TRAVEL KUSADASI
(WITH EPHEUS TOUR)
GENERAL INFORMATION-Kusadasi is one of the Turkey’s premier holiday resorts, offers an excellent environment for an unforgettable holiday. It is considered one of the great outdoor museums of Turkey and of the world. Situated on the west coast of Turkey, 90 km south of Izmir. Kusadasi, is reputed for being one of the most attractive cities of the Aegean, as it is close to the important historical sites including Ephesus, Temple of Artemis, Goddess Artemis, House of Virgin Mary. Kusadasi has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, providing a long tourism season. The city is bathed in sunshine for 300 days of the year. There are a number of sandy beaches in the area. Kaleiçi is the old centre of the town and is a popular shopping and entertainment area. Kusadasi’s setting also makes it a good base for those wanting to visit Ephesus which is only approximately 30 minutes’ drive away. "Kusadasi" that means "bird island" took its name from the Pigeon Island. As the peninsula has the shape of a bird's head. The city is a port of call for cruise ships plying the Eastern Mediterranean. Kuşadası is the second busiest cruise port in Turkey, after Istanbul, mainly due to the archaeological attractions at Ephesus. There is Grand Bazaar, Orient Bazaar, Kusadasi Bazaar and all they are full with shops and very close to the harbour in centre. The currency is the Lira, but you don’t need to exchange money because all shops in Kusadasi take cash USD, Euro, visa, MasterCard, travellers cheque etc.. Kusadasi is a port of call for more than 600 cruise ships every year thanks to Ephesus Ancient City. The ships run between April and November and they usually stay for 6-7 hours and rarely make an overnight stop at Kusadasi port.
Distance to Pamukkale=220Kms, Izmir=90Kms, Istanbul=555Kms, Ephesus=18kms.
HISTORY-The early settlements in Kusadasi is by the Lelegians and Carians who moved from the central Anatolia around the year of 3000BC. Mild climate allowed the inhabitants to grow essential products such as olive, grape and figs. In the 10th century BC "12 Ionian Cities "-Samos, Khios, Miletos, Priene, Ephesus, Teos, Erythrai, Priena, Klazonemi, Lebedos, Phokaia, Colophon, Smyrna, were established. The city was invaded by Persians around the year of 546BC. In 200BC Kusadasi and its environs were dominated by the Roman Empire. As the changes in climate caused serious earthquakes and changed the route of Caystros River, Ephesus was mostly destroyed and lost its importance and prosperity. The result had forced Byzantines to search for a new port and a new road that would be suitable for trading.
Kuşadası was a minor port frequented by vessels trading along the Aegean coast. In antiquity it was overshadowed by Ephesus, until Ephesus' harbour silted up. The area around Neopolis was found convenient by the Greek, Jewish, and Armenian merchants as a port in place of the port of Ephesus. "Scala Nova" was the name of this new port, today's Kusadasi. The advantageous position of Kusadasi as its being at the end of the important trade roads such as Silk Road once held by Ephesus, influenced the development of the city in trading.
GEOGRAPHY-The city stands on a bay in the Aegean with the peninsula of Güvercinada sticking out into the sea at one end, and the mountain of Pilav Dağı behind.
CLIMATE-
MONTH JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
HIGH 12 12 14 18 24 29 32 32 27 22 17 13
LOW 7 6 8 11 15 20 22 23 18 15 11 8
TIME ZONE- UTC+2 Summer UTC+3
CO-ORDINATES-37°51′35″N 27°15′35″E
AREA-224.60 km2
POPULATION-90,700
AIRPORT-The Izmir Adnan Menderes International Airport is located in Geziemir. Named after a former Turkish Prime Minister, Adnan Mendes, the airport serves the Izmir area. It is located 18 km south of the Izmir city on the way to Selcuk, Ephesus and Pamukkale. The new international terminal was opened in September 2006 and the new domestic terminal is opened in March 2014. There is a pedestrian walkway between the new international terminal and the new domestic terminal that can be used. Of this passage, 400m are moving walkways. The Kusadasi is 77kms and bus takes 1.5hrs.
