DRIVING INFORMATION

Alaçatı – Efes: 147 kilometers

Ephesus Ancient City & Archeological Museum

The ancient city of Ephesus (Ephesos) takes you on an unforgettable journey through history; etched on minds as the home of the Blessed Virgin Mary, going all the way back to the Neolithic period and inhabited in a very lengthy period of the Roman Empire. This ancient city was valued for a long time as a harbour town, and thanks to the excavations which have uncovered new sections and artefacts every year, the city continues to surprise its visitors and maintain its historical value. Many famous classical philosophers, whose books are still read today, such as Heraclitus, lived in this scientific, artistic and cultural centre. The ancient city of Ephesus, and especially its famous Temple of Artemis, one of the first Greek temples built, is recognized as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and listed as a ‘World Heritage Site’ by UNESCO in 2015. Over the years the site has moved, and it is now spread over an area of 8kms. This breath-taking city attracts approximately 1.5 million tourists annually. It is believed that the Bible was written here and that the Virgin Mary died here, which gives it a special significance for Christians. It is believed that Ephesus was founded as far back as 6000 BC and was built to pay homage to Artemis, the fertility goddess. The city of Ephesus was geographically, economically, politically and culturally a significant city as the capital of Hellenic Greece, one of the 12 cities of Ionia during the Classical Greek period, and the capital of the Roman Empire’s Asia province. Today it serves as a place of pilgrimage for the Christians.

For more information: http://turkey.com/home/travel/travel-ideas/ancient-city-ephesus/