ephesus

‘Eyes are more accurate witnesses than ears..’ - Heraclitus of Ephesus

The great metropolis of Ephesus evolved as the center of classical sea trade, the birthplace of the Hellenistic Greek renaissance, the Roman capital of Asia Minor, and the site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In its day it rivaled Rome in its magnificence. With only ten percent of the entire area excavated, it remains unrivaled as the world’s largest intact ancient Roman city.

Typically our tours to Ephesus cover 2 days with the night spent in Sirince sampling the local gourmet cuisine and wines in the village’s vineyards. The info below outlines the highlights of our trips to Ephesus. All the experiences featured here can be mixed and matched to create an itinerary in line with your specific interests. Broaden your experience of Turkey by including any of the other regions on our site or an Aegean Blue Voyage yacht charter into your trip.

 

Accommodation in Sirince Village

 

We have selected some truly exceptional accommodations for overnight stays while touring Ephesus. Within 20 km of the site of the ancient city, and close to other sites like The House of the Virgin Mary, Aphrodisias, Heracleia and Pammukale, the historic village of Sirince offers unique period properties and chic design-led boutique accommodation options.

This exceptionally pretty Orthodox village was originally established when Ephesus was abandoned in the 15th century, although most of what one sees here today dates from the 19th century. After the War of Independence in the 1920’s, a population exchange between Greece and Turkey took place and Sirince today is a synthesis of that Turkish-Greek history. Some of the houses are open to visitors, one featuring a beautifully restored Orthodox church in its courtyard.

While staying in the protected area of the exquisitely pretty Sirince village, enjoy the local fruit wines, incredible rural landscapes, abundant gardens, quaint local and artisanal bazaars, and a fairy-tale scattering of beautifully restored and elegant Greek villas.

An overnight stay in sirince offers:
  • High-end boutique residences
  • Historic Greek villas
  • Traditional rustic cottages
  • Educated and eminent hosts
  • Fabulous cuisine using local & seasonal produce
  • Swimming pool
  • Incredible rural views
  • Sustainable and conscious eco-minded tourism
  • Easy access to Ephesus & other local sites
  • Options from simple & homely to elegant chic, suiting a range of budgets
 

historical sites and museums

 
EPHESUS HISTORY

With evidence of settlement at the site of Ephesus from as far back as Neolithic times, Ephesus was ruled by a succession of empires over later centuries—Greek, Persian, Roman, Byzantine, and finally Ottoman. Throughout the city’s history, it remained one of the most vibrant metropolises of the ancient world and one of the largest in the Mediterranean with a population of 300,000 at its height in the 2nd century CE Today, there is much to see that evokes Ephesus’ former splendor and offers a fascinating insight into this great city.

TERRACE HOUSES

These luxurious private residences were amazingly well preserved by soil from landslides occurring in the 7th century, leaving their contents remarkably intact. The houses’ frescoes, mosaics and furnishings provide a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Ephesian elite during the Roman and Byzantine periods.

EPHESUS MUSEUM

This fine exhibit includes items recovered from the Terrace Houses, such as medical and cosmetic tools, the bronze statue Eros with the Dolphin and a 3rd century fresco of Socrates. Also on display are Mycenaean vases, 2 colossal statues of Artemis Ephesia and a Theodosian frieze depicting the birth of the cult of Artemis and the flight of the Amazons from the temple of Hadrian.

THE BASILICA OF ST. JOHN

According to legend, the apostle, evangelist and prophet John lived and was also buried here in the 4th century CE. Later a magnificent domed basilica was built over the original burial site, the remains of which are still standing. This has been one of the most important shrines for Christian pilgrimage.

TEMPLE OF ARTEMIS

The Artemision, considered one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World was a building unparalleled in splendor. It was the largest edifice in the Hellenic world and the 1st work of such monumental proportions ever to be constructed entirely of marble.

MARIA CHURCH

The Maria Church was originally used as a center for education and culture in the 2nd century CE, and known as the Hall of the Muses. It was later converted into the first church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and a vast 260 m in length. The baptistery may be the best preserved in Asia Minor. Notably, here in 431, the divinity of Christ and the Virgin was discussed at the 3rd Ecumenical Council, when Nestorius rejected the divine nature of Christ regarding Mary not as the mother of God, but as the mother of a human being.

BELEVI MAUSOLEUM

Located 14 km upstream from the main city, the Belevi Mausoleum was built for Lysimachus, one of Alexander the Great’s successors, although he was never actually buried here. The Belevi mausoleum was probably inspired by the awesome Mausoleum of Halicarnassus in what is now Bodrum and it featured many similarities. The Bevlevi sarcophagus can be seen at the museum of Selcuk, together with two lions.

