The city acted as a key commercial gateway on the thriving trade routes of the Eastern & Western worlds, and eventually took on the role of the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. The remaining archeological ruins have been now excavated and restored for over 150 years, and the titanic nature of the site's history, culture, beauty, heritage and charm will leave its mark on every visitor. This city, evolving over the millennia, also played an important role as a religious center in the early days of Christianity. Scholars say the Virgin Mary, accompanied by St. Paul, came to Ephesus at the end of her life about 37 A.D. Scriptures mention the trip and indicate she lived in a small house not far from Ephesus. Her house has now been restored into a small chapel at which Popes Paul VI, John Paul II and Benedict XVI (in 2006) have come
to celebrate mass.St. John is said to have spent several years in the area spreading the early word of the Christians. You will imagine to whom those "Letters to the Ephesians" were directed!
Ephesus was also host to one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. Here the Temple of Artemis (Diana) was rebuilt several times from the seventh to the first centuries B.C. after succumbing to fire, earthquakes and invaders. At its pinnacle in 550 B.C. it stood as a massive Ionic monument, three times the size of the Parthenon, dedicated to this Goddess of the Moon. Eventually the temple fell for good, and today the site can be only imagined by the solitary column and other strewn fragments that remain.
Let YourTourGuideInTurkey.com take you on a tour of these fascinating places and the other sites near Ephesus. Depending on how much time you have, choose between our Half Day and Full Day Tours.