ATTRACTIONS & SIGHTS AT KUSADASI-
CO-ORDINATES-37°51′35″N 27°15′35″E
AREA-224.60 km2
POPULATION-90,700
AIRPORT-The Izmir Adnan Menderes International Airport is located in Geziemir. Named after a former Turkish Prime Minister, Adnan Mendes, the airport serves the Izmir area. It is located 18 km south of the Izmir city on the way to Selcuk, Ephesus and Pamukkale. The new international terminal was opened in September 2006 and the new domestic terminal is opened in March 2014. There is a pedestrian walkway between the new international terminal and the new domestic terminal that can be used. Of this passage, 400m are moving walkways. The Kusadasi is 77kms and bus takes 1.5hrs.
ATTRACTIONS & SIGHTS AT KUSADASI-
001-PIGEON ISLAND AND VISIT THE MUSEUM-Pigeon Island, also known as Bird Island, is the symbol of Kusadasi and where the name Kusadasi (meaning Bird Island) originated from. Visit the Museum inside the old Byzantine Castle or simply sit down and enjoy the panoramic view of Kusadasi. This Island has a castle and swimming beaches, including a private beach and cafe with a view back across the bay to the harbour of Kuşadası. There are public beaches at the back of the peninsula, towards the open sea.
002-KUSADASI BEACHES-There are numerous beaches in Kusadasi, All with one thing in common crystal clear waters and picture perfect weather. Water sports such as the banana boat, jet ski, and para sailing are available on some of the busier beaches and sunbeds and umbrellas can be rented for a small fee. They are-Downtown Beach, Ladies Beach, Long Beach, Diamond Beach, Silver Sand Beach, Paradise Beach, Love Beach, Kustur Beach. The most popular beach is Ladies Beach. Due to the fact that the resort is located in deeply incised into the land gulf here usually do not form large waves and the sea is mostly calm. Along the beach passes beautiful promenade, which is a popular place for tourists to walk, especially in a pleasant and breezy afternoon hours.
Ladies Beach- Ladies Beach is near the town, next to the Imbat Hotel, named because it was once segregated for female bathers. Now open to all and quite busy. The powdery sandy beach of Ladies Beach provides excellent entertaining within its borders. The quality of these beaches are hard to beat, looking like the type you see in the holiday brochures. Kadinlar Denizi (Ladies Beach) minibuses departure from the city Centrum in every 5 minutes. No motor vehicles are allowed to get in to Ladies beach area. Changing rooms, umbrellas, sun beds, toilets and cafes are available in the beach. The Ladies Beach promenade full of shops, bars and restaurants is a perfect place to end the day. One of the most popular restaurants ‘Somewhere Else’ offers great meals and a lovely seating area outside where you can eat a delicious meal and watch the Sunset over Samos.
Ladies Beach- Ladies Beach is near the town, next to the Imbat Hotel, named because it was once segregated for female bathers. Now open to all and quite busy. The powdery sandy beach of Ladies Beach provides excellent entertaining within its borders. The quality of these beaches are hard to beat, looking like the type you see in the holiday brochures. Kadinlar Denizi (Ladies Beach) minibuses departure from the city Centrum in every 5 minutes. No motor vehicles are allowed to get in to Ladies beach area. Changing rooms, umbrellas, sun beds, toilets and cafes are available in the beach. The Ladies Beach promenade full of shops, bars and restaurants is a perfect place to end the day. One of the most popular restaurants ‘Somewhere Else’ offers great meals and a lovely seating area outside where you can eat a delicious meal and watch the Sunset over Samos.
003-TURKISH NIGHT-The Turkish Night, held in the beautiful old Caravanserai is a night out you won’t forget. With traditional Turkish music, folk dancing and belly dancing it makes for a great evening of traditional Turkish entertainment. Beers and wine are included in the ticket price and you can watch the show whilst dining from a delicious buffet.
There are some famous areas for night life such as-Kaleici ( inside of the old city walls ) is definitely an ideal place , you will find countless pubs, discos, bars and restaurants for any taste of live music, European, techno, with Turkish music.
There are 2 streets of bars here. “Barlar Sokagi (The Street of Bars)” and “Asagi Barlar Sokagi (The Lower Street of Bars)”. Countless Irish bars dominate the former and the Turkish ones the latter. Both streets have stone houses converted to clubs, bars.