THE HOUSE OF THE VIRGIN MARY

Located in nature reserve between Ephesus and Selcuk, this is believed to be the last residence of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana), and dates from the 6th or 7th century, although its foundations are believed to go back to the 1st century CE. This much-visited and peaceful site is sacred to both Christian and Muslim pilgrims. According to predominant Christian tradition, Mary was brought here by the Apostle John after the Resurrection of Christ, and lived out her days there.

ÇAMLIK STEAM LOCOMOTIVE MUSEUM

This outdoor museum, 15 mins from Selçuk, is the largest railway museum in Turkey, and contains one of the largest steam locomotive collections in Europe. 33 locomotives dating from 1891–1951 are on display, and visitors are invited to explore on board- particularly fun for kids. British engineer, George Stephenson designed the oldest engine on display here, while other exhibits include 9 passenger cars including 2 wooden cars, the saloon car used by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and 7 freight cars.

Highlights of THE ANCIENT SITE:
  • STATE AGORA - A sacred area where political and religious meetings were held.
  • TOWN HALL – Dedicated to the Goddess Hestia, the sacred fire here was never allowed to go out.
  • BOULETERION - This odeon functioned as the city consul meeting place.
  • TRAJAN FOUNTAIN - One of the most remarkable Ephesian monuments is now reconstructed on a reduced scale featuring the remains of a colossal statue of Emperor Trajan.
  • SCHOLASTICA BATHS - Both a large latrine and a section identified as a brothel through a recovered inscription belong to this huge complex.
  • TEMPLE OF HADRIAN – One of Ephesus’ main attractions, this temple features a beautiful arched façade, relief of Medusa and friezes portraying the city’s founding.
  • CELSUS LIBRARY – Now an icon of Ephesus, the library is entirely reconstructed from the original pieces. The lower niches of the façade contain 4 statues representing Wisdom, Knowledge, Destiny, and Intelligence.
  • COMMERCIAL AGORA – The Commercial Market place in Ephesus.
  • THEATER - One of Ephesus’ most dramatic and impressive sights, the theater is used every May during the Selçuk-Ephesus Festival of Culture and Art.
  • STADIUM – The Hippodrome was the scene for many kinds of ceremonies, including gladiatorial fights and contests.
  • ARKADIANA STREET - This colonnaded street was the main avenue between the harbor and the city.
 

Sardes, Birgi & Tire

 
SARDIS

Sardis, the Lydian Empire’s capital, was the most powerful kingdom in Asia Minor. Remains of a gold refinery, to which the city owed its wealth, are still visible, as are the magnificent Artemis Temple and the Roman Gymnasium. The discovery of the 2nd century synagogue at Sardis, the largest in the ancient world, provides evidence of Jewish integration into general Roman life in Asia Minor, when many scholars previously assumed that Christianity had eclipsed Judaism. Sardis was also among the 7 cities addressed by John in Revelations.

BIRGI

1.45 hrs from Ephesus, lies the rural town of Birgi located on the Sariyar River, famous for its intricate needlework handcrafts, and local figs, chestnuts and olive oil- considered some of the best in Turkey. Soak up the town’s wonderfully preserved culture and traditions, exploring local shops and eateries. Birgi is a UNESCO site and home to the spectacular palatial wooden Cakiraga Mansion, now a museum, known for its unique Aegean architecture. Built in 1761 by Şerif Ali Ağa in a colorful and ornamental style, this is one of just a few such mansions to have survived.

TIRE TOWN & MARKET

Tire, 45 mins from Selcuk, is a hillside town dating back to Hittite times. From the 15th to 18th centuries Tire was important enough to have its own mint and fire brigade, and today its narrow streets are packed with wonderful old mosques, Ottoman hans and hamams. Tuesday is market day in Tire; one of the biggest local markets in Turkey, and famously people visit from as far as Izmir and Kusadasi. In the textile section you can pick up antique Ottoman embroidery, although prices are not exactly cheap. In the saddle and felt-makers street, the artisans still ply their trade and the felt wall hangings, small rugs, seat covers, delicate shawls and comfortable slippers here make excellent and reasonably priced gifts. Step back from the market and take a seat in the shade of the great plane trees at a coffee house for an invigorating Turkish coffee. Here you can also sample the traditional nargile or waterpipe.

 

Aphrodisias & Pammukale

 
APHRODISIAS

This idyllic site is one of Turkey’s largest and most impressive archaeological digs, home to the only intact Roman stadium in the country. Aphrodisias was an educational center, famous for its cult to Aphrodite. Its remains include temples, baths, theater, churches, streets, marble statues and public squares.

