Where is Ephesus? The ancient city of Ephesus - history and main attractions. Opening hours and ticket prices

Legend about the founding of the city

During excavations in recent years, settlements of the Early Bronze Age were found near Ayazuluk Hill. In 1954, not far from the ruins of the Basilica of St. John, a cemetery from the Mycenaean era (1500-1400 BC) was found. Among the finds were ceramics.

Judging by Hittite sources, the city was called Apasha (Apasa), from where the later "Ephesus" comes, and was briefly the capital of the confederation or kingdom of Arzawa, hostile to the Hittites and allied to the Achaeans.

During the Post-Hittite Bronze Age, Ephesus was the capital of a small Carian state, then settled by Ionian Greeks from Athens.

Hellenic period

In the 10th century BC. e. A Greek colony was founded on Ayazuluk Hill, three kilometers from the center of ancient Ephesus, as confirmed by excavations in the 1990s at Selcuk Castle. Around 650 BC. e. Ephesus was attacked and destroyed by the Cimmerians. The Temple of Artemis was also destroyed. The Ephesus Archaeological Museum contains several Cimmerian finds.

After the expulsion of the Cimmerians, tyranny established in the city. The following tyrants from the Basilid family (sometimes called kings) are known:

  • Melas I - married to King Lydia's sister Gyges
  • Miletus - married to the king's sister Lydia Sadiatta
  • Pythagoras - briefly seized power around 600 BC. e. and apparently did not belong to the Basilid family
  • Melas II - married to King Lydia's daughter Aliatta III
  • Pindar - son of Melas II, ruled until the conquest of the city by the Lydian king Croesus (c. 560 BC)
  • Melas III - son of Pindar, protege of the Lydian king Croesus, reigned until 555 BC. e.
  • Aristarchus - reigned from 555 BC. e.
  • Athenagoras - ruled as a vassal of the Persians
  • Comas - ruled as a vassal of the Persians
  • Melancom - ruled as a vassal of the Persians, con. V century BC e.

Periodically, during uprisings, the city tried to free itself from tyranny and power passed to a council called Curet. The city flourished, and the work of such notable people as Callinus (elegiac poet), Hipponax (satirist), Heraclitus (philosopher), Parrhasius (painter), Zenodotus (philologist and poet), physicists Soranus of Ephesus and Rufus dates back to this time.

In 394 BC. e. The Ephesians took part in the campaign of Conon, who overthrew the hegemony of Sparta. According to the Antalcidian world in 387 BC. e. Ephesus again recognized the power of Persia. The city then fell under the rule of the tyrant Sirfax.

The revolt in Ephesus, which began after the treacherous murder of Agathocles, son of Lysimachus, gave Seleucus I Nicator, another general of Alexander the Great and founder of the Seleucid dynasty, the chance to eliminate his rival and subjugate Asia Minor. Lysimachus died at the Battle of Kouroupedion in 281 BC. e., after which the city became part of the Seleucid state and again began to be called Ephesus. However, already in 263 BC. e. Ephesus was captured by Pharaoh Ptolemy III and until 197 BC. e. was under Egyptian rule.

Christianity in Ephesus

Since the 50s AD. e. Ephesus is an important center of early Christianity. In 52-54. The Apostle Paul lived here, engaged in missionary work. The Apostle John also lived here, and perhaps it was here that he wrote his Gospel. He is buried in the church named after him [ source?] . Ephesus was also one of the seven cities mentioned in the Revelation of John the Theologian (2:1). The Apostle John could not be buried in Ephesus, since he spent the last days of his life in exile on the island of Patmos, where, according to legend, he was buried alive, and when the grave was dug up a few days later, his body was not found.

According to some medieval legends, people lived in this city last years Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ. The world's first church, consecrated in the name of the Mother of God, was built here. The stories about the seven sleeping youths and the life of Lazarus of Galicia are associated with this area.

A council was convened at Ephesus in 431 to decide whether Jesus was only divine or also human. “On this issue the church split: roughly speaking, the bishops east of Suez supported Nestorius, and the bishops west of Suez supported St. Cyril... The Western bishops appeared first, locked the doors for latecomers and hastily made a decision in favor of St. Cyril, who presided over the meetings of the council.”Third Ecumenical Council

House of the Virgin Mary

During His crucifixion, Jesus Christ commanded His Mother to take care of John as her own son, and John to take care of Mary as her own mother. Since the apostles divided the territories among themselves for the spread of Christianity, and the territory of Asia Minor went to John, he settled the Virgin Mary in Ephesus, where She lived the last years of her life.

Currently, in this area (7 km from the city) there is a small church, which is a place of pilgrimage for Christians. Muslims in these places also treat it with deep respect as a shrine. A spring has also been preserved, the water from which is healing. Near it there is a wish wall, where everyone can make a wish by attaching a knot of any material to specially installed bars.

Population

5,000 people ± 200 people.

Notable residents and natives:

  • Kallin (elegiac poet)
  • Hipponax (satirist)
  • Heraclitus (philosopher)
  • Parrhasius (artist)
  • Zenodotus (philologist and poet)

Attractions

There are many archaeological sites preserved in Ephesus. The city is especially rich in monuments from the Roman era; among the cities of the eastern Mediterranean there are the most of them. Not everything has been excavated yet, but what can be seen gives some idea of ​​the former splendor of the city.

Celsus Library

Celsus Library

Odeon

The semicircular structure, also known as the Small Theater, stands on the hillside, north of the Agora. Judging by the inscription, it was built in 150 AD. e. Publius Vedius Antony. The original purpose of the odeon was the bouleuterium - the meeting place of the city Senate. The first indoor building, designed for 1,400 seats, was used alternately: either for meetings of the Senate or for theatrical performances. Architectural solution odeon is similar to classic models:

  • the auditorium with its two-tiered semicircle of rows, divided into four main sectors by staircases;
  • the design of the proscenium suggests that the structure was intended for the meetings of the Senate rather than for theatrical performances.

Agora

The ruins of the Agora are Romanesque structures from the Roman Empire period, most likely built during the reigns of the emperors Augustus and Claudius. The agora, which was finally built up under Theodosius (IV century), was decorated with a double colonnade of a portico, under which shopping arcades were located. It was a center of trading activity, where merchants from all over the Empire gathered. There was also a slave market and meetings were held on occasions of religious and secular holidays. To the north of the Agora are the ruins of the colonnade of the Basilica, built during the dynasty of the Augustan emperors.