Kusadasi Turkish Night Tour -
(Daily departures, start 20:00 end 00:00).
Departure from Izmir Airport or Kusadasi Harbour or Kusadasi Hotels
Pick up from hotels, Traditional Turkish Folk Group and belly dances.
Dinner special Turkish meal with open buffet and soft drinks, beer and wine, Return to Hotels
Turkish Nights held every night between June 1st / September 30th in the mystical atmosphere of 300 years old Caravanserai is definitely a must see show. Caravanserai which has been renovated in reference to its original historic and architectural design is used as hotel today as it originally built for in the Ottoman time.
The show starts around 8:30 PM and ends around Midnight. The menu consists of traditional Turkish Cuisine served in the open buffet. Unlimited local drinks are included in the price. You will find the opportunity to listen to Turkish Music in live performance of artists, watch the dance shows of Turkish folklore groups from different regions of Anatolia, and of course See the exotic figures of belly dancers.
Guests are picked up from their hotels around 8:00 PM and taken back to their hotels around Midnight.
You will see traditional entertainment by belly dancers and traditional folk music. We include an all you can eat traditional Turkish buffet dinner and unlimited local drinks including beer, wine & soft drinks.
https://onlineephesustravel.com/turkishnighttour.html
There are some famous areas for night life such as-Kaleici ( inside of the old city walls ) is definitely an ideal place , you will find countless pubs, discos, bars and restaurants for any taste of live music, European, techno, with Turkish music.
There are 2 streets of bars here. “Barlar Sokagi (The Street of Bars)” and “Asagi Barlar Sokagi (The Lower Street of Bars)”. Countless Irish bars dominate the former and the Turkish ones the latter. Both streets have stone houses converted to clubs, bars.
Kusadasi Turkish Night Tour -
(Daily departures, start 20:00 end 00:00).
Departure from Izmir Airport or Kusadasi Harbour or Kusadasi Hotels
Pick up from hotels, Traditional Turkish Folk Group and belly dances.
Dinner special Turkish meal with open buffet and soft drinks, beer and wine, Return to Hotels
Turkish Nights held every night between June 1st / September 30th in the mystical atmosphere of 300 years old Caravanserai is definitely a must see show. Caravanserai which has been renovated in reference to its original historic and architectural design is used as hotel today as it originally built for in the Ottoman time.
The show starts around 8:30 PM and ends around Midnight. The menu consists of traditional Turkish Cuisine served in the open buffet. Unlimited local drinks are included in the price. You will find the opportunity to listen to Turkish Music in live performance of artists, watch the dance shows of Turkish folklore groups from different regions of Anatolia, and of course See the exotic figures of belly dancers.
Guests are picked up from their hotels around 8:00 PM and taken back to their hotels around Midnight.
You will see traditional entertainment by belly dancers and traditional folk music. We include an all you can eat traditional Turkish buffet dinner and unlimited local drinks including beer, wine & soft drinks.
https://onlineephesustravel.com/turkishnighttour.html
004-KUSADASI MARINA-Kusadasi Marina is one of the biggest yacht marinas in Turkey and also visited by many tourists. Blue flags waved in Kusadasi Marina. Kusadasi Marina also gives an opportunity to be witness of magnificent sunset of Kusadasi, to watch the yatches while you sip your drink or enjoy your fresh sea food at one of the restaurant. It is also open to the public.
Address-Setur Kusadasi Marina, Ataturk Bulv. Kusadasi,Aydin, Turkey.
Address-Setur Kusadasi Marina, Ataturk Bulv. Kusadasi,Aydin, Turkey.
005- OKUZ MEHMET PASA CARAVANSERAI-It is the principal of Ottoman architecture in the city and is near the docks, was built by the man of the same name in 1618, who was the vizier during the reigns of Sultan Ahmet1 and Osman2.This was a strong-room for the goods of seamen.
