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Ayasuluk Castle Selçuk

4.6
·1k reviews·, Türkiye

Ayasuluk Castle offers breathtaking panoramic views and a rich history, from Byzantine church to Seljuk fortress, overlooking Selçuk.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Golden light, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Impressive Fortress

Ayasuluk Castle Selçuk

Best Time

Early mornings

Golden light, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ayasuluk Castle offers breathtaking panoramic views and a rich history, from Byzantine church to Seljuk fortress, overlooking Selçuk.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"The view is fantastic and if you're alone this is a great place to stop, think, admire, and just live in the moment."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Buy Tickets Online

Save time by purchasing your admission ticket from the official website to avoid long queues.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Lots of steps and uneven terrain inside the castle. Good walking shoes are a must!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Selçuk Views

Panoramic Selçuk Views

Castle ramparts

Breathtaking vistas of Selçuk town, surrounding fields, and distant roads. A perfect spot for reflection.

Byzantine & Ottoman Architecture

Byzantine & Ottoman Architecture

Castle walls and interior

Explore remnants of walls from Byzantine, Aydınogullari, and Ottoman periods. Witness architectural shifts.

Proximity to St. John's Basilica

Proximity to St. John's Basilica

Adjacent to the castle

An integral part of the historical complex, offering a deeper dive into the region's religious past.

Ephesus Gladiator Relief

Ephesus Gladiator Relief

Within the castle complex

Discover a fascinating architectural fragment from Ephesus, showcasing a gladiator's relief.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Views & Fewer Crowds

Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer visitors. Avoid midday heat and crowds, especially during peak tourist season. Consider visiting on a weekday for a more serene experience.

Ticket Value & What to Expect

Some visitors find the admission price steep for what remains of the castle. Focus on the panoramic views and historical context rather than expecting extensive ruins. Check for online ticket options to potentially save time.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Golden light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Stunning sunset views
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
More peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Pumpkin Patch officially opens Oct 1st! 🎃 🍂 📍 Offside Citadel outlets , Commerce(: #pumpkinpatch#pumpkinseason#kidactivities#spookyseason#halloween
@nayeeeelix
26.5K likes • 256.7K views

🎯 Buy Tickets Online

Save time by purchasing your admission ticket from the official website to avoid long queues. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Lots of steps and uneven terrain inside the castle. Good walking shoes are a must! Reddit

#Citadel’s Ken Griffin says #investors are starting to view #gold as a safer asset than the dollar — a development that’s “really concerning” to him. Here’s what the billionaire investor has to say about gold after its recent record highs. #business
@bloombergbusiness
10.9K likes • 336.4K views
Selçuk (Ayasuluk) Kalesi İzmir İli Selçuk İlçesi'nde bulunan kaleyi gezerken, tarihi yapı içindeki tahribat direk göze batıyor. Yüz yıllara meydan okuyan tarihi miraslara gerektiği değeri vermeyi ne zaman öğreniriz acaba? #selçuk #izmir #ayasuluk #castle #kale #selçukkalesi #arkeoloji #archeology #takip #keşfetteyiz
historytreasure
125 likes • 4.8K views

📸 Capture the Views

The panoramic views are a major highlight. Visit during golden hour for the best photo opportunities. Instagram

⏳ Allow Ample Time

While the castle itself might not take long, combine it with St. John's Basilica for a fuller historical experience. Instagram

Are you ready for a quick tour of Ayasuluk Castle? 😎 You are invited to the Selçuk district of İzmir to explore the castle closely and witness the mystery of the past. 📜 #Goİzmir #İzmir #Selçuk #Ayasuluk #Castle #History
goizmir
147 likes • 3.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Buy Tickets Online

Save time by purchasing your admission ticket from the official website to avoid long queues. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Lots of steps and uneven terrain inside the castle. Good walking shoes are a must! Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The panoramic views are a major highlight. Visit during golden hour for the best photo opportunities. Instagram

⏳ Allow Ample Time

While the castle itself might not take long, combine it with St. John's Basilica for a fuller historical experience. Instagram

🧐 Look for Architectural Fragments

Keep an eye out for reused architectural pieces from Ephesus, like the gladiator relief. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the stunning panoramic views from Ayasuluk Castle and its historical significance as a former Byzantine church and later fortress. Its proximity to other major sites like Ephesus is a plus. However, some find the admission price high for the limited ruins remaining, and accessibility can be an issue due to numerous steps.

"Not worth the admission ticket price they're asking for. It's straight up ripoff. There's not much to see on the inside. Definitely buy your ticket from the website instead of queuing in the long lineup"

Tarek K

"It is 5 minutes walk from the center of Selcuk and is definitely worth a visit with its beautiful landscape and interesting history"

Ulaş Gökçe

"Visited the castle when there was not a single soul nearby and it was a great experience.

The castle may be nothing but walls and a few small structures, but you have a perfect view of the nearby town, fields, and roads. The view is fantastic and if you're alone this is a great place to stop, think, admire, and just live in the moment. I think that's where the true beauty of the castle lies."

