History Of Ephesus Turkey
Ephesus is an ancient city located in Selcuk, Izmir, Turkey. It was one of the most important cities of the ancient world and served as a hub for trade and culture in the region. Greek colonists founded the city in the 10th century BCE and it thrived under the rule of the Roman Empire.
Throughout its history, Ephesus Turkey was a center of religion, philosophy, and art. It was also a strategic location for trade, with easy access to the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean. The city was a melting pot of cultures, with Greeks, Romans, Jews, and Christians all living together in harmony.
Today, the ruins of Ephesus are among the best-preserved ancient sites in the world. They attract millions of visitors each year who come to explore the city’s rich history and admire its stunning architecture. If you are into history, You should read our blogs about Gobekli Tepe, Karahan Tepe and Boncuklu Tarla! If you wonder how the city look at night visit Ephesus at night
Ayasuluk Castle
Ayasuluk Castle is a medieval castle located in Selcuk, near the ancient city of Ephesus. They built the castle in the 6th century during the Byzantine period and served as a fortress against Arab attacks. Today, the castle is a popular tourist attraction with stunning views of the surrounding area. Read more about Ayasuluk Castle.
The Church of St. John Ephesus Turkey
The Church of St. John is a basilica located on Ayasuluk Hill in Selcuk. The Byzantine Emperor Justinian Iย built it in the 6th century and it is to be the burial place of St. John the Apostle. The church is an important pilgrimage site for Christians.Read more about The Church of St. John.
The Temple of Artemis Ephesus
The Temple of Artemision was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The people of Ephesus dedicated it to the Greek goddess Artemis and was near the ancient city of Ephesus. Today, only a few ruins remain, but it is still an important historical site. Read more about the temple of Artemis.
Vedius Antoninus Gymnasium
The Vedius Antoninus Gymnasion was a large complex for athletic training and education during the Roman period. It included a stadium, a bathhouse, and a library. Today, visitors can see the well-preserved ruins of the gymnasium. Read more about Vedius Antoninus gymnasium.
The Church of Virgin Mary in Ephesus Turkey
The Church of Virgin Mary is a small church on the top of a hill near Ephesus. According to Christian tradition, it is the place where the Virgin Mary spent her last days. The church is a popular pilgrimage site for Christians. Read more about The Church of Virgin Mary.
Harbor Gymnasium Ephesus Turkey
The Harbor Gymnasium was a large complex for athletic training during the Roman period. It included a swimming pool, a stadium, and a bathhouse. Today, visitors can see the ruins of the gymnasium and imagine what life was like in ancient Ephesus. Read more about the harbor Gymnasium.
The harbor street
The harbor street was the main street leading to the harbor in ancient Ephesus. It was lined with shops and public buildings and was an important commercial center. Today, visitors can see the well-preserved ruins of the street.ย Read more about The Harbor Street.
Nymphaion
The Nymphaion was a public fountain and monument dedicated to the nymphs, minor female deities in Greek mythology. It was in the center of ancient Ephesus and was an important meeting place for the citizens. Today, visitors can see the ruins of the Nymphaion. Read more about Nymphaion in Ephesus Turkey.
The Ancient Theater in Ephesus
The Ancient theater in Ephesus is one of the largest and most well-preserved ancient theaters in the world. It could seat up to 25,000 spectators and was for theatrical performances and gladiatorial games. Today, visitors can see the well-preserved ruins of the theater. Read more about The Ancient Theater.
The Marble Street ofย Ephesus
The Marble Street was a main street in ancient Ephesus made of marble. It was lined with shops and public buildings and was an important commercial center. Today, visitors can see the well-preserved ruins of the street. Read more about The Marble Street.
The library Of Celsus inย Ephesus
The Library of Celsus was a grand Roman building that housed a vast collection of scrolls and books.ย The son of a Roman senator Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus built it for his father.ย Today, visitors can see the well-preserved ruins of the library. Read more about The Library of Celsus.
The temple of Serapis
The Temple of Serapis was a large Roman temple. They dedicated it to the Egyptian god Serapis. It was in the southern part of the ancient city of Ephesus and was built in the 2nd century AD.ย Today, visitors can see the ruins of the temple, including the impressive Corinthian columns. Read more about The Temple of Serapis.
