Elegant mosaic floors, marble columns and painted walls hint to the extravagance that was once enjoyed by the wealthy elites of Ephesus. The Terrace Houses, and in fact many of the sites in the ancient city of Ephesus, had us staring in awe at their artistry and grandeur.
Ephesus
First established as a Greek city, Ephesus really began to flourish under the Romans in the 2nd century BCE. Its location near the meeting of Kaystos River with the Aegean Sea, made it a prosperous port and trading city. Today the archeological site is great example of the opulence and splendor that was enjoyed by the wealthy of the Roman Empire.
![Terrace Houses](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0765-11.jpg?w=1024)
Standing at the end of Arcadian Street, the stunning Grand Theatre captured our attention and hogged most of the view. Having seen many Greco-Roman theatres in the past we thought we knew what to expect, but the one in Ephesus is so much more impressive than any of the others. Arcadian Street, also called Harbour Street, runs from the harbour to the theatre. That means that the first building visitors to the city would see was the theatre. What an awe-inspiring first impression of the city that would have been.
At three stories high, the 25,000 capacity building was the largest theatre in the ancient world. Originally built in 3rd century BCE by the Greeks, the theatre was expanded by the Romans a few centuries later. At the front of the grand building are the remains of what was no doubt a gorgeous wall decorated with elaborate marble reliefs.
![Grand Theatre & Harbour Streets](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0698-11.jpg)
![Grand Theatre](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0703-11.jpg?w=1024)
Not far away is one of the most beautiful libraries we have ever seen. Our first sighting of it left us speechless. Now only the skeleton of the 2nd century AD Library of Celcus remains, but what a façade it is. Two levels of marble pillars with statues of Greek goddesses between show the decadence that this city once had.
![Library of Celcus](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0707-11.jpg?w=1024)
![Library of Celcus](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0710-11.jpg?w=1024)
![Library of Celcus](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0717-11.jpg?w=963)
The library was built by the son of the cityβs governor Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus. It was not only the governor’s memorial, but also his mausoleum. Like many of the buildings in Ephesus, the library was damaged by a combination of invasions and earthquakes. Parts of the faΓ§ade have been reconstructed from original pieces.
![Library of Celcus](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0712-11x1-1.jpg?w=1024)
Not to be outdone, beside the library is the elegantly designed 2nd century BCE South Gate that led to the commercial agora. It was the main market for people from outside the city to sell their wares so it was a very busy place. Today the market behind is mostly an empty yard making it difficult to imagine how it once looked.
![South Gate](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0721-11.jpg?w=1024)
One of the most spectacular sites in Ephesus are the Terrace Houses. An open, elevated walkway allows you to walk above the six connected homes and see their layout and design features.
For homes that were lived in from the 1st to 7th centuries, we were surprised at how luxurious they are. The owners of these homes lived in style. Most of the walls had paintings of gods, animals and portraits. Marble was used for decorative columns and fountains.
![Terrace Houses](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0758-11.jpg?w=1024)
![Wall portraits](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0760-11.jpg?w=1024)
Beautiful mosaic tiles covered many of the floors. They included geometric designs as well as images of lions, goddesses, gods and mythical creatures. Even after all these centuries you can see that they were laid by skilled artisans.
![Terrace Houses](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0763-11.jpg?w=1024)
![Floor Mosaic](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0767-11.jpg?w=1024)
![Floor Mosaic](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0762-11.jpg?w=810)
In addition to these design elements, the houses had running water for fountains, private toiles and even heated floors.
Note – A separate ticket is required to see the houses.
One of the funniest scenes in Ephesus is the 2nd century public latrines. Toilet holes were lined up along the walls of the building with no privacy in between. A canal running underneath acted as continually flushing toilets. The latrines were only for men and since they wore togas, the need for walls was unnecessary, I guess. Women were only allowed to use them after the 3rd century when a womenβs only space was built.
![Latrines](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0743-11.jpg?w=1024)
In addition to these main sites, the large city has many examples of its former glamour with columned streets, a covered theatre, temples, baths and fountains. Many of these still show the elaborate details that went into their designs.