DAY TOUR TO EPHESUS-
GENERAL INFORMATION-The ancient city of Ephesus (Turkish: Efes), located near the Aegean Sea, in modern day Turkey .It was one of the great cities of the Greeks in Asia Minor and home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, the ruins of Ephesus are a major tourist attraction, especially for travellers on Mediterranean cruises. Ephesus is also a sacred site for Christians due to its association with several biblical figures, including St. Paul, St. John the Evangelist and the Virgin Mary. It was one of the four largest cities of Roman Empire in its peak time. Visited by over 2 million people each year and one of the major travel highlights of Turkey. If one compare Ephesus with Pompei. Pompei and Ephesus are both from the same period. Pompei, was under the eruption of Vesuvius in 74AD, at that time Pompei had a population of 20,000 where Ephesus had over 2, 00,000 inhabitants. Pompei was made with ordinary stone, whereas, Ephesus is made with 95% marble. Pompei and Ephesus today are both considered among the most well preserved cities of the ancient world.
HISTORY- In the ancient world, Ephesus was a center of travel and commerce. Situated on the Aegean Sea at the mouth of the Cayster River, the city was one of the greatest seaports of the ancient world. It played a great role in the ancient times with its strategic location. It was a religious center of the early Christianity. Ephesus is located on a very fertile valley.Three major roads led from the seaport, one road went east towards Babylon via Laodicea, another to the north via Smyrna and a third south to the Meander Valley.
Ephesus was established about 1200BC. The mythical founder of the city was a prince of Athens. In 600BC, it reached the “Golden Age” and became a good model in cultural and art. The city was famed for the Temple of Artemis (completed around 550 BC), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Ephesus was in great prosperity during the times of Alexander the Great. Ephesus was controlled by the Romans in 190 BC. Ephesus reached to its height and was famous for its wealth and luxury between 1-4 AD, especially during the reign of Augustus. During this period, the population of Ephesus increased to 2, 25,000, and the city became the capital of the new Asia. By cleaning the river Caystros from the alluviums, the great trade port of Ephesus, a gateway to foreign countries, enriched the prosperity of the city and continued to thrive with commerce and culture. The city was constructed, adding new models to the former magnificence of Ephesus. "Celsus Library" clearly exemplifies the top architectural eminence of the era, with the delicate details of the construction. Ephesus has played significant roles during the date, in the early Christianity. The prestige of Ephesus increased with the arrival of Saint Paul, for spreading the Christianity to the Ephesians worshipping to Artemis. Additionally, St Jean and Virgin Mary visited Ephesus and Virgin Mary settled down the Mount Bulbul, located close to Ephesus, around the years of 42 AD. In 1308AD, the River Caystros (today, Küçük Menderes) was silted up, leaving the site far inland (today, the harbor is 5 kilometers inland), the resulting marshes caused malaria and many deaths among the inhabitants. The loss of its harbor caused Ephesus to lose its access to the Aegean Sea, which was important for trade. People started leaving the lowland of the city for the surrounding hills. The ruins of the temples were used as building blocks for new homes. Marble sculptures were ground to powder to make lime for plaster. Therefore, the city of Ephesus has lost its significance, due to the development of the ports of Izmir and Kusadasi in sea-trade. Ephesus was completely abandoned by the 15th century. Nearby Ayasuluğ was renamed Selçuk in 1914.
ANCIENT SITES AND ATTRACTIONS AT EPHESUS
The ancient site of Ephesus is seen entirely on foot. Pathways are signed clearly and easily navigated as you make your way through the archaeological site. The ruins are situated on the bank of a hill. There are two entry/exit points about 3 km apart. Toilets are available at each entry gate but not in the general site. The upper Magnesia Gate is the better gate to enter, allowing you to walk downhill to and exit at the lower harbour gate. The entire ruins are easily covered on foot within two hours. There are many souvenir shops at the exit gate two and entrance gate also.
GENERAL INFORMATION-The ancient city of Ephesus (Turkish: Efes), located near the Aegean Sea, in modern day Turkey .It was one of the great cities of the Greeks in Asia Minor and home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, the ruins of Ephesus are a major tourist attraction, especially for travellers on Mediterranean cruises. Ephesus is also a sacred site for Christians due to its association with several biblical figures, including St. Paul, St. John the Evangelist and the Virgin Mary. It was one of the four largest cities of Roman Empire in its peak time. Visited by over 2 million people each year and one of the major travel highlights of Turkey. If one compare Ephesus with Pompei. Pompei and Ephesus are both from the same period. Pompei, was under the eruption of Vesuvius in 74AD, at that time Pompei had a population of 20,000 where Ephesus had over 2, 00,000 inhabitants. Pompei was made with ordinary stone, whereas, Ephesus is made with 95% marble. Pompei and Ephesus today are both considered among the most well preserved cities of the ancient world.
