Selçuk is one of the most visited tourist destinations within Turkey, known for its closeness to the ancient city of Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary and Seljuk works of art. The old quarter of Selçuk retains much traditional Turkish culture. Ayasoluk Hill dominates the surrounding area, with several historical buildings on its slopes, including the İsa Bey Mosque built by the Aydinids in 1375, and the Grand Fortress. Ephesus Beach (Turkish: Pamucak) is one of the longest beaches (12 km) in Turkey and hosts five large hotels. Today Selcuk-Ephesus is a sacred place for Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants because of the New Testament and the New Testament’s personalities associated with this place (John, Paul, Mary, Apollos, Aquilla, Priscilla, Gaius, Aristarchus, and the Early Church Fathers).