Ephesus, Kusadasi, Turkey, Nov 2012

Dear Diary,

After our rumbling stomachs were satisfyingly stuffed withTurkish cooking, we continued our journey to the next destination, Kusadasi. And our next stop was Ephesus or Efes in Turkish. It is another Turkey’s famous ancient ruins, the best preserved of the world’s classical ruins which include theater, temples, library, baths, fountains, brothels, gymnasium and many more.

The Basilica Stoa

Theater

Located in Selcuk district in the Izmir province (a small town about 20km from Kusadasi), Ephesus was under the rulings of many great empires (Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman) and leaders (among other Alexander the Great). Entrance fee is 25TL.

The Rhodian Peristyle & The Prytaneum

The Curetes Street

It was initially built as a port, which later transformed into a trade center due to its strategic location. Along the way, it also became a religious center during the early Christianity era.

Temple of Hadrian

Among the many famous ruins that can be found there are Temple of Artemis – one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world, Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, the Basilica Stoa, Odeon, etc.

Library of Celsus

Processional Street

The whole tour takes more than 1 hour and you’re required to walk quite a distance to enjoy all Ephesus has to offer. You cannot turn around to go out should you decide not to continue the walk because Ephesus is a one way archeological site in which you enter through the entrance and leave through another exit. Both entrance and exit are not the same way. Furthermore, the marble flooring is quite slippery when it rains. It is advisable to wear comfortable attire and shoes.

Souvenirs sold at shops at Ephesus exit

Sources: www.muze.gov.tr, www.kusadasi.net/historical/ephesus, www.ephesus.us