![Temple of Hadrian](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0735-11.jpg?w=1024)
![Curetes Street](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0747-11.jpg?w=1024)
![Caryatid](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0780-11.jpg)
![Ephesus](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0784-11.jpg?w=1024)
![Temple of Domitian](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0786-11.jpg?w=794)
Kaystos River provided good access to the sea but it often filled with silt which made this spot less and less ideal. Eventually an earthquake in the 6th century AD almost completely closed the river off and the city was finally abandoned in the 7th century. The earthquakes also caused mud slides that covered many of the buildings. The benefit is that the mud acted to preserve the structures so that today we can still see many of the fine details from centuries ago.
Tip – We had read to come early or late because tour buses start arriving at 10am. We actually found that noon was the least busy time between the morning and afternoon arrivals.
Entrance fee – 700 TRY ($23 USD) plus Terrace Houses 320 TRY ($10.40 USD); Opening Hours β 8am -8pm
Getting to Ephesus
If you’re tavelling by air, the closest airport is Izmir ‘s Adnan Menderes Airport. Trains and buses travel between Izmir and SelΓ§uk.
If you’re not travelling by air, we suggest using KuΕadasΔ± as your hub for visiting Ephesus. KuΕadasΔ± is well connected to major centres by bus. Minibuses leave KuΕadasΔ± for SelΓ§uk every 15 min and only accept cash. If you ask, the bus driver will shout βEfesβ when you reach the Lower Gate. Efes is the Turkish word for Ephesus.
Our Guesthouse owner told us that there are plans to dredge Kaystos River so that boats can again travel up river the visit the site. That would be a fantastic way to arrive at this ancient city.
House of The Virgin Mary
A shrine to the Virgin Mary is located on a hill above the Upper Gate of Ephesus. It is said that in the days leading up to his crucifixion, Jesus asked John to take care of his mother, Mary. Apparently, John brought her to this site where she lived until her death. That original building is gone but a 6th century building on the site has been converted to a shrine. It is a very popular pilgrimage destination for Christians and Muslims.
![House of The Virgin Mary](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0800-11.jpg?w=1024)
Entrance Fee – 250 TRY ($8 USD); Opening Hours – 8 am to 6 pm
Selçuk
Not to be overshadowed by its illustrious neighbour Ephesus, the town of Selçuk has its own set of important historical structures.
Basilica of St. John
St. John the Apostle was buried on this site and in 6th century, Byzantine Emperor Justinian erected a large, six domed church on top of his grave. Unfortunately, reliefs that once adorned the walls of Basilica of St. John were taken by the British in 1812. Apparently they now hang in AR Woburn Abbey Gallery. Even without them though, you can see how fabulous this church once was. A gorgeous triple arched brick gate still stands between a row of marble columns. Their capitals and a few damaged reliefs are scattered on the ground.
![Triple Arched Gate](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0629-11.jpg?w=1024)
![Basilica of St. John](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0624-11.jpg?w=1024)
![Basilica of St. John](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0627-11.jpg?w=1024)
![Basilica of St. John](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0645-11.jpg?w=1024)
The baptistry has lovely marble baseboards around the edge of the rounded nooks. During its prime, these marble slabs would have covered the walls.
![Baptismal](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0643-11.jpg?w=1024)
The basilica was converted to mosque in the 1300s but was damaged soon after by an earthquake and then it was abandoned.
Entrance Fee -130 TRY ($4.20 USD); Opening Hours β 8 am to 5:30 pm
Ayasuluk Fortress
Above the basilica are the remains of a 6th century Byzantine built fortress. Thereβs not much left inside the walls of the castle now except an Ottoman mosque. We met an Orthodox priest walking from the castle to the basilica and he was kind enough to pose for a picture.
