Ephesus was always a busy hub as it was a natural harbor for long, long years till it was mostly destroyed by the massive earthquake that hit the town in 614 AD. Also, the access to the Mediterranean lost its characteristic as the river carried the silt and piled up into the harbor. From 1000 BC till the earthquake it was ruled by the Greek colonialists, Pergamon and lastly the Romans. Ephesus was the second biggest city after Constantinopolis on these days. The wealthiness was coming from the commerce and the population of the town was about 225000 which is a significant number counting the overall population of the Roman Empire.

Ephesus was not only a commercially, culturally developed and civilized city but also had importance for Christianity as it became one of the key places to spread the religion in its early days. Stills, thousands of Catholics visit Ephesus for pilgrimage. Let’s see the sites to be visited during your Ephesus excursion.

Library of Celsus

This monumental library was one of the biggest libraries in antiquity and is maybe the symbol of the Ephesus Ancient Town. It was built in AD 110 to honor Gaius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, the father of the Consul Aquila. Although many parts are moved to the Ephesus Museum in Vienna, the façade could somehow be restored in 1970.

Curetes Way

This is the grand marble street which is one of the three main streets in Ephesus where you may get an image of the daily life of the Ephesians. The street got its name from the priests, it is stated between the Hercules Gate and Celsus Library. There were shops, statues, monuments and fountains around the street. There used to be houses on the slope where you may see the finest examples of the mosaics from that era.

Terraced Houses

These houses were owned by the wealthiest Ephesians and still is excavating to display the privileged life of the upper-class society. The mosaics and frescoes are clearly visible and quite interesting as they take you to the Roman Times.

Ephesus Archaeological Museum

In this museum, you have the chance to see the artifacts that are excavated from the Ephesus Ancient City such as the most beautiful statues, jewelry, coins and different utensils. To have a better understanding of Roman life, the museum deserves attention.

Basilica Of Saint John

Although it is mostly destroyed by the attackers, treasure hunters and many earthquakes, the Basilica holds its significance from the very moment it is built in the 6th century. It also hosts the tomb of St John, who traveled from Jerusalem to Ephesus to spread Christianity and wrote his Gospel here in Ephesus.

Temple Of Artemis

Being one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the temple was rebuilt twice and finally destroyed in V. Century AD. Now, only the ruins and foundation are now visible at the site. Was built to honor the Goddess Artemis and was described as the most wonderful monument of Greek Antiquity.

House Of The Virgin Mary

This house located on the top of Bulbul Mountain is believed to be the place that Mary had spent her latest days. Virgin Mary may have come here with Saint John who was here in Ephesus trying to spread the religion. As an ordinary example of Roman Architecture, the structure resembles a church more than a house now which became a target for pilgrimage for Christians after Pope John Paul II pointed out that her shrine is a sacred place for all Christians.