8 Things one should definitely know about the “Ancient City of Ephesus”

Ephesus, one of the most significant historical sites in Turkey and the world, has several noteworthy aspects that everyone should be aware of. Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ephesus has been attracting local and international tourists for over a century, with an average of one million visitors annually.

The region encompassing Ephesus consists of four components: Çukuriçi Höyük, Ayasuluk Hill, Ephesus Ancient City, and the House of Virgin Mary. It is considered one of the most important centers of the ancient era.

The area has a history of settlement dating back approximately 9,000 years, covering prehistoric, Hellenistic, Roman, Eastern Roman, Beyliks, and Ottoman periods.

Ephesus showcases symbols of advanced urbanization, architecture, and religious history from the Hellenistic and Roman periods.

** TEMPLE OF ARTEMIS: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Constructed solely with marble, it is estimated that it took 120 years to complete.

** CHURCH OF MARY: The site where the Ecumenical Council, declaring Mary as the mother of Jesus, took place in 431.

** BASILICA: Built over the tomb of St. John, one of Jesus’s apostles who wrote the Gospel of John.

** HOUSE OF VIRGIN MARY: Believed to be where Virgin Mary spent her final years. It is now considered a pilgrimage site for Christians.

** EPHESUS ANCIENT THEATRE: The largest outdoor theater of the ancient era with a capacity of 24,000. It is also significant for being the place where St. Paul preached.

** CELSUS LIBRARY: The library appears to be two-storied from the outside but is actually a single-story building with a high ceiling. There is a surprising and somewhat amusing claim about this library. It is said that there was a secret passage from the library to a brothel located just across the street!

** TERRACED HOUSES: The residences of Ephesus’s wealthy inhabitants, covering an area of 4,000 square meters. The houses were so luxurious that they were heated by an underfloor heating system.

** SEVEN SLEEPERS: According to legend, seven people left society due to oppression by rulers and started living in a cave. The ruler discovered the cave, closed its entrance, and left them to die. Two hundred years later, the landowner reopened the entrance and found the seven sleepers inside.

“Ephesus stands as a testament to ancient civilizations and continues to captivate visitors with its rich history.”