![Ayasuluk Fortress](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0646-11.jpg?w=1024)
![Orthodox Priest](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0648-11x1-1.jpg?w=1024)
![Ayasuluk Fortress](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0662-11.jpg?w=1024)
Temple of Artemis
On the outskirts of Selçuk are the remains of what was the most important temple in Ephesus. The 6th century BCE Greek temple to Artemis was twice the size of the Parthenon, built of marble and covered in gold. Because of its magnificent design, it is considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The temple was dedicated to the Greek goddess, Artemis who was the daughter of Zeus and Leto, and the twin sister of Apollo. Today there is nothing left of the grand building except one of the original 127 columns. The temple was destroyed the first time by fire in 356 BC. The man who burned it down claimed he did it to be famous. The temple was rebuilt, but was ultimately destroyed by a Christian mob in the 4th century.
![Temple of Artemis](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0617-11.jpg?w=1024)
Entry is free
Εirince Village
Climbing the slopes of the surrounding mountains, the old Greek Town Εirince is a popular day trip from SelΓ§uk. The villageβs name was originally Γirkince, meaning ugly. Town folk used the name because they didn’t want visitors. Eventually word got out and they changed the name to Εirince, which means cute.
![Εirince Village](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0689-11.jpg?w=1024)
Today too much word got out and its nothing but a tourist trap. The lower half of the village has become crowded with vendors selling junky knickknacks and restaurants for tour buses. There are so many stalls that you canβt see any of the cute buildings. If you climb up a little higher in the village though, it is much quieter and you can actually see the heritage homes.
![Εirince Village](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0686-11.jpg?w=1024)
![Εirince Village](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0690-11.jpg?w=1024)
Weβre glad we found this part of town so we can see the original cuteness. Weβre also glad that most tourists donβt bother to explore further than the first couple of streets.
How to get to Εirince
Teal minibuses leave every 40 minutes from SelΓ§uk bus station for Εirince (25 TRY/80Β’ USD). The minibuses only take cash.
KuΕadasΔ±
We used the port city of KuΕadasΔ± as our base to explore Ephesus and surrounding sites and really enjoyed our time in the city. Even though huge cruise ships dock in the port, the city doesnβt feel too touristy. It has maintained the right balance between tourist convenience and local authenticity.
![KuΕadasΔ±](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0586-11.jpg?w=1024)
The city has a lovely long boardwalk on the edge of the Aegean Sea. It is busy at night with both locals and tourists going for walks and eating corn on the cob or ice cream.
At one end is Pigeon Island (GΓΌvercin Ada) with the remains of a 16th century fortress. Surrounded by a small park, the fortress is a nice feature on the city’s shoreline.
![KuΕadasΔ± Fortress](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0584-11.jpg?w=1024)
![KuΕadasΔ± Fortress](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0594-11.jpg?w=1024)
![KuΕadasΔ± Fortress](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0610-11.jpg?w=1024)
![KuΕadasΔ± Fortress](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0808-11.jpg?w=1024)
As we were eating dinner in one of the many seaside restaurants, we noticed that a different cruise ship pulled up to the harbour everyday. It took us a while to realize that they were bringing at least a thousand people a day to Ephesus. These passengers were quickly whisked away from the boat and donβt get to see this lovely city at all.
![KuΕadasΔ± Harbour](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0614-11.jpg?w=1024)
The city’s Old Town is a mix of restored and run down 200-300 year old buildings. There are a couple of reminders of the Seljuk Dynasty similar to what we saw in Erzurum. A central, clean pedestrian mall runs between them and is filled with restaurants and shops. Some are touristy, but many of the patrons are locals.
![Kervansaray](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0569-11.jpg?w=894)
![Pedestrian Mall](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0568-11.jpg?w=1024)
Dilek Peninsula National Park
Not far from the city is a large national park. The interior is mountainous with dense forests and a few hiking trails. At first we had intended on hiking, but realized there would be very few views so instead we walked along the coast to enjoy the spectacular scenery in this wild park. At one beach we were startled to see a wild boar, but it passed by us almost without noticing we were there.