HISTORY- In the ancient world, Ephesus was a center of travel and commerce. Situated on the Aegean Sea at the mouth of the Cayster River, the city was one of the greatest seaports of the ancient world. It played a great role in the ancient times with its strategic location. It was a religious center of the early Christianity. Ephesus is located on a very fertile valley.Three major roads led from the seaport, one road went east towards Babylon via Laodicea, another to the north via Smyrna and a third south to the Meander Valley.
Ephesus was established about 1200BC. The mythical founder of the city was a prince of Athens. In 600BC, it reached the “Golden Age” and became a good model in cultural and art. The city was famed for the Temple of Artemis (completed around 550 BC), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Ephesus was in great prosperity during the times of Alexander the Great. Ephesus was controlled by the Romans in 190 BC. Ephesus reached to its height and was famous for its wealth and luxury between 1-4 AD, especially during the reign of Augustus. During this period, the population of Ephesus increased to 2, 25,000, and the city became the capital of the new Asia. By cleaning the river Caystros from the alluviums, the great trade port of Ephesus, a gateway to foreign countries, enriched the prosperity of the city and continued to thrive with commerce and culture. The city was constructed, adding new models to the former magnificence of Ephesus. "Celsus Library" clearly exemplifies the top architectural eminence of the era, with the delicate details of the construction. Ephesus has played significant roles during the date, in the early Christianity. The prestige of Ephesus increased with the arrival of Saint Paul, for spreading the Christianity to the Ephesians worshipping to Artemis. Additionally, St Jean and Virgin Mary visited Ephesus and Virgin Mary settled down the Mount Bulbul, located close to Ephesus, around the years of 42 AD. In 1308AD, the River Caystros (today, Küçük Menderes) was silted up, leaving the site far inland (today, the harbor is 5 kilometers inland), the resulting marshes caused malaria and many deaths among the inhabitants. The loss of its harbor caused Ephesus to lose its access to the Aegean Sea, which was important for trade. People started leaving the lowland of the city for the surrounding hills. The ruins of the temples were used as building blocks for new homes. Marble sculptures were ground to powder to make lime for plaster. Therefore, the city of Ephesus has lost its significance, due to the development of the ports of Izmir and Kusadasi in sea-trade. Ephesus was completely abandoned by the 15th century. Nearby Ayasuluğ was renamed Selçuk in 1914.
ANCIENT SITES AND ATTRACTIONS AT EPHESUS
The ancient site of Ephesus is seen entirely on foot. Pathways are signed clearly and easily navigated as you make your way through the archaeological site. The ruins are situated on the bank of a hill. There are two entry/exit points about 3 km apart. Toilets are available at each entry gate but not in the general site. The upper Magnesia Gate is the better gate to enter, allowing you to walk downhill to and exit at the lower harbour gate. The entire ruins are easily covered on foot within two hours. There are many souvenir shops at the exit gate two and entrance gate also.
001- TEMPLE OF ARTEMIS (in the town of Selçuk, near Ephesus) - In ancient times, it was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, Ephesus' Temple of Artemis was dedicated to the goddess of the hunt. The ancient temple, built around 650 BC to the cult of Artemis, was constructed on a site already sacred to the Anatolian Mother Goddess, Cybele. The temple was financed by the wealthy king of Lydia and marshy ground was selected for the building site as a precaution against future earthquakes. The Wonder of the World, four times as large as the Parthenon and the first monumental building to be entirely constructed of marble. Only the foundation and one column remains of this temple, the temple as 377 feet long and 180 feet wide made almost entirely of marble. The Temple consisted of 127 columns, each 60 feet in height many of which were carved decoratively. The columns were Ionic in style. If you visit Ephesus today, you can only see the ruins of the foundations of this marvellous construction of the Hellenistic Age, entirely made of marble and full of sculptured columns' capitals and shafts. The most beautiful remaining of this temple are today exhibited in the London British Museum. The statue of many-breasted Artemis was the symbol of the temple but also of abundance, hunting and wild life. The genuine statue of Artemis, removed during the fire, is today exhibited in the Selcuk Museum. A lone surviving column suggests the immensity of the Wonder of the World, four times as large as the Parthenon and the first monumental building to be entirely constructed of marble. Unfortunately, all that remains of the Wonder of the World is a single column and some rubble on the ground.
