This ancient ruined city just inland from western Turkey's Aegean coast was once one of the most important ports in the Greek and Roman world. There is no better place to be than Kabak. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. There are a lot of things to do and you are going to need a complete travel guide to see them all. The Basilica of St John was built in the 6th century to honor the burial site of St John who came to Ephesus with Mary, the mother of Jesus. These would have had mosaic floors and even a small bath (but there was a fee to use them). Simply choose whichever one is closest to your hotel in Istanbul. The Baths of Varius are located at the Upper Ephesus entrance, next to another ancient monument: the Magnesian Gate. Several sites (Ephesus, Isa Bey Mosque, and St. Johns Basilica) all have entrance fees. The basilica is open daily from 8 a.m to 7 p.m. There is so much history right here in such a small geographical area! If you buy the entrance ticket for 100 TRY, you will have access to Ephesus city and you can stroll around however you like for as long as you like. Since the restoration is still ongoing, you will have to pay to get access to the area. Please do not use your business name to comment. The square of Domitian itself is only partially excavated. While you could opt to stay in the much larger city of Izmir (which even has its own metro system), Selcuk is by far the best place to stay when visiting Ephesus. Most evidence for the founding of Ephesus as an Attic-Ionian Greek colony on the slopes of the Ayasuluk Hill dates to around the 10th century BC. Some of the architectural elements of Artemis Temple were used to build the mosque which makes it even more fascinating. Without a doubt, Ephesus is the highlight of a visit to Selcuk. Itwas constructed asymmetrically, on purpose, with its windows and doors not matching up. It is said that Androclos, an Ionian prince, was looking for a place to build a new Greek settlement in the 11th century BC. Selcuk is a small town located in the Izmir province. Located at the end of a cobblestoned street in Selcuk residential area is Isa Bey Mosque. Efforts have been made to reconstruct some of the buildings, resulting in a feast for the senses that will dazzle history buffs and intrigue any curious visitors to stick around and explore some more. I took the bus from Otogar stasyonu in Istanbul but there are lots of other bus stations from where you can take the bus. Bear in mind youll be here for at least two hours, so I recommend at least half a liter and remember to drink! Touring this ancient city is what attracts tourists to this town. However, in 560 BC the city was once again overrun by outside forces. Thanks to this relative stability, the city entered a more prosperous era after this point, producing a long list of notable thinkers, philosophers, poets and painters, perhaps most famously the pre-Socratic philosopher Heraclitus. You dont want to get dehydrated. Maybe these photos of Turkey will help! This time it was the Lydians under the power of King Croesus. From Izmir, its possible to get the train, but it only goes as far as Selcuk. Now that you know a bit more about the history of this ancient city, lets see which landmarks you should not miss when visiting Ephesus. This is the main road that runs along Ephesus. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Ephesus may also have been the final resting place of the Virgin Mary. Probably our favorite sight in Ephesus! These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Really appreciate all the travel tips. One of the main attractions in Selcuk is Isa Bey Mosque, an old mosque built in the 14th Century located not too far from Selcuk city center. You can clearly see from the mosaics and marble walls adorned with frescoes that only the richest could afford to live there. It was used for council meetings, musical performances, and contests. The main bus terminal in Selcuk can be found in the center of the city. If your starting point is Kusadasi, you will once again have to take a minibus from the main bus station to Selcuk. When Im not traveling abroad, youll either find me exploring my own backyard or researching my next trip! 20 Best Things to do in Ephesus and Selcuk, Turkey, Guide to the most Instagrammable places in Istanbul + map, Best things to do in Ephesus Ancient City, click here for the location of the bus station in Selcuk, Renting a car in Turkey: Everything you need to know, Guide to taking a Cappadocia hot air balloon flight. Planning a trip to Turkey? Nights are still warm. Here are my recommendations: Comfortable shoes these are a must when visiting this archaeological site. Top Attractions in Selcuk. If you want to see this ancient wonder without the largest crowds (and the heat), its a good idea to visit earlier in the year. The bus journey will take you along mountain roads and hairpin turns with some of the best views. Croesus enlarged the city, which saw its population grow exponentially. The bus will drop you off at the town entrance. If you just type Basilica of St John on Google Maps, you wont be taken to the correct entrance. Travel to Ephesus by car from Selcuk, Kusadasi or Izmir, Use public transport from Selcuk, Kusadasi or Izmir, What to wear and carry when visiting Ephesus, this tour that also goes to the House of the Virgin Mary, Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting Turkey, 12 Incredible Things To Do In Sapa, Vietnam, Where To Stay In Istanbul: 6 Best Areas To Stay In Istanbul And Best Hotels, 15 Things To Know Before Visiting Turkey + 11 Best Turkey Travel Tips, Istanbul Cats: 7 Best Things To Know About Cats In Turkey. Im visiting Selcuk with my elderly parents next week and will stay 2 nights there. Its slightly more expensive but still very affordable. Each morning starts with a delicious breakfast, while you can also finish your day with meals at the on-site restaurant or a drink at the bar. The city went through many years of prosperity. On the arch, you can see a depiction of the snake-haired Gorgon, Medusa (used as a sort of gargoyle to keep evil spirits at bay), and the head of Tyche, who was the goddess of chance. Theres also some steps to climb. CLICK HERE TO BOOK A GUIDED TOUR OF EPHESUS. The ancient city of Ephesus today is a kind of open-air museum, alluring, mysterious, incredibly beautiful even today. Temple of Hadrian. At its peak, the Library of Celsus could hold 12,000 scrolls, making it smaller in size only when compared to the Great Library of Alexandria and Pergamon. What would be the most sensible way to reach Selcuk other than taxi or private car? On the other side of the arch are a group of Amazons (also theorized to be potential founders of the city). The city later fell under the rule of the Romans around 130 BC and had a population of 250,000. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Required fields are marked *. When visiting Ephesus Odeon make sure to look out for the terracotta pipes, and holes for these, at the top of the building. Incredibly, 80% of the site remains to be excavated. Is it easy to drive in that area? Ephesus Ancient Theatre is another impressive architecture you should check out when you are in Ephesus. Below is a rough 2-day itinerary for Selcuk: Day 1: Explore Ephesus and all the attractions in the ruins and spend the afternoon at Ayasoluk Castle before ending the day. The ancient Roman city of Ephesus is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to one of the Seven Churches of the Revelation. Fall. Returning from Ephesus to Selcuk, note that youll have to walk back to the lower gate where you were first dropped by the bus. If youd rather opt for a private tour, theres this very highly rated tour that also departs from Selcuk. Ayasoluk Castle or the Seljuk Fortress is a massive stone fortress constructed by the Byzantine sometime around the 6th - 8th Century AD and it was built on top the Ayasuluk Hill. One of the most impressive things about the Temple of Hadrian is its main arch. My Adventures Across The World is by no means liable for any purchase of tours, tickets and any other online reservation that are made without having fully read the terms and conditions of any third party provider. Visit the House of Virgin Mary. It is now a place of pilgrimage for Christians and has been visited by several Popes. While there are actually some ancient public toilets to see at Ephesus, please note that these are no longer for public use! The Greco-Roman baths in Ephesus were more than just a place to wash, but served a social function too. Empires after empires rose and fall on this land and in order to see Turkey as a whole, you will have to go further than just Istanbul. Alternatively, if you want to cook your own meal or looking for some fruits and snacks, you can go to Sok Supermarket. These houses are also called the houses of the rich because they were owned by the elite families of the city. Cat lover? Deciding what to wear when visiting Ephesus is actually crucial to have a good experience. However, that should not put you off visiting. Two days should be enough to see all the tourist attractions around Selcuk such as Ephesus and Pamukkale. The inflation rate in Turkey is incredibly high and even the prices of attraction go up on a regular basis. Looking forward to reading more of your great advise! The Isa Bey Mosque and the Basilica of St. John can be seen nearby, and Ephesus is only one mile away. Tips: To stay connected with your loved ones at home, be sure to have a VPN service like NordVPN installed before traveling so that you can bypass whatever local Internet censorship you might run into while in Turkey. All entrance fees, roundtrip hotel transfers from Selcuk and Kusadasi, a licensed guide, and lunch are included in the tour price. You may also opt for a private tour if youd like. Known as the Asiatic Vespers, this event led to the deaths of 80,000 Roman citizens in the province. This one isnt as popular as the other attractions in Ephesus but is still worth a quick stop. I didnt get a chance to visit since buses dont go there and private taxis from Selcuk were too expensive. 4 Selcuk Culture & history. Looking for more Turkey articles? As cat lovers, one of the things we enjoyed the most when visiting Ephesus was seeing several cats roaming around the site (and a couple of dogs too). To this day, part of the city is still being excavated, so theres still a lot more to be discovered about Ephesus. Thus, the best time to visit Ephesus and Selcuk is during the shoulder season April /May or September/October. By Bus: One of the cheapest ways to get around Turkey and quite efficient too. Ephesus is accessible to a point. book the bus from Istanbul to Selcuk here, "Turkey's Wonders - Pamukkale, Ephesus, Cappadocia Travel from-to Istanbul", 15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Turkey, How To Get From Sabiha Gokcen To Istanbul Airport And Vice Versa, A Complete Travel Guide to the Butterfly Valley, Turkey, 10 Best Things to Do in Cappadocia, Turkey, How to Travel to Sumela Monastery, Turkey, 45 Photos that will inspire you to travel to Turkey. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Categories DestinationsMiddle EastTurkeyAsia. For more help when planning your trip to Turkey, you should also read this posts: Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a03841c49c21fa2068578257b318c2e4" );document.getElementById("bf5f1d039c").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Language: English En. It depends on how interested you are and the depth of history you want to discover, but I would recommend spending at least half a day (four hours) in Ephesus. Along Curetes Street you can see the Heracles Gates, Terrace Houses, Nymphaeum Traiani, and The Temple of Hadrian. The church is located not too far from the north entrance. Ephesus is the most expensive on the list at 40 TL per person but it is worth it. Its also a pilgrimage site for Christians since it is said that Ephesus is the place where Saint Paul wrote the first letter to the Corinthians and Saint John wrote his Gospel. Also known as Cotton Castle, Pamukkale is a series of cascading pools and one of the most popular attractions in Turkey. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. Within the Terrace Houses, you will find an ongoing excavation and preservation of buried ancient houses and villas where we can still make out the kind of decors they had in their houses and what colored paint they used to paint their walls, which offer an insight into the everyday life of the inhabitants. Founded millennia ago, the ancient city was well ahead of its time. The locals are friendly and most are very genuinely helpful unlike touters in a disguise as helpful locals you often meet in other touristy places. This is where we stayed and I wholeheartedly recommend it, Celsus Boutique Hotel is a charming hotel set in a traditional stone and wood building. Visiting Istanbul too? Below is a suggested itinerary for Ephesus and Selcuk: Day 1: Ancient city of Ephesus, afternoon in Sirince, Day 2: Artemis Temple, Isa Bey Mosque, Basilica of St John, Ayasuluk Castle, Selcuk town. You might get some rain here and there but I think it is worth the sacrifice for a much better experience in this beautiful place. The Terrace House closes 30 minutes before the Ephesus closing time so be sure to spare some time if you want to visit the Terrace Houses. Click here to book, Bus from Pamukkale to Selcuk: If youre coming from Pamukkale, youll first need to go to Denizli bus station. Your email address will not be published. You should also read my post The Best Places To Visit In Turkey. You can buy an eSIM prior to your arrival and you are good to go. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. But it was revealed that what really happened was that the course of the Kaystros River moved, silting up the harbors and meaning the city had to move with it. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. 3 Selcuk UNESCO sites. Here is, Looking for a nice quiet place by the beach to relax and do yoga for a few days in Turkey? Steph is an outdoor enthusiast whos always down for adventure. To make your day run as smoothly as possible, visiting Ephesus on a guided tour that includes transportation is definitely a good idea, as it will whisk you directly from your hotel to Ephesus. I initially thought that Sirince was too touristy with all the souvenir shops but as I walked further uphill along the little alleyways, I was able to escape the crowds and, at the same time, witness the incredible panoramic views. After this time, the city seemed to boom as a center of culture and power in the region. By Car: You can also rent a car from Istanbul straight from the airport and drive to Selcuk. Like most places outside of tourist cities in Turkey, Selcuk is very safe and you won't be meeting any problematic characters while you are here. Initially dating to the 8th century BC, a flood damaged much of the temple in the 7th century BC. Apart from swimming in the thermal pools, other things to do in Pamukkale include visiting the ancient city of Hierapolis and swimming in the Cleopatra pool. This is a charming, small hotel just a short drive from Ephesus. Here, youll find a restaurant and several souvenir shops lining the road that leads to the ticket office. The route through the Ephesus will then be downhill from the entrance. A boar then ran out of the resulting inferno. Later, in 334 BC, Alexander the Great defeated the Persians, bringing them into his pan-Greek empire. October is the last busy month of the season, with November ushering in more wind and rain; by now, average highs are . Guided tours offer more than just convenient transport, however. The Temple of Artemis, or what's left of it, was known as one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. Its believed to have been almost entirely destroyed in 615 during the Sassanian War (602-628). If you want to visit the Terraced Houses, there is an additional fee to pay. Tip: If you want to take a guided tour, this small group tour includes visits to Ephesus, Artemis Temple, and the House of Virgin Mary. Its located about a 5-minute drive from Ephesus. It was built around 323 