Ephesus is the grandest and best preserved classical ruin in Turkey (even in the whole Mediterranean area). Ephesus was a flourishing cultural center during the Greek Empire called Ionia. In Roman times it was a busy provincial capital. One of the Seven Wonders of the World was Ionia's Temple of Diana and the whole city was generally renowned for its wealth and beauty. It is said saints Paul and John took up the quill in Ionia and the story goes Virgin Mary has spent her twilight years here. If you want to have a look at all the ruins it will easily take you a full day. Bring plenty of liquid during the summer; as it gets uncomfortably hot around noon. Some places you will find on the site include the Grotto of the Seven Sleepers ;seven persecuted youths supposed to have slumbered for two centuries, then woke up and ambled down to town for a meal. Other significant buildings are the colossal Harbor Gymnasium; the grand marble-paved Arcadian Way; the impressive Temple of Hadrian and numerous fountains, pools, brothels, libraries and public toilets.
The main tourist center for this part of Turkey is the town of Selçuk (25,000 inhabitants). There's a beautiful museum in the center of town and you will find Roman, Christian and Muslim sights all over the place; including the St John Basilica and a Byzantine Aqueduct. The closest city of any size is Izmir. It takes about one hour from Izmir to Selçuk and many trains and buses are available. Selçuk lies about 3km (2mi) from Ephesus.
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