Turkey's lesser known but spellbinding Attraction: Ephesus

Among Aegean Turkey's headlining attractions, Ephesus is a splendid site with multitude of places that will delight travelers from everywhere. Looking at the beauty of this ancient site, it is easy to understand why it receives so many visitors every year. Not just a must for those enjoying a Turkey vacation, anyone with slightest interest in recounting the mysteries of the past with the remnants of ancient archaeological marvels of Ephesus should take pleasure in a tour.

Why travel to Ephesus?

The House of Virgin Mary draws quite a lot of pilgrimage visitors but Ephesus is not just another religious or historically significant place. It is a scholar's dream, an adventurer's site to unravel the past and a wanderer's fantasy to satiate the wanderlust. Easily accessible through Selchuk via private and shared cabs, buses, one can travel through the entire site in only half or a full day. The lack of towering structure may seem disappointing at first but the beauty of the site lies in its extensive architectural design that is spread all over the site. With plethora of temples, houses and avenues of the ancient times at the site, travelers would surely cherish a rendezvous here. 

The best way of having the perfect Ephesus experience is by including a full day or few hours tour in their overall Turkey trips. Since Ephesus is only a site, overnight accommodation is a problem that no tourist would want to encounter. So, getting a private cab or a shared cab or minibus or a train journey with a group of friends to this site with a local guide would be an enthralling experience. To satisfy the desire for Turkish cuisine, numerous places for enjoying kebabs and other Turkish delicacies are available at the exit gates. Souvenir shops also have grand local designs at display but it is best to shop from the city or bargain well to get the best deal. Often people travelling the west Turkey wonder why travel to Ephesus when it is only an ancient site with no trekking or holiday resorts to offer. But the site's beauty is in its spectacular archaeological design that was once considered among greatest wonders of the ancient world.

The biggest attraction remains the world famous Temple of Artemis whose remnants have survived attacks from centuries before. The site offers an extravagant view of the city that once was with ruins of the Odeion, Temple of Hadrian, Trajan Fountain, Terrace Houses, Scolasticia Baths, Prytaneion, Temple to Serapis, Celsus Library, Great Theatre and many more.

 Cafes at the Exit gate offer some of more delectable beverages so travelers can savor their taste buds while savoring the ancient experience. When getting out, it is also wise to consider visiting the famed nearby Cini workshops for which visitors will need to hire a convenient transport option to get to. Kusadasi is a little distant from Ephesus but offers grand coastal vacation options with its classy resorts, treasure of archaeological marvels and sun kissed beach holidays.

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what was the library of celsus used for

Celsus Library is a typical structure of architectural style prevalent in the period of Emperor Hadrian, dates back to 2. Centry AD. The most wellknown building of Ephesus City was built to honour proconsul (governor) of the Asian province Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, by his son Tiberius Julius Acquila. Known as third largest library of Ancient World after Alexandria and Pergammon libraries.

Celsus library locates in the corner of Curetes street and the Marble road at center of the city, just to the left of the Commercial Agora. It rests on a nine-stepped podium 21m in length, the facade is richly decorated with relief carvings and has two stories that visitors can see – each with three pairs of columns capped with Corinthian capitals. First storey’s pillars are taller than 2.storey’ pillars for giving perspective to the building. Under the building there is a burial chamber in which stunning tomb of governor locates. The Celsus Library had three entrance doorways flanked by four statues locate in niches. These figures represented four qualities associated with the late governor: wisdom (sophia), intelligence (ennoia), knowledge (episteme) and virtue (arete).

Know more: http://www.aboutephesus.com/ephesus-ruins/celsus-library

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Private Ephesus Day Tours: Top 10 Things to See in Turkey

Turkey has many amazing destinations to offer to the visitors. The Istanbul skyline punctuated with minaret or the ruins of Ephesus, there is so much in Turkey to see that you will be overwhelmed. Turkey has been referred to as one of the most important tourist destinations of the world. Here are top 10 things to see.

 

Theatre of Aspendos

If one is looking for the finest preserved theatre of the world, then they must visit Aspendos. It was constructed during the reign of Marcus Aurelius in 155AD.  It is a large theatre with seating capacity of more than 20,000 people. One can visit this place if they have opted for Private Ephesus Day Tours by About Ephesus.

Beach of Patara

With the private Ephesus day tours by About Ephesus, one may not be able to visit this beach as it may take longer time. However, if one is coming to visit Turkey, they must definitely see this place. The beach is really amazing.

 

Pamukalle

It is one of the most incredible landscapes one can ever get to see. Clad in the white cotton, one might get confused that they are looking at the ice covered landscape. However, it is the hot springs and minerals that give it this colour.

Castle of Bodrum

Castle of Bodrum is another place one should not miss while in Turkey. It is one of the finest preserved monuments from the medieval time. The castle has now been converted into a museum.

 

Mount Nemrut

Nemrut Mountain is another place that must be visited by the Turkey visitors. It is about 2100 meter above the seal level. There are some incredible statues carved from the stones. The view from the mountain is really awesome.

 

Oludeniz

It is in fact a small village which is located on the Aegean Sea. It is said that the secluded bay of this place is one of the most photographed beaches of the world. The turquoise colour looks marvellous on this beach.

 

The Blue Mosque

The blue mosque is one of the most sought after tourist attractions. It has six minarets and the construction is quite imposing. The blue tiles covering the walls give it the blue colour for which it is famous.

Celsus Library

During the tour of Ephesus, one should visit the Celsus Library. This library was built around 125 AD. This library was the house to more than 10,000 important scrolls and documents.

 

Fairy Chimneys of Goreme 

If one wants to see the bizarre and yet natural rock formations then they must visit Cappadocia. And when one is Cappadocia, they must visit Goreme. There are some distinct rock formations at this place which have been given the name of fairy chimneys. They are the result of water and wind erosion of thousands of years.