Theater

Theater ruins

In fact, this is, apparently, just the favorite legend (“fable”) of all tour guides. It is unlikely, according to historians, that it was a brothel; most likely, just the house of rich townspeople. And also the fact that in one of its rooms there are portraits of a man and a woman (ostensibly speaking about the occupation in this house), is not necessarily a symbol of a brothel, since in rich houses such an image was always present, namely portraits of the owners. The small rooms referred to in the legends are also not necessarily lovemaking rooms, since they are actually the standard size for such rich houses. Also in this house were found figurines of the god of fertility (with a large reproductive organ) and this, too, according to many guides, is evidence that this building was a brothel. But again, historians say that many matrimonial bedrooms of that period were decorated with such figurines.

Kuretov Street

Gate of Hercules

At a certain time, the prytane chewed opium, and, intoxicated, dancing, they walked from the prytane to the Temple of Artemis. If at this time the clergyman was noticed by a criminal who was being taken to execution, then he was released.

Temple of Artemis

Ruins of the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus

Only one inconspicuous column survived from the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The column was found during archaeological excavations carried out by the British Museum in the 1870s. Minor fragments of the frieze and several other small finds are partly in the British Museum, partly in the Istanbul Archaeological Museum.

Notes

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Dear and dear readers! Warm salaam to you!

Today I would like to discuss the sights of Ephesus. Those places are rightfully considered the pearl of the Aegean coast of Turkey.

Ancient city-port of Ephesus is one of the world famous ancient cities located in Turkey. Some historians even claim that during its heyday it was the third most important after Athens and Rome.

Since 2015, Ephesus has been protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Now the sea has gone. And the city itself is a large archaeological complex spread over a vast territory where excavations are continuously carried out.

It leaves an absolutely stunning feeling with its wide avenues and numerous buildings, including temples, an amphitheater, a library, a market square-agora, a gymnasium, a city council and much more.

Well, where would an ancient city be without a brothel? Antiquity, however. Morals are simple and natural.

Local shops near Ephesus are actively selling the corresponding souvenirs. I’m not a fan myself, but tourists love them.

How to get there?

If you decide to visit those regions, the easiest way to do this is with excursion tour from your location. Any tour operator will offer you excursion options with transfer. The nearest resort, favored by tourists, is Kusadasi.

The best way to get there on your own is, perhaps, to rent a car. Let's say, upon arrival at the nearest airport, which is located in the city of Izmir (Adnan Menderes Airport). Or again in the city.

All other options are not very convenient and will take up a lot of your precious time and effort. Therefore, we do not dwell on them in detail, it is impractical.

So, you've arrived. What awaits you in Ephesus itself and what else is worth paying attention to in its surroundings?

To begin with, I would like to suggest that you try to purchase a museum card. I already wrote about this, so I won’t repeat it.

1. Library of Celsus (Celsus)

The Library of Celsus is one of the most famous and significant buildings in Ephesus. The image of a huge two-story antique building with arches and columns can be found on many postcards with views of Turkey. And I put it in the header of my blog. A symbol, to be sure.

The ancient Roman library was built in the early 2nd century AD. for the ruler of that time, Tiberius Julius Celsius, by his son and kept about 14 thousand scrolls. In the second half of the 3rd century, as a result of several earthquakes, the building was almost completely destroyed; only the marble facade, restored after archaeological excavations, remained.

2. Temple of Artemis

The temple of Artemis, the goddess of fertility, hunting, female chastity, patroness of all life on Earth, is listed Seven Wonders of the World , although now, looking at what’s left of it, it’s hard to believe.

In ancient times it was considered the largest sanctuary ancient world: its length was 115 m, and its width was 55 m. Along the walls with outside The roof of the temple was supported by 127 columns 18 m high. The walls and roof of the temple were decorated with marble slabs. And inside it was decorated with sculptures, paintings and columns covered with gold and silver.

Built in the 6th century BC, 3 centuries later the Temple of Artemis was burned by the madman Herostratus, who wanted to “promote himself” in this way.

Restored in its original location at the expense of Alexander the Great, the temple stood a little longer, but in the 3rd century AD. was plundered by the Goths. Centuries later, when Christianity replaced paganism, the sanctuary of the fertility goddess was destroyed. Today we can see only one column and part of the foundation, restored from the rubble.

3. Amphitheater

Located at the end of Marble Avenue, the Bolshoi Amphitheater is the world's largest open-air theater.

The first time I saw him was from the sky. Next door is parachute center and a jump from 4000 meters is an excellent opportunity to explore the surrounding area - the sea and Ephesus.

And the amphitheater, even from such a height, is a very “damp” structure.

It could accommodate up to 25 thousand spectators. Gladiator fights and theatrical performances were held here. The three-story building of the stage with its decorative array of columns, sculptural monuments in niches and relief has not survived to this day; all that remains is to admire the ruins and walk up and down the steps of the three-tiered “auditorium.”

Thinking about the frailty of life and the fact that people can still leave a huge mark behind them.

4. House of the Virgin Mary (House of the Virgin Mary)

At the top of Mount Bulbul there is a small stone house, now converted into a Christian church. According to legend, the Virgin Mary spent the last years of her life here and died. The church, or House of the Virgin Mary, is a place of pilgrimage for Christian believers. Muslims also treat it with deep respect as a shrine.

There is a spring preserved near the Church, the water from which is considered healing. If you want to fill it up, don't forget to take empty bottles with you. Near the source there is a wishing wall, on the specially installed gratings of which you can tie a piece of your “petition”. But there is very little space left there; you will have to try hard to “squeeze through.”

The distance from Ephesus to the house of the Virgin Mary is about 6-7 kilometers along the road up. Unless you are a desperate exerciser, it is better to take a taxi...

5. Cave of the “Seven Sleepers”

According to legend, in this cave, located literally next to Ephesus, seven Ephesian youths hid from death.

Not wanting to give up the Christian faith in favor of paganism, they hid in a cave, where they spent all their time in prayer. Emperor Decius, who worshiped the pagan gods, found out where the young men were hiding and ordered the cave to be filled with stones, expecting them to die of hunger and thirst.

However, according to legend, the youths did not die - the Lord brought upon them a miraculous dream that lasted almost two centuries, during which the persecution of Christians ceased. The people, who saw the living young men, rejoiced and decided that the Lord was revealing the secret of the resurrection from the dead through the awakening of the young men from a long sleep.

