Ephesus
Located about 12 miles from the city of Kusadasi, the archeological site
in the town of Ephesus is one of the largest in Turkey.
The city was founded by the Greeks. However, when the Romans took over,
they made it one of the most prosperous cities in the Empire. It was Augustus
himself who declared it the capitol of the province of Asia. Its 200,000
inhabitants made their living in agriculture and trade. The port there
was a stopping off point for ships coming from Europe, Asia and Africa.
It was a very lively, cosmopolitan city until it was invaded by the Goths
in 262 AD.
Your visit to Ephesus
We recommend that you take a guided tour of the site to fully grasp the
historical significance of this city and the influence of the civilizations
who once 
lived and prospered there. Your guide will know how to make the ruins
talk and tell the fascinating story of the city and of the people who
lived there. You'll enter the site through the Magnesia gate, and as you
walk through the Gate of Hercules, you'll be astonished by the size of
Ephesus. You'll admire Curates street, and the Corinthian style temple
of Hadrian with its Medusa's head over the door in order to keep the demons
away. You can also visit the Celsus Library, the Scholastic Baths, and
the state agora,etc
The great Theatre is located just beyond what is called the Sacred or
Marble Way. The theater seats 25,000 people and its acoustics are excellent.
Before you leave the site, make sure you get a look at the ruins of the
port of Ephesus, (you'll note that the water has dried up since). Just
beyond the souvenir shops, you'll find the port's baths and gymnasium.
The library was built in honor of governor Tiberius Julius Celsus, by
his son Tiberus Celsus in 114 AD.
More than 12,000 rolls of parchment were stored in the library using
an ingenious system which protected the works from humidity.
Note the convex shape of its facade which makes the building look more
slender and quite elegant. |
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