When spending time on the Aegean Riviera in Turkey, it is worth organizing a trip to Ephesus. It is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. Archaeologists are still working in this area, which arouses even greater curiosity among tourists.
Ephesus is located in the western part of Turkey, on the Aegean coast, 19 km from Kasudasi.
The wonderful monuments of Ephesus have been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. They are located a few kilometers from the current coast.
Temple of Artemis
Currently:
In the past:
The Temple of Artemis or Artemision – for the ancient Greeks it was one of the seven wonders of the world. Known as Artemision, it was the greatest decoration of Ephesus. The building is dedicated to the goddess Artemis, and its history dates back to 550 BC. The temple was built entirely of marble. Inside there was a statue of Artemis made of gold, silver, ebony wood, ivory and black stone. Unfortunately, it did not survive. Although the temple was in use for over 800 years, it was never fully completed. Entrance to the Temple of Artemis is free. Official opening hours are 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Hadrian’s Temple
The temple of Emperor Hadrian (ruled 117–138) is, next to the Library of Celsus, the most beautiful building in this ancient city. Its facade is crowned with a portico with a sculpture of Psyche, the goddess of fate and happiness. After his death, the emperor himself was also included among the gods.
Library of Celsus
Currently:
In the past:
The Library of Celsus is one of the best-preserved ancient libraries. Archaeological excavations carried out in Ephesus allow for a fairly detailed reconstruction of its appearance. The building itself was placed on a platform surrounded by nine-step stairs, 21 meters wide.
The Gate of Heracles
The Gate of Heracles was built at the turn of the 4th and 5th centuries on the Curetian Way, near the monument of Memmius. It was a two-story structure. The preserved pillars, decorated with reliefs depicting Hercules, come from an older gate, built in the 2nd century, most likely near the entrance gate to the city.
Grand Theater
Great Theater – built of marble in Hellenistic times, and over the following years it was expanded by subsequent rulers, hence its name is not accidental. The Great Theater in Ephesus had seats for 25,000 spectators, so it is visible to tourists from a distance.
Prytaneion
Prytaneion – the city council building was built in the 1st century, during the rule of Octavian Augustus, and rebuilt in the 3rd century. It was a building preceded by a courtyard surrounded by porticos. An eternal fire burned in the courtyard, tended by the Kureci priests.
Temple of Domitian
Domitian’s temple, built during the emperor’s reign. It was located on Domitian Square. The temple was built on a high crepidoma with 8 steps (krepis). The building itself had the form of a peripteros with 8 columns at the front and 13 on the side facades. In front of it, on a two-meter-high pedestal, a high (5.0 m) monument to Emperor Domitian was placed. After the murder of Domitian, in accordance with the resolution of the Senate, most of his statues and objects related to him were destroyed, and the building itself was dedicated to Domitian’s father – Vespasian. The remains of the temple located in Ephesus are among the few preserved traces related to his name.
House of the Blessed Virgin Mary
House of the Blessed Virgin Mary -It is located in a remote area, on a hill, above the ruins of ancient Ephesus (approx. 7 km from Selçuk), on the Coressus hill, also known as the Hill of Nightingales. The House of the Blessed Virgin Mary was discovered at the end of the 19th century, but the first source records related to the stay of Our Lady in Ephesus were written down in the 4th century.
It is also worth seeing parts of the remaining buildings:
Odeon
Temple of Dea Roma and Divus Julius
The Kuret road
Pollia Fountain
Memmius Monument
Trajan’s Fountain
Terrace houses
Scholastica Baths
Temple of Serapis
Gate of Mazeus and Mithridius
Trade agora
Marmurowa Street
Arkadiusz’s path
Stadium
Entertainment:
Pamucak Beach
– Near Ephesus there is an attractive, sandy beach called Pamucak
– One of the biggest attractions on the beach is a huge complex with a water park with many slides and swimming pools
– There are also ideal conditions for diving. Numerous clubs located along the coast offer courses and rent equipment
– You can practice many water sports on the beach, including: sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing
– Hotels offer many opportunities to spend time, such as water polo, water volleyball, tennis, aerobics