Those suffering from insomnia turn to the seven youths with a prayer for the sending of sound, healthy sleep.

During excavations in 1927-1928, a church built on the site of a cave and burials dating back to the 5th-6th centuries were discovered. Inscriptions dedicated to the Seven Sleepers were found on the walls of the church and the graves themselves.

Where to stay?

Personally, I prefer to stay in one of the guesthouses in the city closest to Ephesus - Selcuk .

Also, 12 km from Ephesus there is a village Sirince , which means “nice place” in Turkish.

The village is truly lovely: narrow cobblestone streets, white houses with red roofs, friendly, hospitable locals, all surrounded by vineyards, orchards and olive groves.

Sirince, due to its location in close proximity to the ancient city, is popular among tourists, so finding a guesthouse here will not be difficult. Moreover, you will most likely be fed with dishes prepared by the lady of the house herself.

While in this village, do not forget to taste the local wines - cherry, apricot or melon, for example. Fruit wines and olive oil are the “chips” of Sirince. If you haven't tried them, you haven't been here at all.

Where to swim?

If you are staying in Selcuk, then you will have to get to the beaches, and the best way is by car (see point above).

Basically, the closest beach from Selcuk is Pamucak (sandy). The distance from Selcuk is a little less than 10 km.

And the third option - National Park (Milli Park). It is the closest, about 50 kilometers from Selcuk. But, for my taste, it is the most attractive - there are many pebble beaches, located one after another.

Only travel/access to the territory is paid. They charge modestly: 4 liras (80 rubles) for entry of one person, or from one car - 12 liras (240 rubles).

Coniferous forest, many small bays, fresh air. In that nature reserve rare and endangered species of birds, wild animals and plants were collected.

It is not uncommon to see wild pigs. Well, they are gluttonous, I’ll tell you. They always try to get into your bag with groceries if you go swimming and leave it unattended.

They live near the shore sea ​​turtles, and in coastal waters - fur seals. True, they are spoken of as an endangered species. Personally, I have not seen cats. Maybe you'll get lucky. Well, you can even find turtles in the forest. So watch your tires...

In general, I will say this: Ephesus and its surroundings are a place where everyone who comes to Turkey simply must go at least once.

I went there and continue to go there in all seasons: winter, spring, summer and autumn. It's always nice there in any weather...

See you next time in new reviews!

P.S. At the end, according to tradition, a little advice. You should not buy "ancient" coins from local residents... There are a lot of fakes, a whole industry is working on it.

The ancient city of Ephesus (Türkiye) is located in the western part of the peninsula Asia Minor, also known by its Greek name Antalya. By modern standards it is small - its population barely reaches 225 thousand people. However, thanks to its history and the monuments preserved in it from past centuries, it is one of the most visited cities in the world by tourists.

City of the Fertility Goddess

In ancient times, it was founded by the Greeks in the 11th century BC. e., the city was famous for the cult of the local who flourished here, who eventually incarnated herself as the goddess of fertility Artemis. This generous and hospitable celestial woman in the 6th century BC. e. residents of the city built a temple, recognized as one of

The city of Ephesus reached unprecedented prosperity in the 6th century BC. e., when it came under the rule of the Lydian king Croesus, who captured it, whose name in modern language has become synonymous with wealth. This ruler, immersed in luxury, spared no expense and decorated his temples with new sculptures, and acted as a patron of science and art. Under him, the city was glorified by many outstanding personalities, such as the ancient philosopher Heraclitus and the ancient poet Kallin.

City life in the first centuries AD

However, the peak of the city’s development occurred in the 1st-2nd centuries AD. e. During this period, it was part of the Roman Empire, and a lot of money was spent on its improvement, thanks to which aqueducts, the library of Celsus, thermal baths - ancient baths were built, and also rebuilt. One of the many city attractions was its main street, descending to the port and decorated columns and porticoes. It was named after the Roman Emperor Arcadius.

The city of Ephesus is mentioned several times in the New Testament, in particular in the books "The Acts of the Apostles" and "The Revelations of John the Evangelist", also known as the "Apocalypse". The first followers of Christ began to appear in it during the period of the Savior’s earthly ministry, and in 52-54 the Apostle Paul lived and preached the word of God in the city. Researchers also have reason to believe that the man who died and was buried in Ephesus wrote his Gospel here. Sacred Tradition connects this city with the last years of the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary - the Mother of Jesus Christ.

The sea that left the city

At the founding of Ephesus - the city of Artemis - was founded on the shore Aegean Sea and was the largest port center of antiquity. But then the unexpected happened - either the goddess quarreled with the supreme ruler Zeus, and he poured out his anger on the city, or the reasons were of a natural order, but only in the 6th century AD. e. the harbor suddenly became shallow and overgrown with silt.

Residents had to move their homes to a new location, located near the current Turkish city of Selcuk, starting construction on Ayasoluk Hill. But the sea still continued to recede, depriving this ancient city of most of its income. Ephesus gradually fell into decay. Landslides and earthquakes completed the job, covering its ruins with sand and reliably preserving it for future archaeologists.

Forgotten ancient monument

The job was completed by the Arabs, who in the 7th century increased their raids and finally destroyed what the hand of the blind elements had not yet reached. Seven centuries later, the Ottoman Empire captured a large part of Asia Minor, including the territory where the city of Ayasoluk, neighboring Ephesus, was located.

From that time on, it began to develop, but within the framework of the Islamic tradition. Mosques, caravanserais and Turkish baths appeared on its streets. Another hundred years later the city was renamed, and it received its current name Selchuk, and the city of Ephesus was completely abandoned and fell asleep for several centuries under a layer of sand blown here by the hot wind.

Excavations of an enthusiastic archaeologist

The history of archaeological excavations on the territory of the ancient city dates back to 1863. Their initiator was the British engineer and architect John Turtle Wood, who designed buildings in Turkey railway stations. Having set out to find the Ephesus mentioned in the New Testament, he received permission from the local authorities to carry out the work.

The task was not an easy one, because the only information he had was information about where the city of Ephesus was located, but he did not have any specific information about its layout and buildings.

A city that has risen from oblivion

Three years later, the first reports of John Wood's discoveries spread around the world, and from that time on, the city of Ephesus, where outstanding monuments of Hellenic culture were created in previous centuries, attracted everyone's attention.

