Ancient City of Ephesus is located in Selçuk District of İzmir. The city, which was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dates back to 6000 BC. The first city made entirely of marble in history.
Having a port city in time allowed them to progress rapidly in trade, culture and art.
It has become one of the wealthiest cities of the period. The majestic temples, the largest library of the region and the school of philosophy were founded. However, the port was filled with alluviums brought by the rivers over the years. The city began to lose its power slowly, the city experienced a great earthquake left behind its glorious days.
There are two entrances to the ancient city of Ephesus. Check in at the upper door of Ephesus and start exploring the majestic heritage of the ancient city.
Odeon
In the period, city council meetings, theater and competitions were held in places called Odeon.
Odeon in the Ancient City of Ephesus is a theater-shaped 1400-person area. Today it hosts classical music concerts and jazz festivals from time to time. Feel the healing and integrative effect of music by sitting in the same places as the ancient civilizations of the ancient city.
Prytaneion
The City Hall (prytaneion) is a place where diplomatic relations with the city administration are carried out and the halls are equipped with god and emperor statues.
Artemis statues of the most valuable works of the Ephesus Museum were found here. At the altar of the goddess Hestia near the building, a sacred fire was burnt. This fire represented the independence and immortality of the city, so that it would never burn.
Temple of Domitian
The Domitian Temple is located on the road from Odeon to the entrance of Kuretler Street.
The Ephesians built this temple to show their gratitude to the facilities provided by the Emperor Domitian. Domitian was the first emperor to be built on behalf of Ephesus.
Kuretler Street
Kuretler Street is the most functional street of the city, from Herakles Gate to the Library of Celsus.
A large sewer system under the floor covered with marble plaques proves the level of civilization that the city reached at that time. The monumental buildings such as the Traianus Fountain, the Hadrianian Temple and the baths of Skolastika are located on this street.
Temple of Hadrian
The temple was built to honor the Roman Emperor Hadrian.
It is one of the rare structures of the city that has reached today from ancient times. There are intriguing reliefs depicting the founding myth of Ephesus on the door girder.
The inscribed pedestals in front of the temple stand at the time with the power of carrying the statues of the Roman emperors.
Library of Celsus
The Library of Celsus is the most spectacular building in the ruins of Ephesus. There are four statues of women on the outer wall rising in all its glory.
After the death of Roman senator Celsus, the library is also a memorial. There is a sarcophagus of Celsus under the western wall of the building.
The library, which contains 14 thousand books at the time, was one of the most rich libraries of the ancient times. So much so that the wise Herakleitos, dreamers Artemidoros, poet Callinos and physicians, such as Soranos have an important role in the growth of famous people.
In the afternoon, the sun goes down softly behind the library, giving you a visual feast for take creative photograps.
Marble Street
Marble Street provides transportation between the Celsus Library and Odeon.
Pedestrians are not forgotten on the street where cars are used. The high platform on the side of the road serves the same as the sidewalks.
Great Theater
The Great Theater is the largest open-air theater in the ancient world with a capacity of 24,000 people.
It has a three-storied façade. It was used as a gladiator arena as well as theater performances.
In vineyards, various shows were held to honor the god of wine Dionysus. The symbol of the theater is the story of laughing and crying masks.
The House of the Virgin Mary
Church of the Virgin Mary, is located to the north of Liman Street. One of the first seven churches of Christianity in the world.
It is also the birthplace of the Catholic sect.
Mary has a very special meaning for Christians as it is considered the "Mother of God" in this church. This is a place that calms your soul with fresh scents of mountain thyme.