Shawn Ang

What People Like

Fantastic panoramic views
Interesting history
Great photo opportunities

What People Dislike

High admission price
Limited ruins
Many steps

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ayasuluk Castle is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from the center of Selçuk. It's easily accessible on foot, making it a straightforward addition to your itinerary. Reddit

Yes, Ayasuluk Castle is situated on a hill in Selçuk, just about 4 km from the famous Ephesus Ancient City, making it easy to visit both in one day. Instagram

Selçuk is well-connected by train and bus from major cities like Izmir and Denizli. Once in Selçuk, the castle is within walking distance or a short taxi ride. Instagram

There is likely parking available in Selçuk town, from where you can walk to the castle. Driving directly to the castle itself might be restricted. Instagram

Unfortunately, due to the numerous steps and uneven terrain, Ayasuluk Castle is not very comfortable or accessible for wheelchair users. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Some visitors have noted that the admission ticket price might feel high for the limited ruins. It's recommended to check the current pricing and consider purchasing tickets online. Reddit

You can purchase tickets at the entrance, but to avoid long queues, it's advisable to buy them from the official website in advance. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official tourism website or local information sources for the most up-to-date hours before your visit. Instagram

While not explicitly mentioned in all sources, local guides may be available in Selçuk. Combining a visit with St. John's Basilica might offer more historical context. Instagram

Some visitors have reported that certain sections of the castle are unnecessarily closed off, and signs might be missing. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & Views

The ramparts offer the most spectacular panoramic views of Selçuk and the surrounding landscape. Early morning or late afternoon light is ideal for photography. InstagramReddit

Yes, the elevated position of the castle provides excellent vantage points for capturing beautiful sunset views over the region. Instagram

The views offer a sense of the historical settlement patterns, with the castle overlooking the town and its ancient surroundings, connecting you to the past. Reddit

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in the area. Instagram

Look for architectural fragments from Ephesus, like the gladiator relief, and the layered historical structures reflecting different eras. Instagram

🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture

Originally a monumental Byzantine church (Basilica of St. John the Theologian) built in the 5th century, it was converted into a mosque and fortified after the Seljuk conquest in the 11th century. It features walls from Byzantine, Aydınogullari, and Ottoman periods. Instagram+1

The castle showcases a blend of architectural styles reflecting its history, with remnants of Byzantine fortifications, later Seljuk and Ottoman additions, and reused elements from Ephesus. Instagram+1

Ayasuluk Castle is built on the site of the first and last settlement of Ephesus. Architectural pieces from Ephesus, such as a gladiator relief, were used in its construction. Instagram+1

Inside the castle walls, you'll find stone-paved streets, cisterns, remnants of a mosque, and the ruins of a church at its highest point. However, much of the interior is just outer walls. InstagramReddit

The Basilica of St. John was a monumental church built in the 5th century AD, and Ayasuluk Castle was originally built upon its ruins and incorporated parts of it. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ayasuluk Castle offers a chance for kids to explore ancient ruins and imagine life in a fortress. The panoramic views can be exciting, and the short walking distance from Selçuk makes it manageable. However, be aware that the terrain is uneven and involves many steps, which might be challenging for very young children or strollers. Reddit Pack plenty of water and snacks, and consider making it a brief visit focused on the views and the historical context of the surrounding sites like St. John's Basilica. Instagram

🚶 Budget Travelers

While some visitors find the admission price a bit steep for the remaining structures, Ayasuluk Castle can still be a worthwhile stop for budget-conscious travelers, especially if combined with other nearby attractions. The main draw is the incredible view, which is priceless. Reddit Consider purchasing tickets online to potentially save time and money. Reddit The castle is easily accessible on foot from Selçuk, saving on transportation costs. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Ayasuluk Castle is a photographer's dream, particularly during sunrise and sunset. The golden hour light bathes the ancient stones and the surrounding landscape in a warm glow, creating dramatic and beautiful shots. Instagram+1 Focus on capturing the sweeping panoramic views from the ramparts, the textures of the ancient walls, and any interesting architectural details, like the reused fragments from Ephesus. Instagram The juxtaposition of the historical ruins against the modern town and natural scenery offers unique compositions. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Layered History of Ayasuluk Castle

Ayasuluk Castle, also known as Selçuk Castle, is a site steeped in history, reflecting the region's strategic importance through various eras. Its origins trace back to the Byzantine period, where it was built upon the monumental Basilica of St. John the Theologian in the 5th century AD. This basilica was a significant religious structure, and its foundations and remnants are still part of the archaeological complex. Instagram+1

Following the Seljuk conquest in the 11th century, the site underwent transformation. The church was converted into a mosque, and the area was fortified, leading to the construction of new walls and structures. Later, the Aydınogullari and Ottoman periods also left their mark, with further additions and modifications to the fortifications. This layering of architectural styles makes Ayasuluk Castle a fascinating study for history enthusiasts. Instagram

Interestingly, during its construction and later modifications, architectural fragments from the nearby Ephesus Ancient City were repurposed. This includes notable pieces like a relief depicting an Ephesian gladiator, highlighting the interconnectedness of these ancient sites. Instagram While much of the interior is now in ruins, the outer walls and the strategic location still speak volumes about its past importance. Reddit

Experiencing Ayasuluk Castle: Views and Reflections

While Ayasuluk Castle may not boast extensive intact structures, its primary allure lies in the breathtaking panoramic views it offers. Perched on a hill overlooking the town of Selçuk, the ramparts provide an unparalleled vista of the surrounding landscape, including the town, fertile fields, and distant roads. Reddit Many visitors find this expansive view to be the most rewarding aspect of their visit, offering a moment of peace and contemplation. Reddit

The experience of exploring the castle is often described as a journey through time, even with limited ruins. The stone-paved streets, cisterns, and remnants of mosques and churches within the walls hint at its former grandeur. Instagram However, it's important to manage expectations; some visitors note that much of what remains are the outer walls, and certain areas might be closed off. Reddit The climb involves many steps, so comfortable footwear is essential. Reddit

For those interested in photography, the castle is a prime location, especially during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon. The interplay of light and shadow on the ancient stones, combined with the sweeping views, creates stunning photographic opportunities. Instagram+1 The castle's proximity to other significant sites like the Basilica of St. John and Ephesus Ancient City makes it a valuable stop for a comprehensive historical and scenic exploration of the region. Instagram

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