To this day, the city has preserved many unique monuments dating back to the Roman period of its history. Even though much remains to be unearthed, what appears today is striking in its magnificence and provides an opportunity to imagine the grandeur and splendor of this city in its heyday.

The theater and the Marble Street leading to it

One of the main attractions of Ephesus is the ruins of its theater, built in the Hellenic period, but which underwent significant reconstruction during the reign of the Roman emperors Domitian and his successor Trajan. This truly grandiose structure could accommodate twenty-five thousand spectators, and in a later period it was part of the city wall.

Anyone who entered the City of Ephesus by sea could proceed from the port to the theater along a four-hundred-meter street lined with marble slabs. The trading shops that stood on its sides alternated with statues of ancient gods and ancient heroes, striking the eyes of visitors with their perfection. By the way, the residents of the city were not only aesthetes, but also quite practical people - during excavations under the street they discovered a fairly developed sewage system.

Library - a gift from the Roman Emperor

Among other cultural centers of the ancient world, the city of Ephesus was also famous for its library, which received the name of Celsus Polemean, the father of the Roman emperor Titus Julius, who built it in memory of him and installed his sarcophagus in one of the halls. It should be noted that the burial of the dead in public buildings was extremely a rare occurrence, and was allowed only in cases of special merit of the deceased.

The fragments of the building that have survived to this day are part of the façade, richly decorated with allegorical figures placed in niches. At one time, the collection of the Celsus library included twelve thousand scrolls, stored not only in cabinets and shelves, but also right on the floor of its vast halls.

Temple guarded by Medusa the Gorgon

In addition to the Temple of Artemis, which appeared in ancient times business card city, many more religious buildings were built in Ephesus. One of them is the Sanctuary of Hadrian, the ruins of which can be seen when turning off Marble Street. Its construction dates back to 138 AD. e. Only a few surviving fragments remain of the former splendor of this pagan temple.

Among them are four Corinthian columns supporting a triangular pediment with a semicircular arch in the middle. Inside the temple you can see a bas-relief of the Gorgon Medusa guarding the temple, and on the opposite wall there are images of various ancient gods, one way or another connected with the founding of the city. Previously, there were also statues of very real rulers of the world - the Roman emperors Maximian, Diocletian and Gallery, but today they have become exhibits of the city museum.

The area of ​​the richest residents of the city of Ephesus

The history of the city during the period of Roman rule was immortalized in a sculptural complex built near the entrance to the Temple of Hadrian, surrounding the Fountain of Trojan. In the center of the composition stood a marble statue of this emperor, from which a stream of water rose to the sky. Around her, in respectful poses, were statues of the immortal inhabitants of Olympus. Today these sculptures also decorate museum halls.

Opposite the Temple of Hadrian there were houses in which a select part of Ephesian society lived. In modern terms, it was an elite quarter. Situated on a hillside, the buildings were designed in such a way that the roof of each of them served as an open terrace for the neighboring one located a level below. The perfectly preserved mosaic that lined the sidewalk in front of the houses gives an idea of ​​the luxury in which their inhabitants lived.

The buildings themselves were richly decorated with frescoes and various sculptural images, some of which have survived to this day. Their subjects included, in addition to the traditional ancient deities in such cases, also images of outstanding people of the past. For example, one of them depicts the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates.

Christian shrines of the city

In this city, monuments of ancient paganism and the Christian culture that replaced it miraculously coexist side by side, one of which is Ioanna. In the 6th century, Emperor Justinian I ordered its construction on the spot where the holy apostle, the author of the Apocalypse, as well as one of the Gospels, was supposedly buried.

But the main Christian shrine of Ephesus, undoubtedly, is the house in which, according to legend, the Mother of Jesus Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary, spent her last years. As the legend says, already on the Cross the Savior entrusted the care of Her to his beloved disciple, the Apostle John, and he, sacredly keeping the Teacher’s order, transported her to his home in Ephesus.

There is also a very beautiful legend associated with one of the caves located on the slope of a nearby mountain. According to popular belief, during the days of persecution of Christianity, seven young men who professed the true faith were saved in it. To protect them from imminent death, the Lord sent them into a deep sleep, in which they spent two centuries. Young Christians have awakened already in complete safety- their faith had by that time become the state religion.

If you have long dreamed of visiting the ruins of an ancient metropolis and feeling the ancient atmosphere, then it’s time to go to the historical complex of Ephesus, Turkey. The unique city-museum, listed as a UNESCO heritage site, annually attracts travelers from all over the world. The Temple of Artemis, the Library of Celsus, the House of the Virgin Mary are just a small part of what awaits you in this cradle of antiquity. What Ephesus is and what attractions are located on its territory, we consider in our article.

General information



Antique city Ephesus is located in western Turkey, 7 km from the Aegean coast and 80 km south of Izmir. It is a historical complex of ancient buildings, spread out over an area of ​​4.15 square meters. km. For the most part, Ephesus gained fame thanks to the cult of the fertility goddess Artemis, in whose honor a temple was built in the city, later ranked as one of the seven wonders of the world.

Today, the closest settlements to Ephesus are the town of Selcuk, located 3 km to the east, and the resort of Kusadasi, located 17 km to the southwest. The historical complex is considered one of the most valuable attractions in Turkey, visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. And to make your acquaintance with Ephesus more exciting and educational, let’s take a moment to plunge into its rich history.

Historical reference



Artemis of Ephesus

The ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey is located on territory where the first settlements appeared in the Neolithic era, i.e. around the ninth millennium BC. The metropolis itself was founded in the 10th century BC. According to legend, its creator was the son of the Athenian ruler Androcles, who fell in love during urban planning with an Amazon from the local tribes named Ephesia. In her honor, as the legend says, the city was named. It is noteworthy that initially Ephesus was located on the shores of the Aegean Sea, but over the centuries the coast dried up, and the ancient metropolis itself went deep into the mainland.



Alexander the Great

Thanks to his geographical location Ephesus quickly became an important port and shopping mall, becoming a real tasty morsel for conquerors from different parts of the world. In the 6th century BC. the Lydians ruled here, later overthrown by the Persians, who in turn were ousted by the troops of Alexander the Great. During the heyday of the Roman Empire, the city passed to the Romans and was under their protection until the middle of the 3rd century, when the Goths invaded and plundered Ephesus, leading it to absolute decline.

