EPHESUS
Ephesus (Turkish: Efes) was an Ionian city in ancient Anatolia, located in Ionia, where the Cayster River (Küçük Menderes) flows into the Aegean Sea. The original site of Ancient Ephesus was most likely established on the Aegean coast, on the shores of the sea which is today located 8 km away from the archaeological excavations. It is estimated that it had more than 250,000 inhabitants which makes it the fourth largest city of its time, after Rome, Alexandria and An Antioch.
The archaeological site lies in Anatolia, 3 kilometers south of Selçuk, between Aydin and Izmir and about 20 km north of Kusadasi.
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A lot of local agencies offer half day (about 4 hours) excursions to Ephesus which include a visit to the Temple of Artemis and full day excursions which then also include a visit to the House of Virgin Mary (7 km from Ephesus).
They usually charge about 20 euros for a half day and about 30 euros for a full day excursion (with entrance fees and lunch included).
From Kusadasi, you travel north to Ephesus, passing the Byzantine fortress at Selçuk, the ruins of the Temple of Artemis and St. John’s Basilica, Isabey mosque.
The tour through the Ancient City begins at its upper gate with a slow, downhill walk with your guide into the ruins of this Roman provincial capital. The route takes you by the Odeum, the Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan and the Great Theater. The Theater had 25,000 seats, was the site where St. Paul preached to the Ephesians and, today, it is used for a local spring festival.
The site contains the largest collection of Roman ruins at the East of the Mediterranean and it is estimated that only 15% has been excavated. It is also the site of a large gladiator graveyard.
Ephesus is believed to be the city of the Seven Sleepers who are considered saints by Christians and Muslims. The story tells that they were persecuted because of their belief in God and that they slept in a cave near Ephesus for centuries.
Visit to Ephesus might be exhausting, especially during the hot summer months, but it is definitely worth a visit.
Keep in mind that the Ancient City has 1,5 km walking distance along rocky roads and stairs which is why it’s recommended that you wear comfortable shoes. The walk through the site lasts about 2 hours and on your way to the bottom gate you will have a lot of heat to survive until you reach a shop where you can buy some refreshments, so, make sure to bring some water with you. For the same reasons, it is recommended that you wear sun glasses, a hat and (do not forget) sunscreen.