Ephesus, an ancient Greek city, is particularly famous for the Temple of Artemis (recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World). Considered to be the best-preserved city in the eastern Mediterranean region, Ephesus offers travelers excellent insights into what life was like during Roman times. All Ephesus tours revolve around the city’s historical and cultural attractions, but there is also no shortage of natural beauty.
Ephesus underwent a turbulent history, with a long period of conquests and reconquests, finally becoming a Roman city in 133 BC. This rich history makes Ephesus tours truly fascinating. The city grew to become the capital of Asia Minor in 27 BC and attracted immigrants from all over the world. Ephesus reached the height of its power during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, and by 100 AD, it was the largest city in Roman Asia. The Library of Celsus, the third-largest library of the ancient world, was also built in Ephesus.
Today, Ephesus primarily attracts history buffs and Mediterranean cruise travelers. It is also considered extremely sacred for Christians due to its association with biblical figures such as St. Paul the Evangelist, Virgin Mary, and St. John. Ephesus tours offer you the chance to explore one of Turkey’s top architectural wonders, but the experience doesn’t end with its ruins. Just two miles from Ephesus, the town of Selçuk boasts the Isabey Mosque and the Basilica of St. John, both worth visiting. Below them lie the remains of the world-famous Artemision. Another reason to visit Selçuk is its weekly market on Saturdays, one of the most popular in Turkey.
Ephesus can be visited as a day trip from Istanbul, but the best Ephesus tours typically take two to three days. Exploring the nearby cities of Didyma, Miletus, and Aphrodisias, as well as visiting attractions like Kusadasi, Pamucak Beach, and the hot mineral spas of Pamukkale, is definitely worth extending your stay.
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