It was possible to restore the glorious city during the period of Byzantine rule. At the turn of the 5th-6th centuries. Ephesus became the second most important metropolis of the empire after Constantinople. The Byzantines rebuilt the city and actively used it for trade purposes. But in the 7th century, the coast of Ephesus began to dry out and gradually filled with silt, which led to the loss of access to the Aegean Sea. As a result, trade completely disappeared, and the city itself lost all significance for the Byzantine Empire.



Isa Bey Mosque

During the formative period Ottoman Empire Ephesus briefly regained its status as a thriving metropolis. The Seljuks who came here built new baths, mosques and caravanserais on the territory. However, in the 15th century nearby town Ayasoluk (modern Selcuk) became more important to the Ottomans, and Ephesus was finally abandoned.

What can be seen on the territory of Ephesus today

Even with a fleeting glance at photos of the sights of Ephesus in Turkey, you can understand the scale of this historical complex. In addition to the well-known Temple of Artemis, there are unique monuments antiquity, many of which are preserved in excellent condition. What can you see on the territory of modern Ephesus?

Temple of Artemis



Of course, we will begin our description with one of the seven wonders of the world in Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis, from which today, unfortunately, practically nothing remains. The structure was erected in the 6th century BC. in honor of the goddess of fertility and patroness of all life on earth - Artemis. It took about 120 years to build the temple. In those distant times, it was a majestic structure with 127 columns, each 18 m in height. The length of the temple reached 110 m, and the width - 55 m.

However, this wonder of the world was not destined to live long. Already in the 4th century BC. A madman named Herostratus set fire to the Temple of Artemis. As a result, the main part of the structure burned down, of which only the columns remained. Later, Herostratus explained his action by the desire to write himself into the annals of history, after which he was executed, and his name was forbidden to be mentioned in chronicles. During his reign, Alexander the Great tried to restore the temple, but it was soon destroyed by the Goths, and subsequently the sanctuary of Artemis finally fell into disrepair.



Modern photographs of the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus confirm the fact that it was built on a swamp. That is why the building literally disappeared from the face of the earth, drowning in the abyss over the centuries. Today, all that remains of the building is one dilapidated column, bored in the middle of a swamp, and a couple stone blocks in District. A miniature copy of the Temple of Artemis can be seen in the Istanbul miniature park, but it is unlikely to be able to at least partially convey the grandeur of the structure that has sunk into oblivion.

House of the Virgin Mary



In addition to the Temple of Artemis, Ephesus is home to another historically important landmark - the House of the Virgin Mary. According to the Catholic version, after the ascension of Christ, the Mother of God remained to live in Jerusalem, where she preached Christianity. But there is another version, which says that the Virgin Mary spent her last years of life (about 9 years) in Ephesus. Such information arose as a result of testimonies from a number of local residents, as well as on the basis of a vision that appeared to the German nun A. K. Emmerich at the end of the 19th century.



Today, the house of the Virgin Mary in Ephesus is a miniature building, inside of which a small basement has been preserved. In the middle of the last century, the building was renovated, and within its walls there was a chapel where believers from all over the world come to pray. Despite the fact that the Catholic Church officially rejects the version that the Mother of God lived in Ephesus, three Popes have already visited here over the past half century.



After visiting the house of the Virgin Mary in Ephesus, be sure to check out the Bolshoi Theater and the Odeon, which have reached us in excellent condition. The grandiose three-tier structure in the form of an ancient Roman amphitheater once accommodated up to 25 thousand spectators, and its upper rows were at a height of 30 m. Today, the height of the building reaches only 18 m, and in total there are 66 rows. In ancient times, the stage of the theater was decorated with carved columns and skillful sculptures, which, unfortunately, have not survived to this day.

Odeon



In Ephesus there is another theater of a much smaller scale, but no less interesting - the Odeon. It is designed for 1,500 seats and is a two-tier semicircular structure, divided into four sections, cut off from each other by staircases. Typically, in ancient times, buildings of this type were used for singing events, but this theater primarily served for meetings of the Senate, during the breaks between which theatrical performances were held here.



Among the attractions of Ephesus, the ruins of an outstanding architectural monument from the era of the Roman Empire deserve special attention. This is the Library of Celsus, built in the early 2nd century during the heyday of Rome. The author of the structure was the architect Tiberius Julius Aquila, who named it in honor of the highly educated statesman Celsus, who was his father. The library was not only a repository for more than 12 thousand scrolls, but also the tomb of Celsus himself. During excavations carried out in Ephesus at the beginning of the 20th century, archaeologists managed to find a marble tomb containing the remains of a once famous Roman.



But, like the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, the Library of Celsus did not survive to this day due to the invasion of the merciless Goths, who burned the building almost to the ground. Only the façade remained of the building, but it was also destroyed as a result of an earthquake during the Byzantine Empire. The remains of the library that we see today are only a reconstruction of the building, which was reconstructed from the surviving ruins. Currently, here you can see a two-story facade with columns, the space between which is decorated with four sculptures of women symbolizing Virtue, Wisdom, Knowledge and Thought. But these statues are only copies, and the originals are now kept in the Vienna Museum.

Other attractions

Among other attractions of Ephesus in Turkey it is worth highlighting:



Temple of Hadrian
  • Basilica of St. John the Evangelist, built in Byzantine times
  • The ruins of the ancient Agora - a market square once decorated with colonnades
  • Temple of Domitian, in ancient times decorated with 21 columns and sculptures, of which only ruins remain today
  • Terraced houses - former dwellings wealthy townspeople: their peculiarity was that each house served as a terrace for the next; Many buildings still have frescoes and mosaic floors.
  • Temple of Hadrian, built in honor of the Roman emperor and at one time decorated with colonnades, arches and sculptures of other rulers
  • Kuretov Street, once paved with marble and decorated with statues and columns

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Opening hours and ticket prices

The historical site of Ephesus in Turkey is open daily. From April 15 to October 2, the attraction is open from 8:00 to 18:30, from October 3 to April 14 - from 8:00 to 17:00. The entrance ticket price in 2018 is $10 (40 TL). If you are a museum card holder, admission is free.

Visit to terraced houses, St. John's Basilica and archaeological museum paid separately: the ticket price, depending on the attraction, ranges from 2 to 3 $ (5-10 TL). You can also purchase an audio guide in Russian for $5 (20 TL). Entry tickets sold at cash registers and self-service terminals.



Gate of Hercules

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How to get to Ephesus

Getting to the city of Ephesus in Turkey is most convenient from nearby settlements– the towns of Selcuk and Kusadasi. Ephesus is located 3 km west of Selcuk, and can be reached by dolmus from the city bus station. Travel time takes no more than 10 minutes. The cost of the trip is $0.6 (2.5 TL).



