St. John the Baptist Church sits above the village of Şirince, near Selçuk in İzmir Province. Built in 1805 and restored in 1832, this Greek Orthodox church is a quiet stop among the village’s cobbled lanes. Its simple interior still holds traces of frescoes, and the courtyard looks out over the roofs below. You can also see the bell tower and wishing well in the church complex. Entry is free, and a short visit works well while exploring Şirince.
A Greek Orthodox church above Şirince
St. John the Baptist Church stands on higher ground above Şirince, reached by cobbled paths that wind up from the village square. The village was founded by Greeks who moved there from Ephesus after the city was abandoned in the 15th century. Its Greek Orthodox past remains visible in the church, one of two churches in Şirince.
The church was built in 1805 and restored in 1832. Restoration work was also put out to tender in 2015 after a long period of neglect. The building has undergone restoration more than once during its history.
Inside the church
The interior is simple and quiet, with little in the way of furnishings. Some frescoes remain, including discernible faces of biblical figures. Light enters through the windows and falls across the nave. There is no seating, and local art has at times been displayed on easels along the walls.
You can go upstairs. The rear staircase is steep and was once an entrance to the upper floor used by women. Take care on the steps, as some have been reported missing.
The courtyard and church complex
The church complex includes a bell tower and a wishing well. The courtyard gives a view across Şirince’s rooftops, making it a natural place to pause after the uphill walk. The well is associated with a local wish-making custom: visitors toss in a coin.
The church is free to enter. The paths and steps can make access challenging, and the signs nearby may not point clearly toward the entrance. The church’s condition has been noted as uneven, so a visit is best approached as a quiet look at a historic site rather than a fully restored interior.
Häufige Fragen
Is there an entrance fee for St. John the Baptist Church?
No. Entry is free.
How long does a visit take?
Around 5 to 10 minutes is enough to explore the church and courtyard.
What can you see inside the church?
Some frescoes remain, including faces of biblical figures. The interior is simple, with little furniture.
How do you reach the church from Şirince?
Walk uphill from the village square on cobbled paths. The rear approach includes a steep staircase, and local signs can be difficult to follow.
