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The remains of the sacred-precinct of St Thecla stand about 2 kilometers south of Silifke. The fourth century church was a basilica, which contained the actual martyrium. Eastern Roman Emperor Zenon (474-491) built a church here to commemorate his victory over a rival. There is also the Cave Church situated under the eastern half of the south aisle of the fifth century basilica of St. Thecla. This is where St. Thecla spent her last days and later it was converted into subterranean basilica. The site (already in ruins) became a center of interest for archaeologists and the first excavations were done as early as 1907 by Austrian art historian J. Strzigowski

St. Thecla is considered to be the first female martyr of Christianity. Originally from Iconium (modern Konya, Turkey), she was converted after hearing St. Paul preaching. She settled down in Seleukia (modern Silifke, Turkey) where she dwelled in a cave. She was respected by the locals, she performed healings and was able to convert many. Local pagan physicians full of envy and hatred employed some ruffian to harm her but she was miraculously escaped from a fissure in the rock opened by the God. In the hagiographical traditions of the West and of Byzantium, St. Thecla is associated with the Acts of Paul and Thecla. The sanctuary was visited by Egeria, one of the first female pilgrims in the fourth century. It is also mentioned by Gregory of Nazianzus, and by Basil, who was bishop of Seleucia from 431 to 459. We learn from the contemporary records that Thecla’s sanctuary was a major pilgrimage shrine where miraculous medical cares occurred. With the Arab invasion from 8th century on, this region became a frontier which affected the popularity of the site. We still find records of pilgrimage and monastic tradition at the sanctuary of St. Thecla until 7th century. In the 11th century St. Thecla appears on the seals of Seleukian archbishops. In the 14th century, King Jacob of Aragon received a sacred relic from her sanctuary as a gift from the Armenian ruler of Cilicia.

Being once an important pilgrimage and monastic center, the Church of St. Thecla remains in ruins today. It was an important religious center in the Early Christianity and in the Middle Ages.

There is no specific religious influence to speak of.

- Direct visit
If possible, a direct visit would be of most value.
- Virtual visit (specify how)
A virtual visit by PPP prepared by the teacher.
- Classroom activity (pre- and post- visit)
A pre-visit research on once important but neglected religious centers and if there is any in the region.
Post-visit discussion can be why some religious centers became neglected in due course of time.