If you are staying in Turkey at the resort of Kusadasi, located 17 km southeast of Ephesus, then the road to the complex will take you about half an hour. You can get to the ancient city by dolmus, following the Kusadasi-Selcuk route, which departs from the city bus station several times an hour. The fare is 1.2 $ (5 TL). In this case, you need to warn the driver that you are going to Ephesus, and get off the dolmus at the turn with the sign “Efes”. Next, you just have to cover 1 km along a straight road to the complex.

Of course, you can get to the ancient city by taxi, rented car, or book a tour with a guide. But all these options are much more expensive. Although only you can decide which ways to get to the city of Ephesus, Turkey will be most suitable for you.

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The ruins of the ancient ancient city of Ephesus are one of the most popular attractions in Turkey and invariably attract a sea of ​​tourists. This monument is located on the western coast of Turkey, near the small town of Selcuk.

As early as the second century BC. there was a city here, and the city of Ephesus itself was once built here as a port. The city reached its greatest prosperity during the Roman Empire - it was the second most important city after Rome. Subsequently, the sea moved to the west, the importance of the city fell sharply and it fell into disrepair.

Ephesus covers about 10 square kilometers, but most of its treasures are hidden in impenetrable swamps. But even what is on the surface is more than enough to spend a whole day here. Archaeological research into the ancient settlement began in 1869 by English scientists and continues to this day.

Ephesus is one of the few ancient cities that you can walk through today. Just stroll along its streets, looking at architectural structures past centuries, dilapidated, excavated by archaeologists, and again presented to the world as proof of the boundlessness of human imagination. Changing cultures and religions, people, as a rule, destroyed everything that came to their hands, not caring at all about what their descendants would think. And we regret what was lost and try to imagine in our imagination what has not been preserved - the facades of houses richly decorated with stucco, the brightness and pretentiousness of the patterns of mosaic coverings, the grandeur of temples, the vaults of which soar on numerous rows of marble columns...


A long time ago, during the period of the Great Colonization, when the Ionian Greeks actively developed the coasts of the Mediterranean, Black, Aegean, and Marmara seas (and this was between the 16th and 11th centuries BC) - all those seas that wash the peninsula of Asia Minor, occupied today amazing country Türkiye - at the confluence of the Kaistra River and the Aegean Sea, it was founded new town Afasa - City by the river. This was preceded by almost mystical events. At that time, a king named Codra ruled in Athens, and he had a son, Androcles. As you know, at all times and among all peoples, only God was higher than the king. And the Greeks had a whole pantheon of deities led by Zeus.

The kings received news from their invisible patrons through the clergy. So Androcles received an order from the Delphic oracle to found a new city on the coast of the Aegean Sea. Having gathered an army, Androcles immediately went to the lands where the Etruscans lived from time immemorial and among them a mysterious tribe of warriors, the Amazons, who were not inferior to men in the art of war and therefore lived separately, only occasionally allowing men into their huts so that the Amazon race could continue. The oracle told the son of Codrus where he should found a new city - where three symbols come together - fish, fire and wild boar. And Androcles found such a place. Already in despair, having explored the vast territory, he decided to return home without a quick slurp, when sparks flew from the fire on which they were frying fish before a long journey, they set the nearest bush on fire, and a wild boar jumped out of the bush.

The oracle's prediction came true! - the prince exclaimed and ordered to found a city on this place. Thus the will of the gods was fulfilled, and from that time the history of ancient Ephesus began.

The city at the foot of Mount Bulbul (modern name) is the second incarnation of the city of Androcles. It was built by one of the comrades of Alexander the Great, who conquered it, or, as they say, liberated it from Persian rule in 334 BC. The name of the new ruler of Ephesus was Lysimachus. Alexander the Great gave a truly royal gift to his warrior. There was one problem in Ephesus - the Kaistra River (or Little Menderes) tended to become swampy, which led to the appearance huge amount mosquitoes that carried diseases such as malaria. People died, but flatly refused to leave their homes. Then the wise Lysimachus forced them to do this - he ordered not to supply water to the city. Residents had no choice but to leave their homes and move away from the treacherous river.

The straight streets of the city, paved with marble and stones, descend down the mountain slope, and in the time of Lysimachus they led the traveler to the sea harbor, where numerous ships with goods landed. So the city developed due to extensive trade. But in the 3rd century BC there was a strong earthquake, as a result of which the sea receded, dropping 57 meters. This natural disaster, like the countless wars of conquest that weakened the once strong city, marked the beginning of the decline of Ephesus. Today ancient Ephesus - dead city. But every day it comes to life again, filled with the multilingual speech of tourists walking along its streets. A vibrant crowd wanders along it from the eastern gate down the hill, listening to the entertaining stories of the guides and barely managing to capture all the sights during the two-hour excursion, clicking cameras left and right.

The first building that is certainly remembered by everyone without exception is the Odeon or Maly Theater. It is well preserved, although it was built in 150 AD and was intended for city council meetings. It is unlikely that the senators of Ephesus were dressed as colorfully as the people sitting on its bench steps today! Groups of tourists are located in close groups in all four sectors of the auditorium and listen, listen to the soulful speeches of the guides right under the hot sun, since the roof of the Odeon collapsed seventeen centuries ago. Now from the theater three hills made of brick are clearly visible, rising on high pedestals on the left hand of those sitting. Having a good imagination, you can imagine what their original form was and, imagining it, you will be surprised: these were statues of three powerful bulls, with their heads down, ready to attack anyone who stood in their way. The bull is still a symbol of the Turkish city of Selcuk, which occupies the territory of ancient Ephesus. By the way, modern residents of Turkey, which has united many ancient kingdoms within its borders, still like to erect monuments or sculptural compositions to animals, birds and even plants.

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So, in one of the cities on the way to Ephesus there is a monument to a fig - a fig tree in Greek - the same tree whose large openwork leaf covered Adam and Eve's nakedness. But the monument was not built in honor of biblical heroes, but because this sweet fruit, figs, is grown in these parts as the main agricultural crop. There is a monument to a rooster in the city of Denizli, also nearby. This bird saved the city from a fire that happened early in the morning, so early that the rooster was not yet in the mood for singing, but he sang, crowed and woke up the owner. And he, out of anger at the restless bird, decided to immediately cut off its head - he jumped out into the yard with an ax and... saw a fire.

