A Traveler’s Guide to Ephesus: Turkey’s Ancient Gem

Ephesus one of the most famous archaeological sites in Turkey is calling for people to come and explore history, culture and architecture all in one place. Situated in the modern district of Selçuk in the Izmir province, this ancient city will help the visitor to visualize the past. Ephesus was once a great city of the Greek and Roman periods with monumental buildings, busy market and the Temple of Artemis – one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Today, Ephesus is a powerful message of Turkey’s historical heritage and every tourist should visit it.
The remains of the city look quite authentic and let people see how the ancient people were masters in architecture. During the walking tour, you will visit the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, and the Terrace Houses, which will give you an idea of how people lived in the ancient world. The site is not only the architectural wonders; it is also a sacred ground; the House of the Virgin Mary is in the vicinity of the site and many people from all over the world visit this place. When it comes to history, Ephesus cannot be missed on the list of historical sites in Turkey.
If you are coming from Dubai, then Turkey tour packages from Dubai are a perfect chance to visit this country. Ephesus is part of most multi day guided tours in Turkey, such as Istanbul, Pamukkale and Cappadocia. These packages include; flights, accommodation and guided tours which help to tell the story of the ancient city. Ephesus is known for its history, ancient ruins as well as religious places and anyone who would go to Ephesus will never be disappointed.
The Rich History of Ephesus
Ephesus was founded as an Ionic city in the 10th century BC as a colony of Greeks and later was developed as one of the most significant cities of the Roman empire. This made it a crucial hub for commercial and cultural interaction since it was located along the Aegean coast. Today the remains of Ephesus are still preserved and among the most valuable attractions in Turkey representing its ancient history.
During the trip you will follow the paths of ancient civilizations and visit famous places including the Temple of Artemis, the Great Theatre and the Library of Celsus. These great structures still leave visitors with their mouth wide open and give a glimpse of how great the old world was.
Ephesus Must See
The Library of Celsus:
Formerly a grand structure that once boasted as many as 12 000 scrolls, the Library of Celsus is one of the symbols of Ephesus . Originally the mausoleum of Tiberius Julius Celsus, a Roman senator, the façade of this structure is perhaps the most impressive of any building in the ancient city.
The Great Theatre:
The Great Theatre of Ephesus is the biggest theatre in Asia Minor and can accommodate as many as 25,000 people. They were used for everything from gladiator games to theatrical performances and are still used for events today. The position of the theatre provides a beautiful view of the surrounding country side.
The Temple of Artemis:
Although there is only one column left of the original building, the Temple of Artemis is historically very valuable. Once it was included into the list of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and was regarded as one of the most significant temples of the ancient period.
Terrace Houses:
These aristocratic houses are located on the hill above the main road and provide the guests with the opportunity to observe the Roman apartment buildings. The walls and the floor are decorated with mosaic and frescoes which portray scenes from daily life.
The Agora and Roman Baths:
Visit the commercial hub of the ancient city of Ephesus at the Agora that used to be the marketplace for traders from all the provinces of the Roman Empire. Not far from the Roman Baths, visitors can learn more about the social life of the ancient city.
The Odeon:
The Odeon was a smaller theater than the Great Theatre and was employed for concerts and political meetings. Nowadays, it is a park for contemplation of the greatness of Ephesus.
The House of the Virgin Mary:
The House of the Virgin Mary is a site that is located near Ephesus where according to tradition Mary lived her last days. It is one of the holiest shrines for Christians across the globe.
When to Visit Ephesus
The best time to visit Ephesus is at spring that is from April to June and at autumn that is from September to November. During these seasons the climate remains mild and the weather is quite pleasant for site seeing the ruins. Summer is the busiest season to travel due to July and August and some of the main attractions may be very busy too.
Transportation of Ephesus from Dubai
The journey to Ephesus from Dubai is quite easy since there are direct and connecting flights to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport. Ephesus is only a 50-minute drive from Izmir and can be easily incorporated into a traveler’s Turkey vacation. Ephesus is one of the most visited destinations in Turkey and most of the Dubai based Turkey tour packages come with Ephesus tour package which provides detailed guided tour of the place.
Turkey Tour Packages from Dubai – Tour Packages from Dubai to Turkey
For people, who are interested in visiting Ephesus, Turkey tour deals from Dubai are perfect to discover the country’s history, cultural and scenery. Ephesus is normally a part of most tour packages; other popular tour destinations include Istanbul, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia.
Packages typically feature:
- Round-trip flights from Dubai
- Staying in 4 or 5 star hotels
- Tourist guides for the historical places
- Transportation within Turkey
- Admission charges to such sites as Ephesus
- Excursions which include ballooning in Cappadocia.
These packages let you get to Ephesus and other attractions on your list without having to worry about every little thing.
Tips for Visiting Ephesus
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes: The site is very large and because of the terrain it can be quite rocky so be prepared to do a lot of walking.
- Bring sun protection: Ephesus is mostly uncovered so hat, sun screen and sunglasses should not be forgotten.
- Arrive early: And since the site is usually crowded and the sun is very hot in the middle of the day, it is recommended to go there as soon as possible in the morning.
- Hire a local guide: It is recommended to take a guide in order to get more detailed information about history and meaning of the place.
- Plan for at least 3 hours: Ephesus is very large and there is so much to see and do so, be sure to allow enough time to cover the main attractions.
Conclusion
Ephesus is one of the most enchanting tourist attractions that give tourists an incredible experience of the ancient world. Whether you are walking through the old city streets, admiring the beautiful mosaics or seating in the great theatre you will be amazed by Ephesus.
Ephesus is a must visit whenever you are planning a trip to Turkey. Thanks to Turkey tour packages from Dubai; this ancient wonder has never been easier to visit. These well-selected packages are an easy and informative way to explore the history, culture and sights of Turkey.