Itinerary
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Stop At: The Basilica of Saint John, Isa Bey Mahallesi, 2013. Sk. No:1, Selcuk 35920 Turkiye
Little is known about the Basilica of St. John, with its only source being from a small description provided by Procopius in one of his works, Buildings, whereupon he writes:
There chanced to be a certain place before the city of Ephesus, lying on a steep slope hilly and bare of soil and incapable of producing crops, even should one attempt to cultivate them, but altogether hard and rough. On that site the natives had set up a church in early times to the Apostle John; this Apostle has been named “the Theologian,” because the nature of God was described by him in a manner beyond the unaided power of man. Emperor Justinian tore down to the ground and replaced by a church so large and beautiful, that, to speak briefly, it resembles very closely in all respects, and is a rival to, the shrine which is dedicated to all the Apostles in the imperial city.
Construction of the church began by 548 and was completed by 565.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Selcuk hamam, Near police station, Selcuk Turkiye
Isa Bey Mosque is one of the most delicate examples of Seljukian architecture, situated below the basilica of Saint John. The mosque was built by the master Syrian architecture Ali son of Mushimish al -Damishki, between the years of 1374 and 1375.
The mosque was styled asymmetrically unlike the traditional style, The location of the windows , doors and domes were not matched, purposely. In the entrance of the mosque, an inscription from the god decorates the doorway. The columns inside the house of prayer are from earlier ruins in Ephesus, making an interesting contrast to the mosque . The domes are ornamented by turquoise and blue faience, revealing the characteristic of Ottoman style. Crown-like doors from Seljukian architectural style later combine with the specific decoration elements of architectural style. The mosque was repaired in 1934.
Duration: 25 minutes
Stop At: Ephesus Terrace Houses, Selcuk 35148 Turkiye
Ephesus terrace houses are located on the hill, opposite the Hadrian Temple. Also called as "the houses of rich", important for the reason give us information about family life during the Roman period. They were built according to the Hippodamian plan of the city in which roads transected each other at right angels.
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 BC and continued in use as residence until the 7C AD.
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.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Selcuk Efes Kent Bellegi-History Museum, Ataturk Boulevard No. 5, Selcuk Turkiye
In Ephesus, the archeological artifacts that were dug up between 1867-1905 were transported to the British Museum ; and findings from 1905-1923 were taken to Vienna. With the founding of the New Turkish Republic, the goverment forbade taking antiques out of the country and required the artifacts that were taken outside the country back to Turkey. In 1964, the Ephesus Museum was founded and the findings from the excavations at Ephesus archeological site and around were put to this museum.
At this charming and well-organised museum, there are not only findings from the ongoing excavations at Ephesus archeological site, but also the artifacts from the Cukurici Mound, the basilica of St John, and the Temple of Artemis. At one of the sections, one can see a wide collection of coins dating back to when money was first used in history.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Meryemana (The Virgin Mary's House), Sultaniye Mahallesi, Selcuk 35100 Turkiye
House of Virgin Mary is located on the top of the "Bulbul" mountain 9 km ahead of Ephesus, the shrine of Virgin Mary enjoys 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.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Ancient City of Ephesus, Selcuk 35920 Turkiye
The earliest traces of human settlement around Ephesus reach back into the Chalcolithic period (5th millennium). Latest since the Early Bronze Age (3rd millennium) Ayasoluk, the well defendable freestanding mound with rocky slopes on its three sides, was occupied. At that time the settlement lay directly on the shore instead of the flatland which was flooded...
Duration: 2 hours
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