Artemis- The Greek goddess Artemis and the great Anatolian goddess Kybele were identified together as Artemis of Ephesus. The many-breasted "Lady of Ephesus", identified with Artemis, was venerated in the Temple of Artemis. She was Apollo's twin sister, daughter of Zeus and Leto. She was the Lady of Wild Things, Huntsman-in-chief to the gods. As a huntress her favorite animal was the stag. Artemis was represented with a mural crown, with a disc behind the crown on her breast, a garland of flowers, as a sign of her influence in spring time. Lions cling to her arms as mother of wild beasts, she has many breasts, her legs are closely bandaged and ornamented with figures of bulls, stags, lions, and griffins at the sides are flowers and bees.
Artemis- The Greek goddess Artemis and the great Anatolian goddess Kybele were identified together as Artemis of Ephesus. The many-breasted "Lady of Ephesus", identified with Artemis, was venerated in the Temple of Artemis. She was Apollo's twin sister, daughter of Zeus and Leto. She was the Lady of Wild Things, Huntsman-in-chief to the gods. As a huntress her favorite animal was the stag. Artemis was represented with a mural crown, with a disc behind the crown on her breast, a garland of flowers, as a sign of her influence in spring time. Lions cling to her arms as mother of wild beasts, she has many breasts, her legs are closely bandaged and ornamented with figures of bulls, stags, lions, and griffins at the sides are flowers and bees.
002- HOUSE OF THE VIRGIN- It is located on the top of the "Bulbul" mountain 9 km ahead of Ephesus, the shrine of Virgin Mary have a marvelous atmosphere hidden in the green. It is the place where Mary may have spent her last days. Indeed, she may have come in the area together with Saint John, who spent several years in the area to spread Christianity. Mary preferred this remote place rather than living in crowded place. Today, only the central part and a room on the right of the altar are open to visitors. From there one can understand that this building looks more like a church than a house. Another interesting place is the "Water of Mary", a source to be found at the exit of the church area and where a rather salt water, with curative properties, can be drunk by all. In the 1980's, during his visit, Pope John-Paul II declared the Shrine of Virgin Mary has a pilgrimage place for Christians. It is also visited by Muslims who recognize Mary as the mother of one of their prophets.
Discovered in a vision by a bed ridden German nun in 1812, this stone building is believed by many Catholics and Muslims to be where the Virgin Mary lived her last years.
Discovered in a vision by a bed ridden German nun in 1812, this stone building is believed by many Catholics and Muslims to be where the Virgin Mary lived her last years.
003- BASILICA OF ST. JOHN- It is believed that the evangelist St. John had spent his last years in the region around Ephesus and buried in the southern slope of Ayosolug Hill. Three hundred years after the death of St. John, a small chapel was constructed over the grave in the 4th century. The church of St John was changed into a marvelous basilica during the region of Emperor Justinian (527 -565 AD). St John was the writer of the Fourth Gospel .He became one of the Christ’s closest disciples and was with him on various significant events such as the Transfiguration and the Crucifixion. The second half of the first century was full of persecution for the early Christians. Apostle James and Stephen were killed in Jerusalem. Paul was sent to Rome and executed. According to tradition John took The Mother Mary and came to Ephesus. He wrote his Gospel in Ephesus and the Revelation in Greece Island, Patmos in 96AD.
The monumental basilica was in the shape of a cross and was covered with six domes. With the invasion of Turks, the chapel was used as a mosque in the 14th century, unfortunately Basilica of Saint John became unusable due to the serious earthquake in the same century. The site became a major pilgrimage destination in the Early Middle Ages.
