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Ephesus is an amazing treasure of history. It is one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean. More importantly, Ephesus is a popular place for religious tourism and pilgrimage, especially in Christianity. From the hubs of Kusadasi or Izmir, many of these landmarks are close. In two days, I visited five of the top Turkish historic sites in Ephesus.
Ephesus is located at the Aegean Sea where the estuary of the Former River. I explored the following landmarks: Ephesus Archaeological Site, Ephesus Archaeological Museum, House of the Virgin Mary, Cathedral ruins of St. John/Selcook Castle and Temple of Artemis. So keep reading to learn more about this incredible destination.
The historical significance of Ephesus
Built on 10Th Greeks BC, Ephesus Become a place of worship for the goddess Artemis. Nearby, her temple ruins are recognized as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Ephesus is named after Caystrus, the son of the river.
During the Roman period, Ephesus became the main center of Christian gospel. The Book of Revelation in the New Testament mentions Ephesus as one of them Seven churches in Asia. Paul’s Apostle I spent three years in Ephesus and wrote the Book of Ephesians. And, many people believe Apostle John The Gospel of John was written in Ephesus.
This story comes after Jesus was crucified, the apostle John brought Jesus’ mother Mary to Ephesus. Here, she lives until the assumption. John died in Ephesus, and his tomb was located below the Cathedral of St. John in Selcook. Later, 12Th During the century, his tomb was moved to the Church of Saints in Istanbul.
Goth destroyed Ephesus and the temples in 263 AD. However, Emperor Constantine rebuilt much of the city and established new public bathrooms. This marks a decline in urban power. Ephesus is the site of a major church meeting The Ephesus Commission was in 431 AD. Ephesus was completely abandoned by 15Th Century and Türkiye Selcuk 1914.
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I visited all five historical gems in two days from Kusadasi cruise port. On the first day, I toured the Ephesus archaeological sites and museums. The next day, I arranged a taxi for the rest of the stations. They approached together. Therefore, visitors can easily see everything in a few days.
Ephesus archaeological site
this Ephesus archaeological site It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is full of historical treasures. It is best to plan and study in advance. I visited twice, the first one was to point to the guide. Then, the second time I was alone, preferring this iconic time capsule.
The location offers 2 entrances: upper (south) and lower (north). I prefer the upper floor when you start from the top of the hill and walk down to the library Sails. The upper entrance is about 3 km from the houses of Selcuk and Mary. The road also leads to about 1.5 km of seven sleeper caves. Moreover, the size of the people coming to the door is smaller.
However, the lower is the main entrance, which accommodates buses and larger parking. Both entrances offer toilets, souvenir shops and restaurants.
Overall, these are some of the best archaeological gems. I listed them from the upper (south) to the lower (north).
Odeon Theatre – This small semicircular theater has 1,500 spectators. It provides a theater venue as well as political and social events.
Herakel Gate – This gate is located on Curettes Road and shows the Greek god, Hercules relief on these two pillars. Its role is to prevent vans from entering pedestrian paths.
curetes street – This is one of the main streets that extend between the entrance to Dali and the Sails Library. It is named after the priest.
Trajan Fountain – This is the most famous Roman fountain in Ephesus. It is named after the Roman emperor Trajan, whose statue overlooks the swimming pool.
Terrace House – This community becomes an elite part of the city. Luxury villa stands on the northern slope of Bulbuldagu Hill. The eastern and western complexes were excavated. Overall, murals and mosaics decorate the floor.
Hadrian’s Temple – This monument has been built about 138, paying tribute to Emperor Hadrian’s visit. The bronze statues of the Roman emperor Maximian, Diocletian and Constantius were erected about 300 AC. In addition, the upper relief is an actor, with original works exhibited in the Ephesus Archaeological Museum.
Public toilet (toilet) – These are located near the marble and curetes streets. These 48 marble benches with holes line up on the walls. They stand on the constant flow of water.
Ephesus became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.
Karsus Library – This Roman monument is the third largest library in the ancient world. Built by the Roman Empire about 135 AC, it was named after the mighty Senator Tiberius Celsus. In addition, the library contains 120,000 to 15,000 sheets of parchment. Karsus was buried under the library. The iconic facade is rebuilt from the original work.
Marble Street – Extending between the Grand Theater and the Sails Library, the main road and part of the Religious Parade Road.
Grand Theater – With a maximum of 25,000 people, this monument is one of the largest open-air theaters in the ancient world. As a pioneer of modern theaters, popular performances honor Dionysus with the god of wine. Also, the Romans watched the battle of the gladiators here.
Ephesus Archaeological Museum
this Ephesus Archaeological Museum Find from excavation sites in the Selcuk exhibition. The two most famous works are the ancient statue of Alemis, the Greek patron goddess of Ephesus. Many of her breast statues symbolize fertility.
Overall, it has over 64,000 artifacts. The museum is laid out in the hall:
Fountain discovery
Great courtyard
serious
art in Ephesus
Emperor worship
Small courtyard
House of Virgin Mary
this House of Virgin Mary It is also close to Ephesus, and is a famous pilgrimage site for Christians and Muslims. The story tells the story of the apostle John bringing Jesus’ mother, Mary, to the house. Here, she lives until the assumption. The building is about 2,000 years old.
Visitors who can walk through small stone buildings. In addition, outside the shrine is the “Wake Wall”, where visitors posted their written requests.
Cathedral of St. John’s Ruins/Selcook Castle
exist Ayasuluk Hill lie St. John’s Cathedral and Selcuk Castle. After admission, you first see the ruins of the cathedral, followed by the castle and fortress.
In 6Th In the century, Emperor Justin I built the Cathedral of St. John. After his death around 98 AD, it was believed that St. John’s tomb was placed in St. John’s Cathedral. Later, the tomb was moved to the Saints Church in Istanbul. The design of the cathedral is designed with a cross-shaped layout of stones brought by the Aermi. Today, millions of Christians are pilgrimage to St. John’s Cathedral.
Artemis ruins
The archaeological sites near Ephesus are Alemis Temple ruins. It has been completed about 550 BC. This monument is Seven Miracles of the Ancient World. According to Greek geographer Pausanias, the temple also includes the largest buildings in the ancient world.
Enjoy Ephesus!
This archaeological journey takes you back to many cultures for a while. Ancient Greek, Roman and Türkiye history is still alive here. Furthermore, its early Christian influence attracted religious pilgrimage. The best part is that all 5 sites discussed here go hand in hand. If your trip takes you to Ephesus, feel free to leave any suggestions or tips below.
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