![Dilek Peninsula National Park](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0823-11.jpg?w=1024)
![Dilek Peninsula National Park](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0816-11.jpg?w=1024)
![Δ°Γ§meler Koyu Beach](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0811-11.jpg?w=1024)
![Wild Boar](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0827-11.jpg?w=1024)
Near the park entrance is Zeus Cave where Zeus and even the Virgin Mary are rumoured to have once swum. It was formed by a natural karstic spring and was being enjoyed by a few locals when we were there.
![Zeus Cave](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3l4a0829-11.jpg?w=1024)
If you have extra time the park has lovely coastal views, but it isn’t a ‘must-see’ place.
Getting to Dilek National Park
The GΓΌzelΓ§amlΔ±-boundΒ dolmuΕ leaves from Friday market in KuΕadasΔ± and drops you off at Icemeler Beach near the park gates.
![](https://monkeystale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/image-6.png?w=375)
To read some of our other adventures in Turkey, click here.
Coming Next β Pamukkale Thermal Pools
For pictures from other blogs go to Gallery at monkeystale.ca
To read about more of our adventures go to Destinations.
If you like what you read, please comment or share (with credit) using the links below.
I can imagine myself spending the lion’s share of my vacation at Ephesus exploring the architectural wonders. The theater looks especially amazing.
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It is the best archeological site I’ve ever seen. The theatre is breathtaking π
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Marvelous post, Maggie. Fascinating info and stunning pictures.
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Thank you!!
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Very welcome.
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I love it all! The theater and library are so impressive. That latrines are kind of funny, it reminds me of jokes I’ve seen about guys picking the urinal right next to someone when they were all open. Looks like they had a lot less personal space back then. The national park looks beautiful!
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The latrines must have been quite the meeting place! I wonder if they picked toilet holes side by side! π
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Wonderful! A friend and I plan to go in July!
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Awesome! It’s a fantastic site. Make sure you go to Terrace Houses, they’re beautiful! Are you going anywhere else in Turkey?
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Itβs a cruise. Istanbul and Kusadasi for Ephesus.
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Oh I think I remember you saying that. Enjoy!!
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Iβm sure we will π
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Beautiful memories Maggie. We visited KuΕadasΔ± and Ephesus on our 1984 Greek Island cruise. The tour of Ephussus and the history surrounding it was awe inspiring. The story we were told about the marble surfaced toilets was that the nobles would send their slaves down to warm up the seats, before they went down to do their morning business. It seems these sessions were quite social for the nobles. Have a wonderful weekend. Allan
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They would have to be social I guess since they’re in such close proximity! Thanks Allan, Happy Firday! Maggie
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more fascinating ruins!
-β§β¦βββββ€ββ¦-β-β‘-β-β¦ββ€βββββ¦β§-
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Yes but sorry, there were people there π
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Haha, Maggie, no worries! Almost a packed house at the Grand Theatre there, I see π
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What a wonderful treasure-packed post! I’ve seen plenty of photos of Ephesus but never knew about those houses which could for me be the most fascinating sight of all there! All the other places look almost as worthy of a visit, although it’s a shame we Brits stole yet another piece of an ancient wonder from that basilica.
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The houses were by far my favourite and well worth the extra fee. Turkey is trying to get some of their artifacts back from various countries. It’s too bad we can’t see them where they once stood. How’s the political scene down there? Any demonstrations? Maggie
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Not where we are now in Baja, nor did we come across any elsewhere!
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Ephesus has left me speechless. What a place. I love how important and beautiful theatres and libraries were in ancient times.
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The Romans really did seem to love the arts. We were speechless too. π Maggie
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Gorgeous craftmanship. Ephesus has always fascinated me because of the Virgin and St. John. Are St. John’s remains still there under the church’s remains? St. John is the only apostle who died a natural death.
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There are different stories, some say his remains are there, others say they are not. There is one spot that may or may not have his tomb underneath, but it’s only plain floor surrounded by 4 columns. The church became a mosque so there are not a lot of Christian idols left. The history in this area though is quite remarkable. Thanks Mary! Maggie
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The ancient remains of houses are especially fascinating but sadly, although a temple was built to honour a goddess, women lacked a public bathroom for more than another three centuries.
