Ephesus is an amazing historical treasure. It’s one of the largest Roman archeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean. Even more, Ephesus is a popular site for religious tourism and pilgrimages, especially in Christianity. From the hubs of Kusadasi or Izmir, many of these landmarks lie close together. In 2 days, I visited five top Ephesus Turkey historic sites.
Ephesus is located where the Aegean Sea meets the former estuary of Caystrus River. I explored the following landmarks: Ephesus Archeological Site, Ephesus Archeological Museum, House of the Virgin Mary, Basilica of St. John/Selcuk Castle remains and Temple of Artemis remains. So, read on to learn more about this incredible destination.
Ephesus Historical Significance
Built in the 10th century BC by the Greeks, Ephesus became a worship site for the Goddess Artemis. Nearby, her temple ruins are recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Ephesus is named after the son of the River God, Caystrus.
During the Roman period, Ephesus became a major center for Christian evangelism. The New Testament’s Book of Revelation mentions Ephesus as one of the Seven Churches of Asia. Paul the Apostle spent three years in Ephesus and wrote the book of Ephesians. Also, many believe John the Apostle wrote the Gospel of John in Ephesus.
The story goes that after Jesus’ crucification, Apostle John brought Mary, the Mother of Jesus to Ephesus. Here, she lived until her Assumption. John died at Ephesus and his tomb was located below the Basilica of St. John at Selcuk. Later, in the 12th century, his tomb remains were moved to the Church of Saints in Istanbul.
The Goth destroyed Ephesus and the temple in 263 AD. However, emperor Constantine the Great rebuilt much of the city and erected new public baths. This marked the decline of the city’s power. Ephesus was the site of a major church meeting known as the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD. Ephesus became completely abandoned by the 15th century and Turkified to Selcuk in 1914.
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Five Ephesus Turkey
Historic Sites
I visited all five of these historical gems in 2 days from the cruise port, Kusadasi. The first day I did an organized tour to the Ephesus archeological site and museum. On the second day, I arranged a taxi for the rest of the sites. They lie close together. So, tourists can easily see everything in a couple days.
Ephesus Archeological Site
The Ephesus Archeological Site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with historical treasures. It’s best to plan and research beforehand. I visited two times, the first being with a guide. Then, the second time I went on my own and enjoyed even more this iconic time capsule.
The site offers 2 entrances: upper (south) and lower (north). I prefer the upper as you start at the top of the hill and walk downwards to the Library Celsus. The upper entrance is about 3 km from Selcuk and House of the Virgin Mary. This back road also leads to Cave of the Seven Sleepers in about 1.5 km. Also, the crowd size is less at the upper gate.
However, the lower is the primary entrance, accessible to tour buses and larger parking lot. Both entrances offer restrooms, souvenirs shops and restaurants.
Overall, here are some of the best archeological gems. I listed them from upper (south) to lower (north) entrances.
Odeon Theater – This small, semi-circular theater holds 1,500 spectators. It offered a venue for theater along with political and social events.
Heracles Gate – Located on Curettes Road, this gate shows the Greek God, Heracles relief on both pillars. It functioned to stop wagons from entering a pedestrian path. Â
Curetes Street – This is one of the main streets stretching between Hercules Gate and Celsus Library. It is named after the priests.
Trajan Fountain – This was the most famous Roman fountain of Ephesus. It became named after Roman Emperor Trajan with his statue overlooking the pool.
Terrace Houses – This neighborhood became the elite part of the city. The luxurious villas stand on the northern slope of Bulbuldagu Hill. The eastern and western complexes became excavated. Overall, wall frescos and mosaics decorate the floors.
Temple of Hadrian – Built about 138, this monument honored the visit of the Emperor Hadrian. Bronze statues of the Roman Emperors Maximian, Diocletian and Constantius erected about 300AC. Furthermore, reliefs in the upper sections are casts, with originals exhibited in the Ephesus Archaeological Museum.
Public Latrines (Toilets) – These are located near the junction of Marble and Curetes Streets. These 48 marble benches with holes lined the walls. They stood over an ongoing flow of water.
Ephesus became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.
Library of Celsus – This Roman monument was the third biggest library in the ancient world. Built by the Roman Empire around 135 AC, it’s named after Tiberius Celsus, a powerful senator. Furthermore, the library housed 12-15 thousand scrolls of parchment. Celsus is entombed under the library. The iconic façade became reconstructed from original pieces.
Marble Street – Stretching between the Grand Theater and Celsus Library, it was the main road and part of the religious Procession Road.
Grand Theatre – Holding up to 25,000 people, this monument is one of the biggest open-air theaters of the ancient world. As a precursor to modern theater, popular performances honored Dionysus, the god of wine. Also, the Romans watched gladiator fights here.
Ephesus Archeological Museum
The Ephesus Archeological Museum in Selcuk exhibits finds from the excavation site. Two of the most famous pieces are the ancient statues of Artemis, the Greek Patron Goddess of Ephesus. Her many breasted statues symbolize fertility.
Overall, it houses more than 64,000 artifacts. The museum layout is in halls:
Fountain Findings
Great Courtyard
Grave
Artemis of Ephesus
Emperor Cults
Small Courtyard
House of The Virgin Mary
The House of The Virgin Mary is also near Ephesus and a famous pilgrimage site for Christians and Muslims. The story goes that Apostle John brought Mary, the Mother of Jesus, to this house. Here, she lived until her Assumption. The building is about 2,000 years old.
Visitors that can walk through the small, stone building. Also, outside the shrine is the “Wishing Wall,” where visitors post their written requests.
Basilica of St. John Ruins / Selcuk Castle
Atop the Ayasuluk Hill lies the Basilica of St. John and Selcuk Castle. Once paying admissions, you first see the basilica ruins with the castle and fortress behind.
In the 6th century, Emperor Justinian I built the Basilica of St. John. Dying around 98 AD, it’s believed that the tomb of St. John was laid to rest at Basilica of St. John. Later, the tomb was moved to the Church of Saints in Istanbul. The basilica was designed with a cruciform layout using stone blocks from the Temple of Artemis. Today, millions of Christians make a pilgrimage to the Basilica of St. John.
Temple of Artemis Ruins
Near the Ephesus Archeological Site is the Temple of Artemis ruins. It became completed about 550 BC. This monument is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. According to the Greek Geographer, Pausanias, the temple also included the largest building of the ancient world.
Enjoy Ephesus!
This archeological trove takes you back to a time from many cultures. The ancient Greek, Roman and Turkish histories come alive here. Also, its early Christian influences attract religious pilgrimages. And the best part is that all the 5 sites discussed here are close together. If your travels bring you to Ephesus, feel free to leave any suggestions or tips below.
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