Ephesus Ancient City, the glory lost in the wind

For me, this was a must-visit spot to make up for on my second trip to Turkey. Here lies the Temple of Artemis ruins, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. (Most have been destroyed, such as the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, the Colossus of Rhodes, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, etc. The only surviving wonder is the Egyptian pyramids.) Additionally, Ephesus was the second largest city during the Roman Empire, the provincial capital of Asia Minor, known as "Not Rome, but better than Rome." Its status far surpassed Byzantium (modern-day Istanbul, once called the capital of the world). It was once the most prosperous ancient city around the Mediterranean. For those familiar with Christian history and the Bible, you surely know the Epistle to the Ephesians. It was a letter written by Saint Paul while imprisoned in Rome to the three major churches he founded in Ephesus. After Jesus' passion, Ephesus became the true early center of Christianity, rather than Jerusalem. One of the four major ecumenical councils was held in Ephesus. Saint John accompanied the Virgin Mary to settle in Ephesus, where he also passed away. The history and significance of Ephesus are countless. However, this historic city was gradually abandoned as its harbor silted up, eventually fading into the dust of history. As Gabriel García Márquez said in "One Hundred Years of Solitude": All prosperity and glory must ultimately be paid for with loneliness... Ephesus Ancient City is one of the best-preserved classical cities in the eastern Mediterranean. It was an important center of the ancient Roman Empire in Asia and now serves as a magnificent open-air museum, allowing you to experience the splendor of two thousand years ago. This guide will help you fully explore these stunning ruins. 🌄 Ephesus Ancient City Travel Guide: Journey Through Two Thousand Years of Roman Splendor ✨ Highlights - Library of Celsus: The third largest library of the Roman period, its grand facade is the most famous landmark of the ancient city. The 28-meter-high Corinthian columns still stand tall, making it an excellent photo spot. - Ancient Public Toilets: Well-preserved marble toilets with a sophisticated drainage system underneath, showcasing the wisdom and social culture of the Romans. - Great Theatre: A semicircular amphitheater that could hold 25,000 people. Standing at the center of the stage, you can experience the amazing natural acoustics, a masterpiece of design. 📌 Basic Information - Best time to visit: Winter. It is recommended to enter after 7:00 PM from Wednesday to Saturday to enjoy the magical ruins under the light show while avoiding the scorching sun. - Ticket Information: - Peak season (April to October): 700 Turkish Lira (about 180 RMB) - Off-season (November to March): 400 Turkish Lira - The Library of Celsus may require a separate ticket or a combined ticket. - Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM). 🗺️ Recommended Routes You can choose different routes based on your energy and interests. For a more relaxed visit, enter through the North Gate, where the route mostly goes downhill. If entering from the South Gate, you can walk uphill along Curetes Street. 🏛️ Main Attractions Detailed 1. Library of Celsus: This library was carefully reconstructed to its original form to honor the father of the Roman governor of Asia Minor, Celsus. The building faces east to make full use of the morning light in the reading rooms. It is said there is an underground passage connecting the library to a nearby building believed to have been a bar or brothel. 2. Great Theatre: One of the most attractive sites in the ancient city, its design and acoustics are superb. Standing at the center of the stage, you can experience the amazing natural amplification effect. It is still used for some performances today. 3. Temple of Hadrian: Built to honor Roman Emperor Hadrian, this well-preserved structure features exquisite carvings that showcase Roman culture and history. 4. Ancient Roman Public Toilets: Featuring marble seats and an advanced drainage system, these toilets reflect the public hygiene standards of the Roman era and also the social customs of the time. 💡 Practical Tips 1. Dress code: The ancient city’s ground is all marble ruins and uneven, so be sure to wear comfortable sneakers. There is almost no shade inside the site, so bring sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses. 2. Photography tips: For photos without crowds, try to be among the first to enter at 8:00 AM or use the lighting during the light show starting at 7:00 PM. The nighttime light show creates a magical visual effect on the ruins. 3. Other preparations: Bring enough drinking water as water sold inside is expensive. Also, carry mosquito repellent, especially for night visits. 🚗 Transportation Guide - Location: Southwest of Izmir, Turkey, near the town of Selçuk on the Aegean coast. - How to get there: - By car: Navigate to "Ephesus," parking costs 30 Lira. - By bus: Take a minibus from Selçuk, about 15 minutes direct. - By private tour: Day tours cost about 1500 Lira. 🍽️ Nearby Food Recommendations - Old House Restaurant (8-minute walk): Recommended dishes include clay pot kebabs and eggplant stew. - Ejder Restaurant (opposite the East Gate): Great value for freshly baked bread with hummus. - Selçuk’s grilled lamb skewers and freshly squeezed pomegranate juice are also worth trying. Ephesus Ancient City is like an open history book on the ground, with every marble road and stone column telling stories from a thousand years ago.