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Good point. Regular women don’t deserve toilets apparently π
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Decadence is a worthy end in itself. Itβs antithesis, modernism, is an aesthetic failure that is a worse fate for a once proud culture than to be sacked by barbarians!
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Yes thankfully no high rises have been built on Ephesus, yet. Thanks for your comment Bruce. Maggie
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This might be the one that tempts me, Maggie. Years ago I looked at Kusadasi as a jump off point for Ephesus, but got sidetracked by Greek Islands. The site looks magnificent, and the town appealing too. Thanks for all the info.
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While I am not a huge history buff, but itβs impossible not to be impressed with Ephesus, the huge amphitheatre and the Celsus Library. It’s also amazing to see that many of the cityβs ruins are still intact, showing the wealth and prosperity Ephesus once held. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day π Aiva xx
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What an amazing city Ephesus was. The mosaics are beautiful. They must have taken so much time to create.
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I know, and there are so many gorgeous floors. The tile layers must have been very skilled. Thanks for your comment Rebecca! Maggie
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WOW Maggie, these are some incredible and breathtaking shots my friend. πΈ It’s simply amazing the scope of creativity and architectural finesse these builders and visionaries created. Beautiful!!! π€π₯πππ Thanks so much for sharing. ππΌ
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I know, compared to our modern buildings, these are unbelievably gorgeous! Thanks Kym, Happy Friday! Maggie
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I agree Maggie. Happy travels and have an adventurous weekend my dear! Cheers! ππ₯π
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It’s sad the Greeks were kicked out of Turkey given that they have so much history there. The ruins are amazing. Wonderful photos. How long were you in Turkey, Maggie? You saw so many places.
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We were in Turkey for 3 months. The Greek and Turkish governments were at war over of course, it was about land. I think the people mostly got along but part of the agreement to end the war was so exchange citizens. It is too bad. Thanks Katelon! Maggie
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Fabulous. I visited Ephasus many years ago. It looks like it has been restored much more, but even back then, it bew me away!
Thank you for sharing your gorgeous photos.
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It’s amazing isn’t it!? Thanks Jacqueline!
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What an incredible history lesson Ephesus must be. It is astounding how well preserved all the buildings are and how beautiful they are in their ruined state.
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The details in the artwork and sculptures are quite remarkable. It must have been amazing in its day. Thanks Meg!! Maggie
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Ephesus is truly a wonder. We spent a couple of weeks in the area and enjoyed it immensely. The history is fascinating.
I recently read that Turkey is about to impose an additional tax on cruise ships in order to offset maintenance costs at places like Ephesus. Excellent post about this area and all it has to offer.
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The tax doesn’t surprise me. The entrance fees were going up every week when we were there. This is a great part of Turkey to see though. Thanks Lynette! Maggie
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Outstanding! I love reading about Ephesus for many reasons and your beautiful share of photos and details was a special treat.
Interesting story of the Temple of Artemis at Ephesis that only one column and a few shards remain. Wow!!
The amazing tile work of the terrace houses is unfathomable. I am stunned that it looks so well maintained after all those centuries.
I enjoyed seeing the place where Mary lived its seems a humble space with understated charm, peace and quiet.
I enjoyed all of the information about Ephesus. Thank you for the great photos What an impressive library! Wow.
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Fabulous photographs – I did not see the terrace houses – there was work being done. So sad to have missed the frescoes and mosaics. Like you, I was overawed by the library. Luckily for me, there were no cruise ships in Kusadasi, so Ephesus was not particularly crowded.
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The Terrace Houses were our favourite, too bad they were closed for you. We were there in September so it wasn’t high season. I can’t imagine how busy it gets then.
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Ephesus is just wow! So perfect!
