There are a few places in the world that everyone should put on their bucket list, and Ephesus is one. Dating back to 6,000 BC, this ancient Greco-Roman city is one of the worlds most significant and well-preserved ancient sites and once home to over 250,000 people. Ephesus is located within easy reach of Kusadasi, so an ideal excursion for any history lovers on board.

ABOUT EPHESUS (EFES)

The ancient city of Ephesus, known as Efes in Türkiye, was the capital of Roman Asia Minor. It was once a busy trading and seaport, but silt built up over time, leaving it today 6km from the coast. This colossal site is one of the worlds great outdoor museums and a must-see if you’re cruising southwest Türkiye. It lies just 3km from Selcuk, 18km from Kusadasi, so a private tour to include all the highlights can easily be arranged.

EPHESUS HIGHLIGHTS

Library of Celsus

The world-famous Library of Celsus had a capacity for over 12,000 scrolls, making it the third-largest library of its time, after Alexandra and Pergamum. It was built in the 2^nd century CE and was once extremely impressive, with statutes symbolising the virtues of Celsus: knowledge, wisdom, intelligence and bravery. Unfortunately, almost all that remains today are the columns and the building’s façade.

The Temple of Artemis

The Temple of Artemis is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. This impressive site dated back to the 6^th century BC and was so large that it was double the dimensions of other Greek sites, including the Parthenon. Unfortunately, a deliberate fire during the 4^th century BC destroyed the original building, and although rebuilt, it was again torn down by a Christian mob in 401 CE. All that remains today is a solitary column standing as a reminder of its past.

Church of the Virgin Mary

There are several churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary worldwide, but the one at Ephesus is believed to be the first. Dating back to the 3^rd century, it appears as a basilica with two aisles and a nave. It is the most significant Christian building in Ephesus and contains a baptistery in the northern part of the atrium where people could be fully immersed.

The Arcadian Way

Built during the Hellenistic period, the Arcadian Way was the 530m long main street connecting the port to the Great Theatre. It was designed to impress visiting traders and featured marble slabs, colonnades, statues and arches. Tip: If you’re a photographer, visit at sunset to capture its mystical glow!

The Great Theatre

One of the most well-preserved buildings at Ephesus is the Great Theatre. This phenomenal landmark had seating for 24,000 visitors and was designed for both preaching and entertainment purposes.

Marble Road

The Marble Road connected the Great Theatre to the Library of Celsus and is perhaps best known for homing the first carved advert in the world. The advert depicts a foot, cross, heart, wallet and a hole in the rock, and most historians believe it points to a brothel. It is said that the carved foot and hole were tests to find out if you were eligible for entry –  if your foot was as big as the one carved, you were old enough, and if you had enough coins to fill the hole, you could afford the ladies services!

Hadrian’s Temple

One of the highlights of Curetes Street is Hadrian’s Temple. The arch and four columns of its façade show a relief of Tyche, the goddess of fortune, and clues to the city’s past can be seen on several friezes inside the building.

The Terrace Houses

The Terrace Houses of Ephesus are not generally included in the organised tours, so normally crowd-free. They are homed under a modern protective roof and give a real insight into how the Romans once lived. The first house dates back to the 1^st century BC, and walking around, you notice the elaborate frescos and mosaics and realise how advanced the city was, with a primitive heating system and access to hot and cold water.

LET US ORGANISE A GUIDED TOUR OF EPHESUS

If you are cruising in Türkiye and fancy visiting Ephesus, 360° Yachting can organise a private guided tour of the site and many other local attractions. Please CONTACT US for details.