High quality vacation attractions in Ephesus today
Holiday places to see in Ephesus 2023 with BestEphesusTours? For the travelers who overnight and have time to explore other sites around Ephesus, we recommend to visit the following sites. They are all nearby Ephesus. Some can be added to private Ephesus tour, some can be visited in a day trip from Kusadasi, Selcuk, Sirince or Izmir. All the below sites, are recommended for travelers who have been to Ephesus already. Ephesus is the main highlight of the area. Some of the sites can be combined with Private Ephesus Tours. For tour enquiries and/or questions please do not hesitate to contact us. For the travelers who will be staying in Kusadasi, Sirince or Selcuk, we offer 3 days tour of western Turkey tours. See additional info at https://www.bestephesustours.com/private-ephesus-tours-from-port-of-izmir-airport.html.
Ephesus is one of Turkey’s major sightseeing attractions. This vast and beautiful Greco-Roman city was once home to 250,000 people, and the glorious monuments that remain point to it being a vibrant and rich metropolis. With a castle, excellent museum, Byzantine basilica, and the remnants of a Roman aqueduct running straight through the center, this little town may be overshadowed by the mammoth ruin next door but offers bundles of extra sightseeing to offer those who choose to spend a few days here. Supposedly founded by the Ionian prince Androclus in the 10th century BCE, Ephesus was not only a center of trade but a great pilgrimage center, with the Temple of Artemis built in worship of the mother goddess.
Approximately two kilometers down a road from the Ephesus ruins is this small cave system with an interesting local legend attached to it. Supposedly, in 250 CE, the Emperor Decius persecuted seven early Christian converts who then were sealed up by the emperor in this cave. Two hundred years later, the Christians awoke to find the Roman world had become Christian and lived peacefully in Ephesus for the rest of their days. When they died, they were buried back here in the cave, and it became a pilgrimage center. There’s not a huge amount to see inside the cave except some tombs, but just before the cave entrance is an outdoor terrace where local women cook traditional gözleme (flatbreads), which make for a great lunch after visiting Ephesus.
Ephesus is now under the protection of UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee since 2015. According to UNESCO, the city is remarkably contributing to the overall Outstanding Universal Value within its long historical status. Moreover, the city contains many important places in the context of historical settings. Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the library and the most important place in Ephesus; Temple of Artemis. This temple has been nominated as one of the Seven Wonders of Ancient Worlds. Selcuk, where the ancient city of Ephesus is located, is also one of the most fertile lands in Anatolia. For this reason, many trade routes pass in this direction. However, there is also a port that connects the east and west of the world.
Ephesus Ancient City has always been a highlight for history and archaeology lovers. But Best Ephesus Tours tailor made programs has options to fulfill your day according to your interests. Best Ephesus Tours also have tours for those who has interest into having less history but having local wine in an authentic village. Also, have tours for those who likes to enjoy shopping in local markets and having courses of Turkish food cooking class. Eventually as an experienced tour company Best Ephesus Tours aim to have guests going back ship with remarkable memories. Read a lot more info at best Ephesus tours.
Temple of Artemis, is also known as the Temple of Diana. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Artemis was completed in Ephesus around 550 BC. The temple was built entirely from marble. Even if the temple has been used for more than 800, it was never really completed. The architect of the temple, known as Artemisium in Latin, is known as Chersiphron from Greece. When the temple was first built, it was visited by many people from kings to artists, traders, and travelers, and was used as a religious building where they offered their blessings and beliefs to the goddess. There is no entrance fee for the Temple of Artemis. Visiting hours of the temple have been announced from 9 A.M to 7 P.M but as there are any guards in the neighborhood, the hours might be flexible too.