Introduction to the Cave of St. Paul

The district of Selçuk in İzmir has long been home to sacred sites where different religions and civilizations intersect. One of these significant locations is the Cave of St. Paul, which holds profound religious and political meaning and stands out for its geographical setting and architectural features.

Religious and Political History

The Cave of St. Paul is named after Paul the Apostle, one of the most influential figures in early Christianity. In the 1st century AD, Paul played a leading role in spreading the Christian faith, particularly in Ephesus, where he preached and established Christian communities, turning the city into a spiritual center.

According to local tradition and archaeological findings, this cave served as a retreat and place of prayer for Paul during his time in Ephesus. It later became a pilgrimage site for early Christians and was converted into a place of worship during the Byzantine period. Frescoes depicting Saint Paul and other Christian figures were painted on its interior walls.

Politically, the cave represents a sanctuary for believers during periods when Christianity was banned and persecuted under the Roman Empire. Following the legalization and eventual adoption of Christianity as the state religion, such sacred sites were transformed into open worship spaces and protected by imperial authorities.

Geographical Location and Natural Features

The Cave of St. Paul is located on the slopes of Ayasuluk Hill near ancient Ephesus, within the boundaries of Selçuk. Ephesus was a major religious, commercial, and cultural hub in antiquity and served as the capital of the Roman province of Asia.

The cave is a natural rock formation shaped by the area’s limestone geology, which allowed for its expansion and adaptation for human use over time. It is surrounded by olive trees and natural vegetation, creating a peaceful and mystical atmosphere.

Its proximity to other sacred sites, including the House of the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St. John, and the Cave of the Seven Sleepers, makes the broader Selçuk region an important destination for spiritual tourism and pilgrimage.

Architectural Features

Although it is naturally formed, the cave was later modified by human hands. Its interior walls were plastered and decorated with Byzantine frescoes dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries. These include depictions of Saint Paul and other early Christian figures, particularly a notable image of Paul shown in a posture of prayer.

The walls of the cave also feature Greek inscriptions and pilgrim graffiti, providing evidence that it served not only as a place of worship but also as a site for vows and religious devotion.

Above the cave are the remains of a Byzantine-era church, indicating the existence of a larger religious complex. Elements such as the apse, nave, and basilical layout have been identified. Some columns and stone blocks appear to have been repurposed from earlier Roman structures.

Conclusion

The Cave of St. Paul holds a unique and valuable place in the religious, historical, and cultural heritage of Selçuk, İzmir. It sheds light on the early stages of Christianity in Anatolia and serves as a symbol of faith, resistance, and spiritual pursuit.

Although the cave is currently closed to casual visitors due to preservation efforts, it continues to be studied and protected by researchers and conservationists. From both a religious and archaeological perspective, it remains a remarkable site—a silent witness to the multi-layered past of Selçuk.