Meryemana (The Virgin Mary’s House) - The House of the Virgin Mary is situated atop the “Bulbul” mountain, 9 km from Ephesus. This sanctuary, surrounded by lush greenery, is believed to be where Mary spent her final days. She may have arrived in the area with Saint John, who dedicated several years to spreading Christianity there. Mary chose this secluded spot over a bustling city. The house is a classic example of Roman architecture, built entirely of stone. In the 4th century AD, a church was constructed, incorporating her house and grave. The original two-story house included an anteroom (now a place for candles), a bedroom, a prayer room (Christian church area), and a room with a fireplace (Muslim chapel).

Ancient City of Ephesus - This archaeological site in Ephesus balances historical preservation with visitor accessibility. Located on Turkey’s southwest coast, Ephesus was a hub for various ancient civilizations, blending architecture and culture. In 356 BC, the Greeks built the Artemesium, a massive Ionic temple dedicated to Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. By the 2nd century BC, Ephesus was the fourth largest city in the eastern Roman Empire, renowned for its Artemis Temple, the Library of Celsus, and its medical school.

State Agora - Situated south of the Basilica, the State Agora was constructed in the Roman Period in the first century BC. Unlike commercial agoras, this one was used for governmental meetings. Excavations in the northeast corner revealed numerous graves from the 7th-6th centuries BC, a stone-paved road, and an archaic terra cotta sarcophagus. This area served as the necropolis of Ephesus during the archaic period. A water reservoir at the Agora’s corner was crucial for the city, with water supplied via the Pollio Aqueduct, remnants of which are visible 5 kilometers away along the Selçuk-Aydin highway.

The Odeion - Resembling a small theatre, the Odeion featured a stage, seating, and an orchestra area. It served dual purposes: as a Bouleuterion for Senate meetings and as a concert hall. Built in the 2nd century AD by Publius Vedius Antonius and his wife Flavia Paiana, it could accommodate 1,500 spectators. The stage building had three doors leading to the podium, which was one meter higher than the orchestra section. The two-story stage building was adorned with columns. Some parts of the seating and the podium have been restored. The Odeon was originally covered with a wooden roof. Ephesus was governed by two councils: the Demos, or public parliament, which met in the great theatre, and the Bouleia, which convened in this smaller theatre.

Temple of Hadrian - One of the most well-preserved and beautiful structures on Curetes Street, the Temple of Hadrian was built before 138 AD by P. Quintilius and dedicated to Emperor Hadrian, who visited the city in 128 AD. The temple’s facade features four Corinthian columns supporting a curved arch with a relief of Tyche, the goddess of victory, in the center. The side columns are square. Inscriptions on the pedestal in front of the temple indicate it was the base for statues of emperors from 293-305 CE, including Diocletian, Maximian, Constantius I, and Galerius, though the original statues have not been found.

Temple of Domitian - Located at the southern end of Domitian Street, this is the first structure in Ephesus known to be dedicated to an emperor. Built on a high, wide terrace measuring 50x100 meters, the northern side of the terrace appears two stories high and is accessible by stairs, which are still visible today. The temple, designed in a pro-style plan, had eight columns on the short side, thirteen on the long side, and four additional columns in front of the cella. An altar on the northern side, now displayed in the Izmir Museum, was u-shaped. During Domitian’s reign, the city received permission to build an Emperor Temple, a significant honor.

Hercules Gate - Situated towards the end of Curetes Street, the Hercules Gate is named for the relief of Hercules on it. Moved to its current location in the fourth century AD, the relief dates back to the second century AD. Only the two sides of the columns remain today. The relief of the flying Nike in Domitian Square is believed to be part of this gate. The gate narrowed the street, making it a pedestrian area from the fourth century onwards.

Ephesus Terrace Houses - Opposite the Hadrian Temple, the Ephesus terrace houses, also known as “the houses of wealthy Romans,” provide insights into family life during the Roman period. Built according to the city’s Hippodamian plan, with roads intersecting at right angles, there are six residential units on three terraces on the lower slope of Bulbul Mountain. The oldest building dates back to the 1st century BC and was used as a residence until the 7th century AD. The houses are covered with protective roofing resembling Roman houses. The mosaics and frescos have been preserved, and two houses are open to the public as a museum.

Library of Celsus - One of Ephesus’s most stunning structures, the Celsus Library was built in 117 AD as a monumental tomb for Gaius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, the governor of Asia, by his son Galius Julius Aquila. Celsus’s grave lies beneath the ground floor, with a statue of Athena, the goddess of wisdom, above it. The library housed over 12,000 scrolls in wall niches, with double walls behind the bookcases to protect against temperature and humidity extremes. It was the third richest library of ancient times, after Alexandria and Pergamum.

Ephesus Ancient Greek Theatre - The most magnificent structure in Ephesus, the Great Theatre is located on Panayir Hill’s slope, opposite Harbor Street. Initially built in the Hellenistic Period in the third century BC during Lysimachos’s reign, it was expanded during the Roman Period to its current form. It is the largest theatre in Anatolia, with a capacity of 25,000 seats. The cavea has sixty-six rows of seats, divided by two walkways into three sections. The lower section contained marble pieces used for restoration and the Emperor’s Box. The theatre hosted concerts, plays, religious, political, and philosophical discussions, as well as gladiator and animal fights.

The Basilica of Saint John - It is believed that St. John spent his final years in the Ephesus region and was buried on Ayosolug Hill’s southern slope. Three hundred years after his death, a small chapel was built over his grave in the 4th century. Emperor Justinian transformed the chapel into a grand basilica between 527-565 AD. The late first century was marked by persecution for early Christians, with Apostle James and Stephen killed in Jerusalem and Paul executed in Rome. According to tradition, John brought Mary to Ephesus, wrote his Gospel there, and the Revelation on Patmos Island in 96 AD.

The Temple of Artemis - Known as one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, the Temple of Artemis was built in Ephesus on a flat area that later became a swamp. Today, visitors can see the ruins of this Hellenistic Age marvel, made entirely of marble with sculptured columns and capitals. The most exquisite remnants are displayed in the British Museum in London.

• Brand New A/C Luxury Mercedes Vito with Private Driver
• Pickup and Drop-off from Hotel and Cruise Port
• Guaranteed skip-the-line
• All taxes
• Parking fees
• English Speaking Professional Licensed Tour Guide

• Entrance Fees (Tour guide will have pre-purchased skip-the-line tickets)
• Delicious Local Lunch, Per Person 15 USD
• Spanish Speaking Guide ($50 per group)