Ephesus

Ephesus, founded in the 7th century BC, was the most important Greek city in Ionian Asia Minor and was noted for the magnificent Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. By the 2nd century, Ephesus was home to 300,000 people and a major center of trade. The theater could seat 25,000 and the Library of Celsus was second only to Alexandria’s. Located in western Turkey, near modern day Seljuq, over 6 km from the coast, it’s hard to imagine that this city was once a major seaport.

Library of Celsus

 Emperor Constantine built the long colonnaded walk, the Arkadiane, from the theater to the harbor in the 4th century. However, by that time silt from the Cayster River, which today meanders lazily through the plains beyond the ruins, was already filling the harbor. By Byzantine times, the harbor was useless, and the site nearly forgotten until archeologists began uncovering parts of the city in the mid 19th century.

Ephesus the Seaport

Legend has it that the Virgin Mary, accompanied by St. Paul, came to Ephesus at the end of her life, circa 37-45 AD. Renaissance church historians mentioned the trip, and it is said that local Christians venerated a small house near Ephesus as Mary’s. Also the Basilica of St. John is located near Ephesus. St. John is said to have lived the last years of his life here and after his death, a shrine was located
over his grave.

Major Attractions of Ephesus

Ephesus is unparalleled in the number of well preserved ancient ruins. There are over 30 structures, museums and ruins to tour as you walk along the ancient streets of Ephesus and include the Agora, Celsus Library, Aqueduct of Sextilius Pollio, the Harbor Baths and the Stadium.

Also, to the right of the road leading to Kusadasi are the ruins of the Temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Artemis was the virgin goddess of nature. The ruined Artemision contained a total of 127 columns, the 36 facade columns being decorated with carved reliefs. It was 115 meters long, 55 meters wide and 18 meters high.

The Temple of Artemis

The Ephesus Museum, considered the best archaeological museum in Turkey, contains the works brought from the ruins of Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis, the Ayasoluk Hill and the Belevi Mausoleum. All of these are spread out in seven different halls.

The Ephesus Theatre, which had a seating capacity of 25,000, was first constructed during the Hellenistic period, although the present structure dates from the 1-2nd centuries AD. The Roman Theatre was begun during the reign of Claudius (34-41 A.D.), and it took 60 years to build.

The Temple of Hadrian is on the street of the Curettes, and is one of the better preserved buildings at Ephesus. According to the inscription over the architrave it was constructed by P.Quintilius during 118-138 A.D., and dedicated to the emperor Hadrian.

The Temple of Hadrian

Opposite Hadrian’s Temple are the excavated Terrace Houses, which were built on the slopes of Bulbul Mountain. Their name comes from their design, with the roof of one house providing the terrace for the higher structure. The important and wealthy of Ephesus were residents of these “houses of rich” when built from the first century BCE, and continued until their restoration period in the second century CE. Although plain from the outside, their interiors were decorated with mosaics and frescoes and designed with opened ceiling, interior peristyles.

Although these houses were mostly two-storied, upper stories collapsed after the last structures were abandoned in the 7th century. Excavation continues with two houses fully restored. Visitors can see plans of houses which had living and dining areas on the first floor, bedrooms on the second, and heating systems provided by hot water that flowed beneath floors and behind the walls. Visitors can also view current restoration projects with frescoes and mosaics in situ.

The House of The Virgin Mary

The place where the Virgin Mary may have spent her last days is hidden in the greenery atop Bulbul Mountain. Some say she accompanied Saint John when he spent several years in the area spreading Christianity. The House of the Virgin Mary is a stone, Roman architectural structure. In the 4th century a church, combining her house and grave, was built. Today, the central part of the home and a room to the right of the altar are open to visitors. Another interesting place is the “Water of Mary”, a source to be found at the exit of the church area and where rather salty water, with curative properties, can be drunk by all. At the entrance gate is a post office where a post card can be sent post marked from the House of the Virgin Mary.

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