 

Hagia Sophia

This was in fact a basilica which was designed for Justinian I. Justinian was the emperor of the Eastern Rome in the sixth century. It is a perfect example of the roman architecture and engineering.

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Archaeological Ephesus - Interesting Facts offered by About Ephesus

The Ephesus Archaeological Museum is an archaeological museum in Selçuk near İzmir, Turkey. It houses finds from the nearby Ephesus excavation site. Its best-known exhibit is the statue of Artemis retrieved from the temple of the goddess in Ephesus. Archaeological Ephesus Museum: The museum has displayed the artifacts which were dug up at The Ancient City of Ephesus.

Know more: http://www.aboutephesus.com/ephesus-tours/

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Biblical Archaeology Discoveries in Ephesus

Among Turkey's great cities of the past and present, Ephesus is surely a must visit one. It is home to not only some of the best ancient structures but is also located quite close to the religiously important sites. Turkey is a beautiful country and its extensively rich heritage makes it even more beautiful and with Ephesus, it gives tourists the chance to live through a beautiful Greco-roman city.

Since Ephesus has numerous locations that are of great religious significance, Biblical Ephesus tours by aboutephesus.com are quite famous among travelers. Ephesus city is close to the historically prominent and revered sites of Basilica of St. Paul and House the Virgin Mary which draws tourists.  Here is what you should definitely not skip on your biblical tour:

Basilica of St. Paul: Biblical Ephesus tours by aboutephesus.com are incomplete if you don't visit the burial site of St. Paul. The legend goes that St. Paul came here with the mother Mary sometime between 37AD-42AD. While he kept with the task of writing Bible in Ephesus, he also sought to spread Christianity and after he died, his burial was performed on the Ayasuluk Hill. Over the centuries, the burial site has undergone numerous changes and a local legend spread that the site is home to some healing dust. This legend drew people from all over the world in pursuit of healing and recovery to Ephesus during the middle ages. 

The Cave of Seven Sleepers: When a group of 7 young men who followed Christianity went into hiding as they were being persecuted, the cave they were in was sealed. Later when the cave was opened, they woke up around 300 years later thinking that it was only yesterday that they fell asleep. Then, Christianity became the central religious of the city. The cave is now a revered site in the heritage city.

City of Ephesus: The city itself is a museum, beautifully decked with the remnants of the structures that once stood tall in this thriving commercial centre. Ephesus was once favored as the perfect flourishing city as it gave way to numerous merchants through its sea trade route. The city was planned and executed very well and had all the basic and necessary amenities and even distinct style homes adorned with art for the wealthy.

Temple of Artemis: The city of Ephesus followed the cult of Diana who is a well known Greco-Roman deity so a visit to the city is incomplete if you don't visit the temple. The temple was once very beautiful with amazing columns and quintessential roman style architecture but now only one columns stands in its place which also draws numerous tourists.  

Isa Bey Mosque: Built during the 14th century, the Isa Bey Mosque is among the top sites around Ephesus and due to its revered status, many tourists visit it regardless of the religion.

Nearby is the Sirince village so if you feel like taking a little break from the biblical tour and learning the local arts then including an hour-long visit on your itinerary will be a great option.

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Kusadasi Ephesus Tours - Gather Some Crucial Information about the City

Kusadasi is known for its huge resorts and beaches in Turkey. There is something for everybody in this town. You can go for shopping on busy streets, walk on beach or just enjoy finest Turkish cuisine. The ancient town of Ephesus is nearby this resort town so one can always relax here after a tiring tour of ancient monuments. The travel agencies combine the visit to both these towns in one package. Once you land in Istanbul, look for these packages as you should not miss these at any cost in Turkey.  Ephesus is second most visited city of Turkey, just after Istanbul. 

Kusadasi Ephesus Tours with About Ephesus is perfect combination you can get. About Ephesus is one of the finest travel agency in the country with an expertise of decades now. The Ephesus has important spots such as the Virgin Mary’s House. The peaceful house away from the city will give you spiritual insights about the mother of Jesus. You can even just opt to stay at Kusadasi and observe beautiful harbor full of cruise ships. Starbucks here offers most spectacular view of the harbor. Ask your travel agency about cruise if you wish to travel in one. Having Turkish delights at restaurants here is good idea too. 

During Kusadasi Ephesus Tours with about Ephesus, you will get an opportunity to test finest Turkish food. If you wish explore the cuisine more then go for Alo24, BulBul and other such restaurants in the region. Kusadasi’s is known for its pristine beaches and magnificent views. Venues like Love Beach, Silver Sands beach, Ladies beach and Long beach are often full of tourists. These beaches offer relaxation spots as well as water sports. Those who like the bird’s eye view of the city, can go to the Dejazar’s roof terrace. This wine bar offers great view of the city while you sip favorite drink. 

The literal meaning of the Kusadasi is bird island. It is also a symbol of the city. A visit to this bird or pigeon island will give you an opportunity to visit old Byzantine Castle where the museum is located. The castle also provides good view of the Kusadasi. The region around the city can be also explored on a jeep. The nearby national park will let you enjoy the holidays in the arms of nature. The travel companies provide lunch along with the tour of national park. If you want to cool things off due to high temperatures, pay a visit to the Kusadasi water park. It is also known as the Adaland or Aqua Fantasy. 

The water parks here offer rain dance, water slides and many other fun rides. Nearby Selcuk castle is also being visited by tourists now due to its proximity to the Ephesus. St John’s basilica and Isa Bey Mosque are spectacular structures here. Restaurants here serve small pieces of grilled lamb here. This is dish is a must try. Selcuk market will help you to buy souvenirs for your trip.

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