Ephesus, Izmir, Turkey-holidify

Ephesus, Izmir Overview

The ancient city of Ephesus is located in the Aegean region alongside the coast of Lonia. Full of historical sites and ruins of temples and monuments from the Neolithic Age, Ephesus is home to one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, i.e. Temple of Artemis. It is a designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site has also opened a part of it for night viewing with illuminated streets and ruins till midnight.

Ephesus also houses the Gospel of John, one of the seven churches in Asia mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Ephesus holds great importance in early Christian history. The city is mentioned in the New Testament as one of the seven churches of Asia. It is also believed to be the site of the final home of the Virgin Mary. can explore the extensive ruins of Ephesus, including its streets, buildings, and monuments. Guided tours offer in-depth historical context and fascinating anecdotes about the city's past. The town of Selçuk, where Ephesus is located, also offers other attractions such as the Ephesus Museum, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Isa Bey Mosque.

1. House of Virgin Mary

The House of the Virgin Mary is a famous religious destination located in the city of Kusadasi, Turkey. It is believed to be where the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her final years. The hous (Read More)e is situated on top of a mountain and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. A guided tour is available.

Timings : 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

The famous temple of Artemis, also known as the Artemisium, is one of the seven wonders and the largest temple of the ancient world. It is a few minutes from Kusadasi and is located on a hilltop withi (Read More)n the Hellenistic city of Ephesus, modern-day Turkey. All that remains of the majestic temple is a column and a few scattered blocks. Several statues of the goddess and amazon warriors were in the temple, some of which are displayed in the Ephesus Archaeological museum.

Timings : Monday - Sunday : 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Entry Fees : Free

Key Attractions of Ephesus

Library of Celsus
Built in the early 2nd century CE, the Library of Celsus is one of the most impressive structures in Ephesus. It served as both a library and a mausoleum for the Roman Senator Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus. The library's façade is renowned for its intricate design, featuring a two-story colonnade and statues representing wisdom, knowledge, intelligence, and virtue. The interior once held thousands of scrolls.

Great Theatre
The Great Theatre of Ephesus, constructed in the 3rd century BCE and expanded during the Roman period, could accommodate up to 25,000 spectators. It was used for dramatic performances, gladiatorial contests, and public gatherings. The theatre's remarkable acoustics and grand architecture make it one of the best-preserved and largest ancient theatres in the world.

Temple of Artemis
The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was a magnificent structure dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Although only foundations and fragments remain today, its historical significance endures. The temple was a major pilgrimage site in antiquity, drawing visitors from across the Mediterranean.

Terrace Houses
The Terrace Houses, located on the slopes of Bulbul Mountain, were elite residences of the wealthy citizens of Ephesus. These multi-story houses featured intricate mosaics, frescoes, and sophisticated heating systems. The Terrace Houses offer valuable insights into the daily lives and domestic architecture of the city's affluent inhabitants.