in honor of St. John features a distinctive architectural layout in the form of a cross, combining stone and brick elements. It was crowned with six domes, the central one positioned directly above St. John's tomb. Originally, four columns stood at each corner of this main dome. At the entrance, there are now two raised steps—a feature that predates the addition of the marble floor. Similar entrance steps are also visible in churches commissioned by Justinian I in dedication to his wife, Empress Theodora. The baptistery, which dates back to the 5th century AD, is situated to the north of the main nave. The surrounding defensive walls were constructed during the 7th-8th centuries as a protection against invasions by Arabian forces. Inside the basilica, remarkable 10th-century frescoes can be found, depicting St. John, Jesus, and other saints. Following an earthquake that rendered the chapel unusable, it was converted into a mosque in the 14th century. If you have any questions or would like more information about The Basilica of Saint John, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected], or simply message us via Whatsapp, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.