Ayasuluk Hill, Archaeological mound in Selçuk, Turkey.
Ayasuluk Hill is an archaeological mound in Selçuk featuring stone fortifications, a basilica, and multiple excavation sites across its slopes. The site displays layered ruins from different periods, with some carefully exposed while others remain partially buried beneath the earth.
The hill was originally Apasa, the capital of the Kingdom of Arzawa during the Late Bronze Age, as pottery discoveries confirm. In later periods, the Basilica of Saint John was constructed, highlighting the site's continued importance as a religious center.
The hill is named after Saint John, who left behind a significant church that was later converted into a mosque under Seljuq rule. Visitors can still see the traces of these overlapping religious layers in the ruins, revealing how different communities shaped this place over time.
The hill is easily accessible to visitors with stairs and paths to explore the different areas, though the terrain is uneven. Good shoes and water are recommended, especially in warm weather, since the climb can be strenuous and shade is scarce.
Chamber tombs cut into the hillside contain artifacts that reveal this place once had maritime connections through proximity to the sea. These findings suggest that sailors and merchants regularly visited the location, demonstrating its economic importance in ancient times.
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