Kusadasi and Ephesus offer an ancient charm nestled in the serenity of nature. The temple of Artemis (Diana): is located in Ephesus and was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world.
The Basilica is located in Ephesus and constructed during the reign of Augustus and devoted to commerce. The Basilica is a typical Roman structure and 165m in length.
It was built by Byzantine Empire Justinyen for the name of St. Jean dated in 6th century AC. It is situated on Ayasuluk hill.
The Church is located in Ephesus. It was built during the reign of Justinian (577-565AD), the Byzantine emperor. This church contains some of the most valuable frescoes and is partly in ruins.
The Church is located in Ephesus. It was dedicated to Virgin Mary and said to be the first church devoted to her. Since then the Church has become an important seat of Christianity. During Emperor Justinian’s rule, it reconstructed and had some structures in the existing one.
Byzantine Public Baths, Port Public Baths, Arkadiane, a theatre with a capacity of 25.000 people, and Marble Street 400m in length, are located close to the Church.
Love house is located at the cross section point with Kuretler Street, departing from the Marble Street and it dates back to first century AC. The house consists of one main hall and many rooms connected to this hall.
It is known that there were wine granaries, huge ovens, public baths, pools, bed rooms, conference saloons and a magnificent library.
Skolastika, a wealthy Roman woman, restored these baths in the 5th century.
Although only the front façade has remained until today, it is one of the most beautiful buildings on Curetes Way.
It is located next to the Gate of Hercules and near the Temple of Hadrian. The fountain is now exhibited in Ephesus Museum.
The houses are situated near the Library of Celcus. They are a row of houses that were thought to be the residences of the wealthy people of Ephesus.
This temple was dedicated to Emperor Domitian (AD 81-96) and is the first temple to be built in the name of an emperor.
The Agora is located in Ephesus. It was built in the Hellenistic period and renovated in the 3rd century during the reign of Caracalla (211-217A.D.).
The museum is located in the centre of Selcuk and has a fine collection of statues, mosaics and artefacts. The museum shows an exhibit from the Miken, Archaic, Roman, Byzantine and Turk periods, almost 50.000 exhibits and has two splits: Archaeological and Ethnographic sections.
Opening hours: Summer – 08.30–12.00 & 13.00-19.00. Winter – 08.30-12.00 & 13.00-17.00.
Museum Tel: (+90 232) 892 60 10
The library is nearby to the commercial Agora and the structure was built by Asian consul Gaius Julius Aquila, in 135AD. The Library was built in memory of his father who is entombed here. The building has the all characteristics of Roman architecture.
It has a large monument, many rock-engraved tombs, two churches and catacombs. Seven Sleepers has a rumour worth listening.
According to the legend, seven young Christian boys, refusing to submit to the persecutions of Emperor Decius (249-51 AD), fled to these caves with a group of Roman guards in hot pursuit. The guards mercilessly sealed up the cave with the boys inside.
The seven boys fell asleep, and slept for what seemed to them to be one night. They were awakened by an earthquake that broke the cave's seals and wandered back into town to buy some bread. To their shock, they found themselves in the 5th century! Times had changed and Christianity was now the state religion.
The Seven Sleepers later died natural deaths, and were buried in their cave. It wasn't long before the site became a destination for pilgrimages and many wished to be buried nearby.
The account dates from the 6th century in Christian documents. Interestingly, the Seven Sleepers also appear in the Qur'an (Koran); in this version, the boys are accompanied by a dog (Sura 18).
This site at Ephesus, one of the many caves used by Seven Sleepers throughout Anatolia (others are located in Manisa, Akhisar, Sardes, Tarsus, and Antakya, to name a few), is actually a grouping of small churches dating to the time of the persecutions. The churches are superimposed in the rock and contain crypts carved into the walls.
The structure was built in 1618 by Grand Vizier Okuz Pasa. It is still in use as a luxury hotel.