PAMUKKALE – HIERAPOLIS

The name Pamukkale, Cotton Castle, comes from its calcite-rich waters and thermal springs. Flowing from 200 meters (220 yards) high cliffs, the springs create an unreal landscape of mineral forests, petrified waterfalls and a series of terraced basins. The ruins of the baths and temples of Hierapolis can be seen at the site, along with the world’s largest necropolis.

 

Priene, Miletus & Didyma

 
PRIENE

One of the world’s purest examples of Hellenistic architecture, this ancient Greek holy city was home to an important Temple of Athena. Situated on a pine-covered hillside, Priene's picturesque ruins include remains of the temple, much of the city wall, a well-preserved theater and a council chamber.

MILETUS

Miletus was one of the most important cities in the ancient Greek world, but eventually declined due to the silting up of its harbors. There are many ruins to be seen at the site including an exceptionally well-preserved theater, the Temple of Apollo, a Byzantine church and the Ilyas Bey Mosque Complex.

DIDYMA

The Temple of Apollo at Didyma began as an oracular shrine in the 8th century BCE. The Hellenistic temple built on this site was one of the largest in the ancient world. It was constructed over a period of 500 years and never fully completed.

 

Cuisine

 
A GOURMET VILLAGE MEAL IN SIRINCE

You will be welcomed at this beautifully restored Ottoman-Greek village with a glass of Murver Sherbet, a cool local drink flavored with mountain flowers and spices. Then enjoy a gourmet lunch or dinner of traditional Aegean-style cuisine, while overlooking undisturbed views of the countryside, and surrounded by pine forests, fruit orchards and olive groves.

Bizim Ev

This is a unique family-run restaurant with a warm style serving traditional cuisine from the homestead of the Mercan Family. Bizim Ev Hanimeli restaurant prepares authentic Turkish dishes using home grown ingredients; specialties include moussaka, stuffed grape leaves, and mouthwatering lamb chops. Bizim Ev hosts events from intimate family dinners to business meetings and weddings in this beautiful setting located in Selcuk, 20 mins from Kusadasi and about 1 hr from Izmir.

SIRINCE WINES

The Orthodox Christian Greeks who lived here during the Ottoman Empire were famed for the excellence of their wine. Later, Muslim Turks who moved here from Thessaloniki in 1924 continued the trade using an interesting variety of local fruits ranging from blueberry and quince to apricot and mulberry. On this guided tour you will get to sample the results at a specially arranged wine tasting.

 

Shopping

 

The picturesque lanes of Sirince, with their charming boutiques and colorful bazaars, are the domains of the village’s women; here they sell handcrafts, leather and textiles of all kinds. In addition to Sirince’s unique wines, you will also find other local and organic products including vinegar, honey, olive oil soaps and pekmez, a traditional sweet molasses made from a variety of fruit. The village market is on Saturdays and offers a tempting and colorful variety of food and textiles. There is also a good market in Seljuk (Selçuk) on Saturdays.

 

Early Christianity

 

The most extensive ruins from Christian antiquity are found predominantly in Turkey, a popular destination for pilgrimages. Many Christian doctrines were established here and several books of the New Testament were written and preached to communities in what is now Turkey.

By the later 1st century CE, Ephesus had become an important center for early Christianity. The Apostle Paul spent his longest missionary tour in the great city, his preaching drawing the wrath of Ephesian artisans whose livelihoods depended on the Temple of Artemis. Paul wrote 1 Corinthians in Ephesus and the Book of Ephesians was later addressed to the city’s Christian community. In the Book of Revelation, Ephesus held one of the 7 churches addressed by Christ in a vision.

Ephesus continued to play an important role in Christian history after the time of the apostles. St. John - identified variously as an apostle, the evangelist who authored the 4th Gospel, or the prophet who wrote the Book of Revelation, The Apocalypse - is said to have lived and died in Ephesus.

Ephesus was also the setting for the official approval of the term Mother of God for the Virgin Mary. The council took place in the Double Church of the Virgin, which was probably built shortly before the bishops arrived.

According to a later legend, the Virgin Mary joined the Apostle John in Ephesus. A house just outside the city is believed by many Catholics and Muslims to have been the last home of the Virgin Mary. The current structure, known as the House of the Virgin, dates to the 7th century and became an official place of Catholic pilgrimage in 1892 and has been visited by the Pope.

 

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How we custom design tours

The destinations, sites and excursions outlined here are great inspiration for creating your custom designed itinerary. As well as being experts on Turkey, we understand people, and have been designing imaginative vacations here for over 25 years. The trips we offer cater to a range of budgets but maintain our high standards and consistently deliver a unique style and concept. For advice on creating a tailor made itinerary taking you exactly where you want to go and doing the things you most enjoy, contact us here.

Ephesus
Celsus Library at ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey
  • The facade of the Roman Library of Celsus from 177 CE
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