Ephesus

What Makes It Special?

Ephesus, an ancient city by the Aegean coast, was one of the biggest cities of the ancient world with a population of 250.000 people. Receiving most of its visitors from Kusadasi, a nearby port town used as an important stopover by cruise ships, Ephesus is a main attraction that must be included in the tour itinerary. It's close proximity to the house of The Virgin Mary, or the city's grand theater which has a historical connection to St. Paul also brings in those who are interested in Christian history.

The ruins of the city is located only 3 miles (5 kms) away from the coastline, and surrounded by some small hills and the Bulbul (Nightingale) Mountain. Although the ruins are located away from the sea, the original city back in its time was located on the shore which gave it access to sea trading routes that gave the city its real importance as an important economic center of the Roman Empire. The bay where the harbor was located was silted up with the sediments brought in by the Kaystros (Kucuk Menderes) river, which is why the city now is away from the coast.

Even though the interesting part of history starts out with the Greeks and Romans, the area was inhabited a long time before these civilizations, during the Neolithic Age (around 6000 BC).

One of the "Seven Wonders of The Ancient World", the Temple of Artemis was also built at this site, unfortunately of which remains only one single column and a foundation. This temple was not only a place of worship, but a place with its unique set of laws which even prevented the city officials from intervening with the temple business. It had the right to loan money just like a bank would, and even offer shelter to people.

Location & Climate

Located on the western seaboard of Turkey, it shares the Aegean Sea with Greece. The ancient city can easily be located on a road map as every printed map which shows ancient sites would include Ephesus. The site is to the south of Izmir, the third biggest city of Turkey, about 50 miles (80 kms) drive away. Izmir has an airport which has connections to all major cities in Turkey. If you are visiting the region with a cruiser, then you would arrive at Kusadasi, which is about 15 miles (25 kms) away.

A region which receives average rainfall during the winter months with temperatures at around 42-60 Fahrenheit (6-16 Celsius); and very hot summer months with temperatures between 85-105 Fahrenheit (30-40 Celsius). Considering the "marble roads" of Ephesus which become "superheated marble blocks" during the summer months, resulting in a microwave effect, it is a very good idea to take certain precautions to avoid dehydration.