In Ephesus, statues of people without heads are well preserved. Perhaps in those distant times they were made from some famous people or even the rulers of the city, but... their names were swallowed up by history. But the bulls are still recognizable! Opposite the theater is the Agora, or simply put - market Square. Not only did they trade there, they held general civic meetings there. That is, if you want to talk to the whole world, please go to the Agora, and if you want to whisper among yourself on all sorts of political topics, please go to the Odeon. But little remains of the Agora - openwork capitals from columns or parts of their trunks, randomly scattered on the ground.

Ephesus is such an ancient city that, along with the established facts of the purposes of dilapidated houses, the dates of the reign of this or that emperor, there are legends organically woven into the fabric of history. The very name of the city gave rise to one of them - a beautiful fairy tale about the queen of the warlike tribe of Amazons, who lived on these lands before the arrival of the Greeks. That Amazon's name was Ephesia, which means desired. And she was so beautiful that Androcles fell in love with her at first sight. It is not known whether Ephesia was inflamed with the same ardent feeling for the Greek prince, but, oddly enough, she agreed to become his wife. And then, following the example of their queen, all the Amazons also found husbands among the warriors of Androcles. Either they were exhausted without men at all, or they showed feminine wisdom, realizing that they could die in the battle with the Greeks, but they broke their oath to preserve a monogamous society. Enchanted by his wife, Androcles named his city after her. This is how Ephesus appeared.

Descriptions of female warriors are found in myths and folk tales different countries. According to one version, all Amazons are daughters of the god Ares and his beloved goddesses - Harmony, Otrera and even Artemis herself, whom the Amazons of Asia Minor worshiped. They called their goddess Qibla. A distinctive feature of the goddess was her multiple breasts. The same statue of the goddess Artemis, found in Ephesus Artemisia, built in the 6th century BC, has reached us. According to Greek mythology, Artemis was the sister of Apollo, the daughter of the almighty Zeus and the beautiful goddess Leto. The Amazons are always depicted on horseback, dressed in homemade leather robes and helmets, and armed with a bow, battle ax and light shield. Their hair flutters over their shoulders, there is courage in their eyes, their faces are stern and express inaccessibility. And, of course, the warriors are as slender as chamois, and at the same time, have well-developed muscles of the arms and legs. But there is a description that says that girls - daughters of the Amazons - had their left breasts burned out for more convenient use of weapons. And the Spartan lifestyle hardly contributed to the preservation of female beauty. Well, perhaps the male warriors from Athens liked exotic female warriors more, and the gentle, well-groomed Greek women simply could not stand the competition.

From the Agora down to the Library of Celsus the street of Kurets ran like an arrow. It can be called an avenue - straight, paved with stone and marble, with majestic buildings on both sides, it is impressive to this day. Along the entire street there are still pedestals on which statues of gods and famous people that time. Surprisingly, the names engraved in stone have been preserved. The word “curetes” in Ephesus was used to describe the clergy of the Temple of Artemis, which, although it was part of the polis, still remained completely independent. The most stunning view of the street opens at the Hercules Gate - by climbing onto the dilapidated wall of one of the buildings you can see the entire perspective of the street.

And if you close your eyes and listen to people’s conversations, and at the same time forget about time, that this is the twenty-first century, then the life of the city begins to seem natural. People go about their business - some to the Scholastica bathhouse, which is located behind the Temple of Hadrian, others to a public toilet, where both men and women relieve themselves at the same time to the sounds of an orchestra playing by a small fountain, so that natural sounds do not injure the delicate ears Ephesians. One can imagine how the owner of a rich house, the floor of which is decorated with a wide ribbon of mosaic, eagerly rushes to the library to immerse himself in reading ancient tomes, and perhaps use this as an excuse to make his way through the underground passage from the library to the Public House. the house that stands opposite. And let the wife tell her friends how smart her husband is, how he loves to read books! During the Greek archaic period, when culture was exalted to the level of the gods, Ionia - West Coast Asia Minor, where the city of Ephesus is located, was the most developed region of Greece. It was there that the first philosophical system of antiquity arose - natural philosophy. Philosophers reflected and argued, defending their view of the world, its laws, and comprehending the fundamental principles of things.

The city of Ephesus became famous for the name of Heraclitus of Ephesus (c.554-483 BC), who considered fire to be the fundamental principle of matter. In his opinion, both in nature and in society there is an eternal movement, an eternal struggle, existence is constantly changing. How right Heraclitus was - and to this day those in power are fighting for it, still trying to change the world with fire and sword! The feeling of involvement in history persists throughout the entire walk along the street, which was buried under a thick layer of earth for almost two thousand years and was excavated by archaeologists only a little over two centuries ago. Already silent delight is caused by the sight of the perfectly preserved façade of the Library of Celsus - with four statues of goddesses, symbols of wisdom, harmony, and understanding. The library was built in the 2nd century AD in honor of the proconsul of Ephesus, Celsus, whose marble tomb was subsequently installed in a large niche of the hall. On the inside of the facade there is a well-preserved inscription in Greek, which tells about the creation of the Library. Priceless papyri were kept in square niches along the walls of the reading room. In the 3rd century, during the invasion of the Goths, the Library burned down with all its books and scrolls. Alas! Apparently the Goths were not interested in the wisdom of the world, and they did not care at all about preserving the priceless treasures of literature, philosophy and history.

From the Library of Celsus, to the right through the gates of Mazeus and Mithridates, Marble Avenue leads to the most majestic building of Ephesus - the Theater, which could accommodate thirty thousand people at a time. It hosted theatrical performances and held gladiator fights. The theater was built in 117, but even today it is a grandiose structure. It takes your breath away when you look at it from Portovaya Street - the even semicircles of 68 rows of spectators converge in perspective at the facade of the three-story stage building, with its back side facing the observer. The stage was decorated with Ionic and Corinthian columns, between which were located sculptures of gods and emperors. The capital - the part of the column that ends its trunk at the top - in the Ionic version has the appearance of a rolled scroll, and the Corinthian column is decorated with a more complex ornament and looks somewhat more elegant.