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It really is! π
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So many memories, we visited just about everywhere youβve mentioned here, on our 2020 tour, which was of course COVID times so rather wonderfully there was literally just a handful of people at Ephesus as we took our time to wander around. It was also incredibly hot! We used SelΓ§uk as our base and absolutely loved the town, we even considered looking at properties for a long term lease for future reference. The floodlit aqueduct in the centre is beautiful at night. Been great reading your post and re-living our memories from our time there. Brilliant!
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We looked at SelΓ§uk but decided on KuΕadasΔ± and enjoyed it. Ephesus was one of the busiest places in Turkey, other than Pamukkale, and we were there in September, I can’t imagine high season. But it’s such a remarkable place I can understand why it’s so busy. Maggie
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Glad you took your time to explore this space. We only visited Ephesus, which was awesome on its own. And we did this in half a day. We just passed by the rest of the places, including the Temple of Arthemis. The museum in Selcuk did have a couple of statues of Arthemis that were remarkable. The story of how the image of this goddess evolved over time was interesting. The interesting thing about our tour of Ephesus is that we started our tour at the other end of town and tracked our way to the front. That was the direction our tour guide led us in!
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I think most groups do what you did, begin at the upper gate, and get picked up at the lower gate. It is a fabulous site though isn’t it? Maggieb
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Yes, it was one of the highlights of our trip. Your pictures are awesome.
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Thank you for taking me to Ephesus today. I was thinking how neat it would be to own that fortress island. Then I realized that I couldn’t begin to afford to pay for the maintenance or even the property taxes. So, sadly, this is as close as I will get to that dream…
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It would be a pretty cool home, keep dreaming … π
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How gorgeous Ephesus still is! I love the floor mosaics. thank you for sharing your travels, Maggie and Richard. β€οΈ
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Thanks Cheryl, I never think of people from a thousand years ago living in style, but they sure did. I’d love those floors today!
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Iβm really enjoying your trip to Turkey and how much it is teaching me. The architecture in this post is unbelievable and I was as surprised as you by the opulence of Ephesus. Such contrasting colours and geography as you travel along and your travel tips are fabulous.
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We were so impressed by almost everything we saw in Turkey. It is very diverse and surprisingly mostly unexplored by westerners. Glad you’re enjoying it with us π
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Ephesus is another page in history, and I had no idea the ancient city was so well preserved. We can complain about the number of tourists, but in the end it helps to save these relics of the past.
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Yes it’s true, as much as we like to have the place to ourselves, the revenue from tourism keeps it maintained. I can also understand why so many people do visit Ephesus, it is such a great site.
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It seems that Ephesus stands its fame, glad it is so well preserved, comparing with other sites which aren’t looking so well.
Interesting to see the wild boars go wild in the park LOL they are probably used with tourists.
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It was a rather docile wild boar, you’re right it must be used to people. Thankfully for us π
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Nice to meet you friend again my news site is closed so i re-opened yesterday I re-subscribe to your site and go… π₯ΉThen I hope you have a peaceful and happy day todayβοΈ
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What a stunning archaeological site Maggie. Thank you for bringing it to our attention.
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It is in remarkably good condition. Thanks for reading and commenting! Maggie
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I’ve heard of communal bathing, but communal pooping? Pass.
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π€£π€£ I’ll get you a toga π
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Thanks, and I must remember to thank the person who invented bathroom stalls…
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π€£
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WOW! Ephesus looks absolutely incredible!! I’d absolutely love to visit one day, and it looks so beautifully preserved. We were considering a ‘stop and flop’ trip to Bodrum next spring, so this would be perfect to tie in π
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You should definitely add Ephesus to your Bodrum trip, and make sure you go to the Terrace Houses!
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Ephesus: So rich in early Christian history! I was struck, too, by the public latrines for men.
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Yes, it’s too bad that not much is left of those religious sites in the city. The latrines do make you realize you’re glad you didn’t live then π
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For sure π
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The Roman ruins of Ephesus are impressive! Itβs incredible to think about how all this was built before modern day technologies and what it must have looked like in its full glory. The remains of all the reliefs, mosaics and tiles are beautiful. I must say, Iβm so glad those public latrines are a thing of the past!