Scholastica Baths
The Scholastica Baths were a large Roman bathhouse complex located in the center of ancient Ephesus. The complex included hot and cold baths, a sauna, and a gymnasium. Today, visitors can see the ruins of the bathhouse and imagine what life was like for the ancient Romans. Read more about Scholastica Baths.
House Of Pleasure
The House of Pleasure was a large brothel located in the northeastern part of Ephesus. It was built during the 1st century AD and was one of the most popular brothels in the city. The brothel had a central courtyard surrounded by small rooms, each with a bed and a lamp. The walls were decorated with erotic paintings and mosaics.
Prostitution was legal and regulated in ancient Rome, and brothels were a common feature in many cities. The House of Pleasure was a popular destination for wealthy Roman tourists who visited Ephesus to enjoy its many attractions.
The Temple of Hadrianus,ย Ephesus
The Temple of Hadrianus was a grand Roman temple dedicated to the Roman emperor Hadrian. It was built in the 2nd century AD and was located in the center of ancient Ephesus. Today, visitors can see the well-preserved ruins of the temple, including the impressive facade with its ornate frieze.ย Read more about the temple of Hadrianus.
Traiani Fountain
The Traiani Fountain was a grand Roman fountain located in the center of ancient Ephesus.ย They built in honor of the Roman emperor Trajan and featured elaborate carvings and sculptures. Today, visitors can see the ruins of the fountain and marvel at the intricate details of the sculptures. Read more about Traiani Fountain.
The Curetes Street inย Ephesus
The Curetes Street was a main street in ancient Ephesus that was lined with public buildings and monuments. It was named after the Curetes, minor deities in Greek mythology. Today, visitors can see the well-preserved ruins of the street and imagine what life was like in ancient times.
The Temple of Domitianย Ephesus
The Temple of Domitian was a grand Roman temple dedicated to the Roman emperor Domitian. It was built in the 1st century AD and was located in the center of ancient Ephesus. Today, visitors can see the ruins of the temple, including the impressive columns and friezes. Read more about the temple of Domitian.
The State Agora inย Ephesus
The State Agora was a large public square in ancient Ephesus that was for political and commercial purposes. It was in the middle of public buildings and shops and was an important center of civic life. Today, visitors can see the ruins of the agora and imagine what it was like in ancient times. Read more about the State Agora.
Prytaneion in Ephesus Turkey
The Prytaneion was a grand public building in ancient Ephesus that they used as the seat of government. It was in the center of the city and was for official ceremonies and events. Today, visitors can see the ruins of the building and imagine what it was like to be a government official in ancient times. Read more about Prytaneion.
Ephesus Odeon Theater (Bouleuterion)
The Ephesus Odeon Theater, aka the Bouleuterion, was a small theater for political and musical events inย Ephesus Turkey. It was in the center of the city and could seat up to 1,500 spectators. Today, visitors can see the well-preserved ruins of the theater. Read more about The Ephesus Odeion Theater.
The Cave of Seven Sleepers Ephesus
The Cave of Seven Sleepers is a legendary cave located near the city of Ephesus Turkey. According to legend, seven young men hid in the cave to escape persecution and fell asleep for hundreds of years. Today, visitors can see the cave and learn about the legend. Read more about The Cave of Seven Sleepers.
How to Get to Ephesus Ancient City?
Getting to Ephesus Ancient City:
By car: Visitors can rent a car from Izmir and drive to Selcuk, where Ephesus Ancient City is located. The drive takes about an hour and is relatively straightforward, as there are well-marked highways leading to Selcuk. Here is the google maps of the route to Ephesus Turkey.
By bus: There are several bus companies that operate routes between Izmir and Selcuk, including Metro Turizm, Pamukkale Turizm, and Kamil Koc. The journey takes about an hour and buses run regularly throughout the day.
By train: Visitors can take a train from Izmir’s Basmane station to Selcuk, which is on the Izmir-Aydin line. The journey takes about an hour and trains run several times a day.
By tour: There are several tour companies that offer guided tours of Ephesus Ancient City, which typically include transportation from Izmir or nearby towns. Some popular tour companies include Efendi Travel, Adavegas Travel, and Viator.
By taxi: Visitors can also take a taxi from Izmir to Selcuk, although this is generally more expensive than taking a bus or train. Taxis can be hired at Izmir Airport or from taxi stands in the city center.