Of course, in the 2nd century, visitors to Ephesus could not see the inside of the Theater from the street, since it was covered with a roof, but you can easily imagine what it looked like then. And what a magnificent landscape was revealed to the eye from the Theater - after all, the sea harbor was practically next to it. Now the coast of the Aegean Sea is twelve kilometers from the ancient ruins! But the Theater is not all that surprises the modern tourist in ancient Ephesus. The most significant building in terms of its history, and not in terms of the preserved remains of walls and columns, remains the Temple of Artemis - that same multi-breasted goddess who gives life to all living things, who has become a symbol of motherhood and fertility. Back in antiquity, the Temple of Artemis was included in the seven wonders of the world along with Egyptian pyramids, Alexandria lighthouse, the hanging gardens of Babylon in Babylon, the statue of the Colossus of Rhodes, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, the statue of Zeus in Olympia.

Today people travel by bus to the place where Artemisium once stood. After two hours of walking under the scorching sun, it’s a few minutes of blissful relaxation under the cool air conditioning. The Temple of Artemis of Ephesus, like the city of Ephesus itself, was rebuilt more than once. But invariably on the old foundation, which, as legends say, rested on a kind of pillow of coal and bull hides - in this way the architect Harsifron protected the foundation from destruction by the swampy soil of this area. The first city of Ephesus, founded by Androcles, is still hidden in the swamp and, perhaps, someday the time will come, and future archaeologists will be able to “raise” it to the surface.

Today only one column remains from the Temple of Artemis. There were 127 of them, 18 meters high. The roof of the Temple rested on them, under which countless treasures were stored - rich people gave their valuables to the Temple of Artemis, trusting the goddess like a Swiss bank. But one day the Temple was robbed, and it happened on the birthday of Alexander the Great. Subsequently, the priests of the Temple explained to the people who had lost their wealth that Artemis that day went to give birth to the mother of the Great Alexander. The robbers took advantage of this - in the absence of the goddess, they became bolder and freely climbed into the treasury. This legend lived for many, many years, so that Alexander the Great all his life felt guilty before the residents of Ephesus for that robbery. And he tried in every possible way to support them financially during the years of his reign. But even the Great Alexander could not imagine WHAT would destroy the Temple of Artemis - human stupidity and vanity, the desire to become famous for centuries in any way! There lived a man in Ephesus who really wanted to be remembered for a long, long time. He was not endowed with any special talents, did not shine with intelligence and did not create anything that could eventually become great value. Then he decided: “Since I cannot create anything, then I will destroy what has been created! And people will remember this all their lives, regretting the loss.” This man's name was Herostratus. And we remember this name today only because he burned the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus. This happened 200 years after the opening of the Temple in 550 BC. The temple was badly damaged by the fire, and Alexander the Great ordered its restoration at all costs. And the Temple of Artemis of Ephesus was rebuilt! It stood for over five centuries and was finally destroyed by order of Emperor Theodosius I, as a pagan temple, and a strong earthquake that happened a little later turned the remains of the once magnificent structure into ruins.

In the background, behind the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, you can clearly see the large building of another temple, erected in the 1st century by the Roman Emperor Justinian over the tomb of St. John, a disciple of Christ, one of the apostles christian church, who after the ascension of Christ arrived here with the mother of Jesus, Mary. At the foot of Mount Bulbul, not far from the ruins of Ephesus, at an altitude of 400 meters above sea level, is the House of Mary, where she lived in recent years. The house was shaped like a cross. The L-shaped part of the house has been preserved, in which today there is a small church, as they say, right in the part where St. Mary’s room was. There is a beautiful and well-kept park around the house. There is a holy spring in it, the waters of which heal the ailments of believers, there is a wall of wish fulfillment, at which they tie a ribbon with a knot and ask the Mother of God for help.

Believers of all faiths come to Mary’s House - Christians, Catholics, and Muslims. This is a truly holy place, where you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit and unity with God. Saint John lived 107 years preaching the teachings of Christ. And he died of his own free will, convincing his disciples to bury him alive. But they could not stand it, and, tormented by remorse, dug up the grave two days later. The grave was empty. Traces of Christianity are present throughout the area modern Turkey. The respectful attitude of Muslims in a now secular state towards the shrines of another religion, once persecuted and persecuted, made it possible to preserve many architectural monuments, priceless frescoes depicting the face of Christ, biblical stories and the very memory of names dear to every Christian. And Ephesus is one of these places. The very fact that Mary herself walked on the marble slabs of the city streets of Ephesus evokes spiritual awe. When alone, when accompanied by John, who, according to the instructions of Jesus, became her adopted son, she, like any woman living at that time, walked around the city about her business - to buy something for the household, to talk to someone or listen to what They say.

Climate. Weather in the region are no different from other areas of the Aegean coast. In winter it is warm and humid here, and the thermometer rarely drops below +10 degrees. In summer, the air temperature regularly goes beyond +30, so to visit the ancient ruins, it is better to choose early morning or evening.

How to get there. Transport. Closest to Ephesus international Airport is located in Izmir, at a distance of 80 km. From there, the most convenient transportation option is the bus and Railway. A more romantic way is to take a ferry to the port of Kusadasi, and from there by bus to Selcuk. Further, 3 km on foot or by taxi.

The Temple of Hadrian, quite well preserved to this day, was built in 138 AD. The Corinthian-style temple was built in honor of Emperor Hadrian, whose statue is unfortunately lost, like the statues of other emperors placed in the temple. On the other side of the Temple are the so-called “Houses on the Hillside”, or “Houses of the Rich”. Each of the houses in this part of Ephesus serves as a terrace for the house next to it. In the rooms of many houses frescoes and reliefs were discovered, representing either the owners of the houses or scenes from famous plays.

While walking around Ephesus, you will probably be shown a brothel, whose ruins still cause fierce debate between scientists and local guides. Both of them have a lot of evidence of the correctness of their theory (scientists consider these ruins to be an ordinary house, while guides accept it only as a public one), including images of an erotic nature, and small rooms of the house, and even an underground passage from library, designed to deceive suspicious wives.

Ephesus is one of the few cities where tourists can admire the ancient city street, which has remained almost unchanged for 20 centuries. Kuretov Street stretches from the library to the agora, and delights tourists not only with a paved marble road, but also with picturesque ruins and pedestals on both sides. Unfortunately, the statues that used to decorate the street are now in the museum, so you won’t be able to admire them in their original form. However, Kuretov Street is impressive even without them and conveys the spirit of antiquity.

The Prytanium is where Roman officials and offices worked, and where important banquets and meetings were held. The ruins of this important building are still visible in Ephesus, as is the Temple of Hestia, where a fire once burned constantly.

 

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