Ephesus

Founded by colonists from Athens in 10 B.C., Ephesus is now known to be one of the most captivating archeological sites in the world. Every year millions of visitors come to Ephesus to feel its marvelous and mystical atmosphere. Originally Ephesus was a large port and trading center at the crossroads of important trade routes, such as the Silk Road. Gradually, due to the river alluviums over the centuries, the site has become more and more remote from the sea and now it lies about 5-6 km away from the shores. Huge granite columns are proofs for the city’s former magnificence and the numerous worth-seeing sites surrounding it, such as the Artemision, one the Seven Wonders, the Saint-John’s church, the Cave of the Seven Sleepers, the Shrine of Virgin Mary, the Mosque of Isabey and the archeological museum of Selcuk, once more testify for its rich history and interesting destiny.

Ephesus, which was one of the twelve Ion cities, developed as a result of a union of Ionian immigrants with the natives living near the temple of Kybele. Afterwards, the spectacular temple built for this goddess who then took the name of the Greek Goddess Artemis, would be famous as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Like the other Ionian cities, Ephesos was ruled by consequently by Lydia, Persia, Macedonia and lastly by the Roman rulers. Because the Romans made Ephesos the capital of the Asian State, the city became one of the biggest settlements in Anatolia. Owing to its wonderful position and associated ports, Ephesos became Anatolia's biggest trade centre and obtained a brand-new look: many new buildings, such as the Celsus Library, were erected. During the upcoming of Christianity, Ephesus became an important center where Christians, Jews and pagans were to share their temples. It is in that period that the Cave of the Seven Sleepers, the Saint-John’s church were built. After having been ruled by the Byzantine, the Selcuks, Ephesus fell under the Ottomans but lost of its importance as places such as Izmir and Kusadasi were becoming important harbor cities.