Top rated holiday places to see in Ephesus today? Archeologists mention that there is a possibility of an Apollon temple in the place where the mosque was built. It was common in the ancient times to built an Apollon temple next to Artemis temple since they are considered as twins. Apollo was the twin brother of Artemis, the god of prophecy. The mosque was built in 1375 (According to Christian Calendar). Selcuk is the modern name for Ephesus. A small agricultural town, having a population of 30.000 people. Every week on wednesdays and saturdays there is a farmers market in Selcuk town. You can enrich your private Ephesus Tour with a stop to this farners market where you can enjoy to see local fruits, vegetables, spices, dried fruits…. During the visit a walk through Selcuk town is worth doing. You would see the aquaducts from Roman times and storks (Between April – August). If you miss Selcuk market, there is a similar farmers market in Kusadasi which is held on Tuesdays and Fridays. Read even more info on Ephesus tours from Kusadasi port.
The ancient city of Ephesus is one of Turkey’s best known historical tourist attractions. Its dazzling marble-columned temples and colonnaded streets are every history buff’s dream, and it’s one of the best places to visit in the world if you want to imagine life in the classical era. Once you’ve finished rambling through the ruins, there are plenty more things to do in the vicinity. Ephesus sits on the edge of the vibrant town of Selçuk, which has long been a favorite stop for independent travelers. During the Roman era, the city continued to dazzle, and it was only after the Goths destroyed the city in 263 CE that its importance began to wane.
Ayasuluk Fortress sits on the hill above the Basilica of St. John and is accessed by a trail that leads up from behind the basilica. This hilltop site has been settled since the Neolithic period, but the fortress dates from the Byzantine era, and the fortifications were extended by the Seljuks. The fortress area was closed for years due to archaeologists excavating the site, but it has now been opened to visitors. The mighty enclosure wall had 15 rectangular towers. Inside, there’s not much to see, except for a small Seljuk-era mosque, but the views over town and the surrounding countryside are wonderful from the hilltop, making a trip here well worth the uphill walk.
Endless struggles between humans and gods were depicted. The roles were performed by wearing masks with different expressions instead of facial expressions. Over time, these performances took shape and formed the contemporary theater of today. Here comes the story of the laughing and crying masks of the theatre. The entrance fee to the Ephesus Ancient City also includes the theatre, the same goes for visiting hours. The temple was built by P. Quintilius in honor of the visit of the emperor Hadrianus and is estimated to have been finished before 138. The inscribed pedestals in front of the temple were built between 293-305 AC. On the door lintel in front of it, the foundation legend of Ephesus City is displayed with reliefs. Bronze statues of the Roman Emperors Diocletian, Constantius, Maximian and I. Theodosius were erected in 300 AC. There is a statue of Emperor Hadrian in the cella.
Our professional tour guide will be waiting for you with a board your name written on, you will take your private vehicle (Brand-New VIP Mercedes) from your Hotel, Izmir or Kusadasi Cruise port and drive to Ephesus Ancient City. Also visit other highlight according to your preferences. Your guide will skip the line to buy tickets at the entrances of sites. Tour totally be planned according to your preferences and after tour you will be dropped port or anywhere you like to be dropped. Read extra details on private Ephesus tours.
Located right next to the Celsus Library, the square is the city’s most important trade and cultural center, Agora, which is the marketplace. Agora has a total of 3 doors, and was built in BC. It was founded in the 3rd century during the reign of Emperor Augustus. Agora was damaged due to a big earthquake in the 4th AC. century and became unusable. In the 6th century AC, a new agora was established in the northern part using the remains here. The section where the newly established agora is located today serves as the Gendarmerie barracks center and entrance to that area is prohibited.
