SELÇUK - EFES (EPHESUS)
A visit to Efes (Ephesus) - once the commercial center of the ancient world - is a highlight of any visit to Türkiye.The city, whose wealth and patronage supported its splendid architectural program, was dedicated to the Goddess Artemis.Her enormous temple, several times, dates in its latest from the third century B.C.The ruins also include a theatre, gymnasium, agora and baths, as well as Library of Celsus.
The nearby town of Selçuk is dominated by a Byzantine citadel which stands close to the 6th century basilica of St.John built on the site of the Apostle's tomb.The 14th century Isa Bey Mosque, next to the basilica is impressive collection of statues and other finds recovered during the excavations of Ephesus.The nearby Turkish Bath Museum, built in the 16th century, shows Turkish life at the hamam(bath).
It is recorded that St.John brought the Virgin Mary to Ephesus after the death of Christ and that she spent her last days in a small house (Meryemana Evi) built for her on
Bülbüldağı(Mt.Koressos).Now a popular place of pilgrimage for Christians and Muslims the house has received the official sanction of the Vatikan and Christians observe a commemoration ceremony every year on August 15th.