BC as a shrine to the goddess Artemis. Top 10 Things to do in Ephesus Home . If youre coming by bus (click here for the location of the bus station in Selcuk), youll be dropped off at the north entrance which has a huge parking lot (parking costs about 25 TL). Im planning to go from Cappadocia to Izmir airport (arriving around 7am) and from there to Ephesus and then try to get to Pamukale. The hotel also has its own restaurant and bar, so you dont have to go far to find a bite to eat after a busy day. Travelers of the past made their way from distant corners of the known world to visit pilgrimage spots, trade their goods, and lay eyes on the wondrous architecture. Within this travel guide, I am going to show you how you can visit Ephesus and provide you with a comprehensive list of great things to do in Selcuk from visiting Ephesus to visiting Pamukkale, another stunning wonder of the world. Youll find statues, sculptures, sarcophaguses, and old coins which have been excavated not only from Ephesus but also from the Basilica of St John and Temple of Artemis. Im glad to come across your blog. After the death of Jesus, St John and the Virgin Mary came to Ephesus and it is assumed that Mary spent her last days in this house. You can choose to bathe in the white travertine pools, go for a swim in a proper thermal pool or even go paragliding over Pamukkale and witness this natural wonder from above. Yes, your parents should be able to visit Ephesus. Cheers, Julie. By the end of the 15th century, the once great city of Ephesus was left completely abandoned. More facilities can be found at the lower entrance. Finally, if you want to do some shopping, theres a huge local market not too far from the aqueduct ruins selling cheap clothes, shoes, souvenirs, and all kinds of stuff. The library once housed over 12,000 scrolls and although only the faade is left, the intricate designs and carvings are still well-preserved. Related post: How to get to Ephesus from Istanbul. Would you recommend any taxi/private driver companies. Hi, my name is Claudia. Julie Last updated: January 11, 2023 Turkey 12 Comments. Various attacks and sacks by Arab and Seljuk Turks in the following centuries affected the towns fortunes. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. There are some small hills, but nothing too bad. You can also get a nice view of Isa Bey Mosque, Basilica of St John, and Ayasuluk Castle from there. The Gospel of John may have been written in Ephesus from 90 to 100 AD. To save you the trouble, here is, If you are planning to travel to East Turkey, Van is one of the cities you must stop by. Related post: 3 Turkey 7 day itinerary ideas. Top Sights & Places. When you visit Selcuk, Turkey, there is more to see than the ancient city of Ephesus. When youre not busy exploring the ancient sights nearby, you can take a dip in the pool or sun yourself in the terrace garden. From Izmir, its 82 kilometers (just under 60 miles) to Ephesus and the drive is just under an hour, but note that driving this route includes having to pay tolls. During the beginning of the Roman period, around 100 BC, Ephesus had a population of 250,000, making it one of the largest cities in the Mediterranean world. Theres also the Baths of Scholasticia, which takes its name from the statue of a Christian woman named Scholasticia, who presumably funded repairs to be undertaken on the baths around the 4th century. This down-to-earth property is a warm, welcoming place to stay during your trip to the region. The mosque is a great example of Seljukian architecture and it is unique in that the mosque was constructed asymmetrical on purpose unlike other mosques in Turkey. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". One of the most prominent tourist attractions in Ephesus is the Library of Celsus. Instantly turn your travel photos into beautiful work of art in one click. Learn more about me here My Adventures Across The World participates in several affiliate programs. The trip takes around 10 minutes. I dont drive and I dont want to spend money on a driver and car. Looking for things to do in Ephesus? Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. The city had one of the most advanced aqueduct systems in the world. Read all of our articles in our. Note: This post contains affiliate links. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. St John is depicted as praying in the temple to rid it of demons, allegedly causing the altar to Artemis to crack in half. It housed more than 12,000 scrolls, making it the third richest library in ancient times after Alexandria and Pergamum. Here youll find restaurants, cafes, ATMs and even a post office. When visiting, note that the statues and upper sections of the temple are actually copies of the originals, which now can be found in the Ephesus Archaeological Museum. Our website uses cookies. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 949 Tours & Activities Why you are seeing these recommendations Reserve Now & Pay Later All inclusive Private Tour: Ephesus, Artemis, The House of Virgin Mary, LUNCH 126 Reviews Badge of Excellence Selcuk, Turkiye Share Save to Wishlist From $94.00 Price varies by group size Lowest Price Guarantee Select Date and Travelers Check Availability Its not as popular as most of the attractions in Ephesus so you dont necessarily need to visit as soon as it opens. The best time to visit is around 8 or 9 a.m when its not too hot yet and the crowds are at their lowest. The fortress opens from 8 AM to 6 PM every day. Most people who wish to visit Ephesus base themselves in either Selcuk or Kusadasi, and a few also stay in Izmir, which is a much larger city. There have been multiple earthquakes, a fire set by invading Goths in 262 AD, and other attacks by various marauding forces. It is one of the most visited tourist destinations within Turkey and makes for one of the best things to do in Kusadasi. But there were downturns in the fortunes of the city. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Terms of Service apply. Of course, its also super close to Ephesus itself and can be used as a jumping-off point to other sights in the area too (Sirince, for example). 7. Budget: Nicea Hotel 18 Best things to do in Selcuk, Turkey Visit the ancient city of Ephesus The majestic Library of Celsus at Ephesus Ancient City is a must visit in Selcuk. Can a person enter alone, or is a tour guide needed? Interestingly, its the Ephesus of this particular time that has confused archaeologists the most. Check out:A Complete Travel Guide to Pamukkale, Turkey. The incredible morning when we had the Library of Celsus to ourselves The library is actually visible from afar its massive! You will find plenty more under our Turkey Travel Guide section where you will find suggested itineraries, things to do, and everything you need to plan your Turkey trip. In the early hours of the day, the sea is very clear. And Emperor Augustus himself decreed that Ephesus should replace Pergamon as the capital of western Asia Minor. This means that for any purchase you make through one of my links, I receive a small percentage which however does not affect the final price for the customer. It was built in the 2nd century AD under the eye of a Roman consul, Gaius Julius Aquila. Ephesus Great Theater. There are two entrances to the ruins of Ephesus. Its ruins are still in good shape and show how the city has changed over time. This is supported by only one central keystone, without the need for mortar to keep it in place. Cave of Seven Sleepers: According to legend, this is the location where seven men hid away to escape persecution due to their religious beliefs. Please edit your blog. It takes about 10 hours and tickets cost about 25. Now, after its rediscovery in the 19th century, Ephesus is actually the best example of an ancient city anywhere in Europe. But if your flight gets in midday, then you wont have enough time to visit Ephesus and drive to Pamukkale. Bike hire is available here, making it easy to cycle around the area (theres also car hire, which is a plus). Practical Guide To Visiting Ephesus, Turkey. Despite not having a whole lot to see, due to its location, I still think Ayasoluk Castle is worth a climb if you are looking to spend an evening strolling around Selcuk. Another option is to take the bus. The upper entrance is located to the southwest of the archaeological site, between the road to Selcuk and Marys House. Complete with a swimming pool in its elegant courtyard, other amenities on-site include bike hire, room service and free parking available. TURKEY ITINERARY: Learn how to plan your visit to Turkey with our 10 day Turkey Itinerary, which includes Istanbul, Cappadocia and Ephesus. Visiting the house of the Virgin Mary is among the best things to do in Ephesus in 2023. From there, it takes about 3 hours to get to Selcuk. This is another monument that was built in honor of Emperor Hadrian. We provide up-to-date info on everything from must-see scenic spots to local hangouts. They emerged 300 years later. Now that we are done with Ephesus, it is time to explore the city of Selcuk. Some of the roads here, though still quite uneven, are suitable for wheelchairs or any other walking aid. Its architecture was some of the grandest in the region: it had the 3rd largest ancient Greco-Roman library and boasted a wonder of the ancient world, the Temple of Artemis. If you want to learn more about the ancient city of Ephesus, I highly recommend you visit Ephesus Museum, a museum dedicated to preserving all the discovered artifacts found around Ephesus. Ephesus has 2 opening hours, one for the summer (April October) and two for the winter (November March). The tour includes pick-up service from your hotels, a visit to the terrace pools as well as the ancient city of Hierapolis, and an ancient spa in Pamukkale and they will drop you off in Selcuk at the end of the day. Selcuk is actually the best access point for visiting Ephesus just a 7-minute drive to the larger parking lot and lower entrance. Another place to visit near Sirince is the house of Virgin Mary, actually a famous Turkish tourists attraction. The quickest way to get to Selcuk is to fly into Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport and from there, you can hire a rental car or taxi, or take the bus to Selcuk. Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) Mosque Aya Sofya Highlight: Take in the majestic interior of one of Istanbul's most iconic buildings Renowned as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, the spellbinding Byzantine glory of the Hagia Sophia Mosque (Aya Sofya) is not only one of the top things to do in Istanbul, but also in Turkey. We visited at the end of April and were truly lucky with a warm, sunny day.
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things to do in ephesus turkey
