It's believed that Mary, mother of Jesus, spent her last years in the Ephesus/Izmir area, Though no archaeological proof of Mary's residence, there is proof that St. John (the apostle not the baptist) was buried here. Because the testament says that Christ, on the cross, asked John to look after his mother--in so many words--the belief is that Mary came with John to this area and lived out her last days. Plus, a German woman in the mid-20th century had visions that led archaeologists to the site.
Mary's re-built house. (The dark stones at the bottom of foundation are believed to be original.)
Wishing wall at Mary's house. And nosy looker-loos who were reading people's wishes! I thought that was very wrong!
Site of St. John's tomb (the apostle, not the baptist). Loads of tour group--oddly Asian seeming--accompanied by priests and brothers praying and what-have-you.
This WAS the place of rest. However, his, St. John's, remains were taken as religious relics taken to all sorts of places during the Crusades.
Finally, pagan goddess Artemis' temple, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Nothing left. Most/all of the stone was re-purposed to build St. John's tomb (which is in background of this shot).