EPHESUS

At the start of the tour, we will be picked up from the hotel and head toward the ancient city of Ephesus. On the way, our guide will provide a brief history of the region.

Ephesus is of great historical significance, and the main structures you will visit during this tour include:

Odeon (Small Theatre): One of the most important meeting places in ancient Ephesus, the Odeon had a capacity of 1,500 and was one of the largest and most significant social spaces of its time. This theatre was used for public meetings, music events, and theatrical performances.

Temple of Domitian: Dedicated to the Roman Emperor Domitian, this temple is one of the largest in Ephesus. Archaeological excavations here have shed light on significant findings from the Roman Empire period.

Trojan Fountain: One of the important monuments of the Roman Empire, this fountain is named after the god Trojan, whose statue was located in the temple. It is an impressive example of Greek and Roman architecture.

Terrace Houses (Optional): Terrace Houses are among the most luxurious and impressive residential areas of the ancient city. Built during the Roman Empire period for the high socio-economic class, they are famous for their large rooms, mosaic floors, and elegant wall frescoes. Each house showcases the aesthetic understanding and luxurious lifestyle of the time. These homes also offer a glimpse into daily life in ancient Ephesus, with frescoes that help us understand the culture and art of the period. The Terrace Houses are some of the best-preserved residential structures in Ephesus and offer a unique insight into the past.

Celsus Library: Dedicated to the Roman Emperor Celsus, this library is one of the symbols of Ephesus and was one of the largest libraries of its time, holding around 12,000 books. It remains a point of interest for visitors today.

House of Love (Love House): Considered one of the most romantic structures in Ephesus, the House of Love is built in the Ionic order. It is notable for its reliefs and marble carvings.

Great Agora: The Agora was the commercial center of Ephesus and one of the largest and most bustling marketplaces in the ancient world. Here, traders and the public interacted with each other.

Ancient Theatre: One of the largest structures in Ephesus, the ancient theatre had a capacity of about 25,000 people. It was used not only for theatrical performances but also for religious and political events.

Harbor Street: One of the most important streets in ancient Ephesus, Harbor Street led to the port and is one of the impressive engineering examples of the Roman Empire.

Experience Museum: This museum offers a glimpse into the fascinating past of Ephesus, showcasing artifacts from the ancient period and providing history lovers with a deeper understanding.

Virgin Mary House Visit: The Virgin Mary House is believed to be the place where the Virgin Mary spent her last years, according to Christian tradition. Located 9 km outside of Ephesus, this church is a significant place of worship for Christians. It was discovered by a French nun in the late 19th century. Visitors can learn about the life of the Virgin Mary and her role in Christian history and have the opportunity to pray. After the visit, the impressive atmosphere of the Virgin Mary House offers a spiritually profound experience.

Temple of Artemis: The Temple of Artemis is one of the most important structures of ancient Ephesus and was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Dedicated to the Roman goddess Artemis, this temple was one of the largest and most magnificent of its time. The structure’s architecture was one of the most advanced engineering feats of the period and is notable for its large columns. Although only ruins remain today, the temple continues to be a symbol of Ephesus’s religious and cultural significance. The Temple of Artemis hosted a large pilgrimage event each year and attracted many traders and visitors. It remains an important structure reflecting the religious beliefs and cultural values of the people of Ephesus.