The monumental basilica was in the shape of a cross and was covered with six domes. With the invasion of Turks, the chapel was used as a mosque in the 14th century, unfortunately Basilica of Saint John became unusable due to the serious earthquake in the same century. The site became a major pilgrimage destination in the Early Middle Ages.
004-EPHESUS MUSEUM- Ephesus Archaeological Museum is located in Selcuk. Ephesus museum has two main sections, archaeological and ethnographical. The Ephesus Museum is different from other many museums. It is not designed according to chronological order, on the contrary, it has rooms with a theme. Various artifacts from Prehistoric, Mycenaean, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman Periods are on display in 8 different exhibition halls and in a large courtyard. In Ephesus, the works of art dug up between1867-1905 were transported to the British Museum, those from 1905-1923 taken to Vienna. Remnants of the Temple of Artemis, artifacts of the Cukurici Mound, finds from Ephesus’ most glorious Hellenistic and Roman Periods, finds from the Basilica of St John are the main attractions.
005-RUINS OF EPHESUS -The ancient site of Ephesus is seen entirely on foot. Pathways are signed clearly and easily navigated as you make your way through the archaeological site. The ruins are situated on the bank of a hill. There are two entry/exit points about 3 km apart. The upper Magnesia gate (East Entrance) is the better gate to enter, allowing you to walk downhill to and exit at the lower harbour gate or you can come back to the entry gate. The entire ruins are easily covered on foot within two hours.
i-Odeion- This building has the shape of a small theatre with the stage building, seating places and the orchestra. It had double function in use. First it was used as a Bouleuterion for the meetings of the Boulea or the Senate. The second function was the Odeum as a concert hall for the performances. It was constructed in the 2nd century A.D by the order of Publius Vedius Antonius and his wife Flavia paiana, two wealthy citizens in Ephesus. It had a capacity of 1500 spectators. It had 3 doors opening from the stage to the podium. Since there is no provision for the drainage of rainwater it is assumed that the Odeon was roofed, probably by a wooden structure spanning the 25m width of the auditorium.
ii-Street of Curetes- The famous Avenue of the Curates leads downwards from Odeion to the State Agora & to the Trajan Fountain, the façade of the Temple of Hadrian and the Scolasticia Baths on the right side. On the left side of the Curates Avenue, protected by a modern roof, are the most significant dwellings thus far excavated (c. 1960), the so called Terrace Houses on the left side. At the end of the avenue of Curates is that beautiful structure of Roman times, the Celsus Library with its two-story facade.
iii-Basilica- In front of the Odeion was business council called the Basilica. A church was built over the Hellenistic city wall to the east of the lecture hall in the late 4th or 5th century. Then it was converted into a three-aisled basilica with narthex and arcades. Most of the floor surface was covered with decorative mosaics. The church was abandoned after the fire in 7C AD.
iv- Square of Verulanus and Great Baths- This consisted of a number of buildings grouped around a central courtyard. On the north and south sides of the courtyard were two magnificent marble halls measuring 16m x 32m with columns and niches for statues. Immediately beyond this were the Great Baths or Harbour Baths, built in the 2nd century AD and sumptuously rebuilt in the reign of Constantine the Great in the 4th century.
v-Prytaneion- The Municipal Building, marked with only two of its massive columns. Prytaneion, where religious ceremonies, official receptions and banquets were held. The sacred flame symbolizing the heart of Ephesus was kept constantly alight in the Prytaneion. The construction of the building dates to the 3rd century B.C, during the reign of Lysimachos, but the ruins of the complex dates to the Augustan age. The eternal flame was here in the center of the ceremonial hall, the red color on the floor determined the location of the flame.
