Legend of the Seven Sleepers
The outline of the story is that during the persecutions of the Roman emperor Decius, around 250 AD, seven young men were accused of Christianity. They were given some time to recant their faith, but instead gave their worldly goods to the poor and retired to a mountain to pray, where they fell asleep. The emperor, seeing that their attitude towards paganism had not improved, ordered the mouth of the cave to be sealed.Decius died in 251 and many years passed during which Christianity went from being persecuted to being the major religion of the Roman Empire. At some later time â usually, during the reign of Theodosius II 408 - 450 â the landowner decided to open up the sealed mouth of the cave, thinking to use it as a cattle pen. He opened it and found the sleepers inside. They awoke, imagining that they had slept but one day. One of their number returned to Ephesus. He was astounded to find buildings with crosses attached; the townspeople were astounded to find a man trying to spend old coins from the reign of Decius. The bishop was summoned to interview the sleepers; they told him their miracle story, and died praising God.
Selcuk is a good starting place for many excursions and visits in the area.
A major attraction is the Roman city of Ephesus which is located only 4km away from the center of the village. Entrance fee cost 25 TL per person.
The promenade will also take you to the The Temple of Artemis Artemision. Although it was one of the "Seven Wonders" of the Ancient world, nowadays only a column is left.
On the way there one can also visit the Cave of the Seven Sleepers see the infobox at right.
The picturesque village of Åirince is located 9km east to Selcuk up in the hills. It offers wonderful views among olive and peach trees as well as several excellent country hotels.
House of the Virgin Mary
Meryem Ana Evi, 10 km south on the hills is claimed to have been the house where Virgin Mary spend her last days in Ephesus. The Vatican declared this place as an official Catholic pilgrimage site.Pamucak
beachA nice day-tour can take one to the three archeological sites of Priene, Miletus and Dydima, all Roman cities located a little bit south in the coast. Several hotels and pensions offer this tour or you can also rent a van, with driver or not, on your own.
In the city center there are other very interesting spots:
The Byzantine citadel and the remains of St. John Basilica.
The Aqueduct.
The Museum of Ephesus. Contains objects found in the Ephesus excavation at the site. 8TL admission.