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The skills and artistry they had in designing these buildings is quite remarkable. I didn’t expect it to be so elaborate, especially not the floors. And yes I’m glad the public latrine style didn’t continue through the ages π Maggie
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The whole Aegean coast is worth spending time in. We too made our base in Kusadasi. It has a wonderful Mediterranean feel to it. And it is a convenient base to explore the whole string of Greek ruins all along the coast.
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It is a beautiful area. We loved our time there, although we didn’t hope over to Greece.
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I meant the Aegean coast of Turkey. We didn’t hop to Greece either.
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Ephasus is pretty amazing isn’t it. You spent more time in the area than we did, and so saw much more. Kusadasi looks lovely.
Alison
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It was so much better than I thought. I expected a bunch of columns, but the artwork and details make it spectacular. Kusadesi was a surprisingly nice city. Thanks Alison! Maggie
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Once again another fantastic post. Can you recommend the place/area you stayed in Kusadasi? As usual, saving this!
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We stayed in Ephesian Hotel & Guesthouse. It’s just off the main pedestrian street in a quiet area. The breakfast is amazing. We booked on Booking.com but I don’t see it there now. but here’s a different link to it. https://ephesianguesthouse.hotels-kusadasi.com/en/
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Thanks. No matter what dates I put in it shows no availability. The link to their website is for sale, and you are correct it is no longer on Booking, and they are not on Whats App. Strange, maybe they are out of business. Thanks for trying! At least that area looks like a good place to be. π
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I WhatsAppd them +90 545 466 14 86 they said they were away in Germany for a few months (the wife is German) and will have the guesthouse open next week. It’s a really nice guesthouse, nicely decorated and the couple who runs it is lovely. You can contact them anytime on that number
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Great, that WA number worked. Thank you!
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Great they also said Booking.com will be available next week, Can’t remember if they offered genius rates.
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When are you going??
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2025
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You’re planning in advance π
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Not really, , working on several trips, and keeping all this information ready for actual planning dates. Thanks again!
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What amazing creations–I particularly like the mosaic floors. How many hours, days, weeks, and months must have gone into these edifices!
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There are so many details on the ruins that are left, it must have been amazing to see before it was damaged. And you’re right, so many hours to create each piece. Thanks Tanja! Maggie
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I really appreciate the detailed shots you took from Ephesus. Far too often, the images from this ancient city I saw were of its impressive library only. It’s interesting to see the interior of the houses (which still look pretty today!), the juxtaposition of Greek and Latin alphabets, and the city’s own version of the caryatid. Thank you for also including other destinations in not too far from Ephesus — I particularly love the look of KuΕadasΔ± Fortress.
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The library is a beautiful building so no doubt it’s the most often photographed. The houses though were my favourite. Because there’s an extra fee, there weren’t many people in them. KuΕadasΔ± is a nice city and the fortress is simple but quite picturesque. I couldn’t find the god/godess that is on that caryatid, but wait until you see the next one in Pergamon π.
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I agree with you, Bama. Most of the time, only the library showed up when typing “Ephesus”. But I think those houses should be the main draw. They are better than most ancient Roman houses that I’ve ever seen. The architecture somewhat reminds me of the Minoan houses: interconnecting buildings, two stories, and lots of columns.
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The terrace houses were our favourite by far. Also, because there’s an extra fee there weren’t many people inside.
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A small fee for this marvel is definitely worth it π
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Beautiful !
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Thanks!
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ahhh this takes me back! Love the photos!
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Thanks Andy!
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These photos of Ephesus show how amazingly beautiful it must have been in the day, and so well preserved – not just the library, but the terrace houses, murals and artwork.
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It must have been gorgeous, I’d love to have those mosaic floors today π
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Wow! The Terrace Houses look truly amazing. Even better than those in Rome. What surprises me more is that they are in their original state. Other structures are fascinating as well. The photo of the priest is a really nice one π
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Thanks Len! I’d love to have those floors from the terrace houses! π
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