vi-Temple Of Hadrian- It was built before 138 A.D and was dedicated to the Emperor Hadrian, who came to visit the city from Athens in 128 A.D. The facade of the temple has four Corinthian columns supporting a curved arch, in the middle of which contains a relief of Tyche, goddess of victory. The side columns are square. The pedestal with inscriptions in front of the temple, are the bases for the statues of the emperors between 293-305 CE, Diocletian, Maximian, Constantius I, and Galerius. Inside the temple above the door, a human figure, probably Medusa stands with ornaments. On both sides there are friezes depicting the story of the foundation of Ephesus - Androklos shooting a boar, Dionysus in ceremonial procession and the Amazons. The fourth frieze portrays two male figures, one of which is Apollo, Athena, goddess of the moon, a female figure, Androkles, Herakles, the wife and son of Theodosius and the goddess Athena. The friezes that are seen today are copies, and the originals are displayed in Ephesus Museum. Emperor Hadrian was one of the Five of Good Emperors. Hadrian appears to have been a man of mixed sexual interests. The Historia Augusta criticizes both his liking of good-looking young men as well as his adulteries with married women. Hadrian died in 138AD on the tenth day of July, in his villa at Baiae at age 62.
vii-Terrace Houses- From the time of Augustus, these dwellings of wealthy Ephesians, were decorated with beautiful frescoes and mosaics. The houses had luxurious bedrooms, bathrooms, triclinium, and kitchens. Built against the mountain south of Ephesus, the roof of one house forms the terrace for the house above it. These houses were inhabited until the 7th century AD. There are six residential units on three terraces at the lower end of the slope of the Bulbul Mountain. The oldest building dates back into the 1C. Ephesus terrace houses are covered with protective roofing which resembles Roman houses. The mosaics on the floor and the frescos have been consolidated and two houses have been opened to the public as a museum.
viii-Hercules Gate- Located towards the end of the Curetes Street, it was called the Hercules gate because of the relief of Hercules on it. It was brought from another place in the fourth century AD to its current place, but the relief on it dates back to the second century AD. Only the two side of the columns remain today and the other parts of it have not been found.
ix-Scolasticia Baths- The baths have two entrances, one from the Curetes Street, which is the main entrance, and the other from the side street. When you enter you see first the dressing room (apodyterium) with ten cabins, then cold room (frigidarium) with its pool, and then the warm room (tepidarium) to relax, and finally the hot room (caldarium) with its developed heating system. The second floor was used for massage and scrubbe as a therapy. It was used not only to bathe but also to socialize and discuss the topics of the day. There were the public toilets of the city. There was an entrance fee to use them.
x-Trajan Fountain- Built in around 104 C.E, it is one of the finest monuments in Ephesus. It was constructed for the honor of Emperor Trajan, and the statue of Trajan stood in the central niche on the facade overlooking the pool. The pool of the fountain of Trajan was 20x10 meters, surrounded by columns and statues.
xi-Library Of Celsus- This library is one of the most beautiful structures in Ephesus. It was built in 117 A.D. It was a monumental tomb for Gaius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, the governor of the province of Asia from his son Galius Julius Aquila. The grave of Celsus was beneath the ground floor, across the entrance and there was a statue of Athena over it. Because Athena was the goddess of the wisdom. The capacity of the library was more than 12,000 scrolls. It was the third richest library in ancient times after the Alexandra and Pergamum. The facade of the library has two-stories, with Corinthian style columns on the ground floor and three entrances to the building. The statues in the niches of the columns today are the copies of the originals. The statues symbolize wisdom (Sophia), knowledge (Episteme), intelligence (Ennoia) and valor (Arete).
xii-Marbel Avenue- At the end of the avenue of Curates is that beautiful structure of Roman times, the Celsus Library with its two-story facade. Market Agora is the starting point for the Marble Avenue. At the end of the avenue is the largest and best preserved theatre in the Greco-Roman world, the Great Theatre.
xiii- Theater Of Ephesus- It was first constructed in the Hellenistic Period, in the third century BC during, it was enlarged and formed its current style as it is seen today, this was done during the Roman Period. It is the largest in Anatolia and has the capacity of 25,000 seats. It has sixty six rows of seats, divided by two walkway between seats, which divides into three horizontal sections of seats. In the lower section, Marble pieces and the Emperor's Box were found. The seats with backs, made of marble, were reserved for important people. The audience entered from the upper side. The building is three-storied and 18 meters high. There are five doors opening to the orchestra area, the middle one of which is wider than the rest. The theatre was used not only for concerts and plays, but also for religious, political and philosophical discussions and for gladiator and animal fights. This magnificent classical theatre is considered an important biblical site, the probable place where Paul preached to the pagans in Acts. It is still in use and can seat thousands.
Presented By V P Gupta