Top rated holiday places to see in Ephesus
Travel points of interest in Ephesus today by BestEphesusTours? Located 6 miles away from Selcuk town, popular village. First inhabitance dates back first century. The early christians from Ephesus escaping from the persecutors founded the village. This was a Greek Orthodox village till 1924. Was named as “Cirkince” meaning the ugly for while. The word Kirazli is derived from the word “kiraz” which means “cherry” in Turkish. Kirazli refers to the place that has cherries. A traditional and non-touristy Turkish Village, 10 km away from Kusadasi. Surrounded with Cherry Trees, Fig Trees, Olive Groves, Tobacco Fields… We offer private tours of Ephesus with a traditional Turkish breakfast at Kirazli Village from Kusadasi. Find even more information at Ephesus tours from Port of Izmir.
This citadel-like basilica once occupied the whole breadth of the hill it sits on and was ranked with the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople (now the Aya Sofya) as one of the Byzantine Empire’s largest churches. According to tradition, the grave of St. John is under the church. Originally, a mausoleum with a domed roof borne on four columns was built over the grave, but the Emperor Justinian replaced this simple monument with a three-aisled basilica on a Latin-cross plan boasting six domed roofs. Including the narthex at the western end and the arcaded courtyard, the basilica was 130 meters long and 40 meters wide. After the Seljuks captured Ephesus in 1130, the church was converted into a mosque and later served as a bazaar until it was finally destroyed by an earthquake. Although only partially restored, the basilica ruins that remain give a good idea of the awesome size of the original building.
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.
Even the main foundation year of Ephesus is unknown, most of the sources are claiming that it was founded in 6000 B.C. Ephesus was built for Artemis to show their respect. Ephesus is an Ancient Greek city that is now on the Western side of Turkey, Izmir. In the origins, the city belonged to Greece. Ephesus was also the capital of Hellenic Greece. As Ephesus was in Greece in the past, you may also see Greek culture combined with Turkish culture. Ephesus is a great place to explore if you are into history. Because the city has many historical sightseeing spots. Ephesus would not be a great idea to go to Ephesus for people who enjoy exploring modern places, cafes, and streets.
Best Ephesus Tours is one of the most experienced travel agency based in Kusadasi-Ephesus, expert for Private Ephesus Tours and Ephesus tours from Kusadasi Port (Kusadasi Shore Excursions) from Kusadasi, Selcuk, Izmir Airport, Izmir Hotels, Kusadasi Cruise Port, Izmir Cruise Port and Istanbul (Ephesus Day Trip From Istanbul by Flight). The founders of the Best Ephesus Tours are two professional licensed tour guides experienced for more than 10 years especially in Ephesus Shore Excursions and Private Ephesus Tours. Find many more info on Ephesus tours.
Trajan Fountain, M.S. It was built between the years 102-114 in the name of Roman Emperor Trajan and Artemis of Ephesus. The original architecture of the fountain, which has 2 floors, was later restored and rebuilt as a single-staired. Some of the sculptures in the fountain are exhibited today in the Ephesus Museum and some in the British Museum. The fountain used to be Rome’s most famous fountain, we also can see that within its architecture which includes lots of engravings on the columns.
