In the later part of its history, the last church built on the site of the Church of the Virgin underwent important changes. The building was reconstructed with two rows of columns placed inside to support the roof. This architectural change transformed the structure into a five-aisled church, making it larger and more suitable for gatherings of worshippers.
Despite these improvements, the importance of the site gradually declined as Ephesus itself lost population and influence. By the end of the thirteenth century, regular religious use of the church had ended. The surrounding area was eventually converted into a cemetery, a common fate for abandoned sacred sites in the late medieval period. Tombs and burials replaced liturgical spaces, marking the final stage in the long life of this once-important Christian complex The Church of the Virgin in Ephesus.
The Church of St John the Theologian
Another major Christian monument connected with Ephesus is the Church of St John the Theologian, located on the hill of Ayasuluk, near the ancient Temple of Artemis. According to Christian tradition, St John withdrew to this hill during the last years of his life. At that time, the hill had no fresh water and was largely uninhabited, making it a place of solitude and prayer.
The tradition says that St John built a small hut on the hill and lived there in isolation. It is believed that he wrote the Fourth Gospel during this period. According to legend, he lived to the remarkable age of one hundred and twenty years and was buried on this hill.
Legends Surrounding the Death of St John
One well-known story describes St John being told by Christ that his death was near. He is said to have dug his own grave in the shape of a cross and laid himself inside it. As his disciples stood nearby, they were blinded by a great light. When their sight returned, they discovered that St John’s body was no longer in the grave. Instead, a sweet smell rose from the tomb, coming from a substance called manna Private Bulgaria Tours.
Another tradition claims that St John did not die but fell into a deep sleep in his tomb, where he waited for the Second Coming of Christ. According to this belief, signs of life appeared when dust, also called manna, moved on the surface of the grave. This substance was believed to have healing powers and was used by the faithful to cure illnesses.
Archaeological Evidence and Early Monuments
The earliest written traditions identifying the tomb of St John on Ayasuluk Hill date to the second century. At that time, the hill was used as a Roman cemetery. Fragments of a second-century sarcophagus found on the site were believed to belong to St John. The area continued to function as a burial ground throughout the later Christian period.
The first structure built over the tomb was probably a small square martyrium, a monument erected to honor a martyr or holy figure. In the fourth century, this simple structure was replaced by a larger cruciform church with three aisles. The arms of the church extended outward from the tomb, which stood at its center, emphasizing its sacred importance.
Meaning of Ayasuluk Hill
A local tradition explains the name Ayasuluk as coming from the Greek words Agios Theologos, meaning “Holy Theologian.” Another popular interpretation connects the name with the idea of “holy breath,” inspired by the belief that the earth above St John’s grave moved as if stirred by his breathing. These stories reflect the deep spiritual meaning that the site held for early Christians.
The Church of St John the Theologian thus became one of the most important pilgrimage centers of Byzantine Ephesus, preserving faith, legend, and memory across centuries.
