Best of Ephesus Tours from Izmir

Ephesus Ancient City is one of the most significant highlights of our Ephesus tours. Once the third-largest city in the Roman Empire, Ephesus had a population of approximately 250,000 and served as both the capital and commercial center of Asia Minor. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to see featured structures, such as the Library of Celsus, the third-largest library of the ancient world, the Great Theatre of Ephesus, the largest in Anatolia, as well as the Temple of Hadrian, ancient latrines, and many other impressive structures.

The Terrace Houses, also called the “Houses of the Rich,” is located in the ancient city of Ephesus and showcase the luxurious lifestyle of Roman elite families. Built as early as the 1st century, these well-preserved villas feature private heating systems, detailed mosaics, and vibrant frescoes, offering a unique insight into Roman domestic life and high-class living.

According to Christian tradition, during the Crucifixion, Jesus entrusted His mother, Mary, to the care of the Apostle St. John. As Jerusalem was not safe for Mary anymore, St. John brought the Virgin Mary to Ephesus and settled her on Mount Bülbül, where she is believed to have spent her final years. Today, the House of the Virgin Mary is recognized as an important pilgrimage site. It has been honored by the visits of Pope Paul VI (1967), Pope John Paul II (1979), and Pope Benedict XVI (2006), strengthening its spiritual significance for Christians worldwide.

After building a home for the Virgin Mary on Bulbul Mountain, St. John, the writer of the Gospel, remained in Ephesus to care for her and to spread Christianity. Following the legalization and rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire, Emperor Justinian commissioned the Basilica of St. John in the 6th century to honor the Apostle. The basilica was constructed over what is believed to be the burial site of St. John, making it one of the most sacred landmarks in Ephesus.

The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was originally constructed in the 6th century BC and reached its final form in the 2nd century BC. It was known as the largest pagan worship center of its time and served as a monumental symbol of wealth, faith, and architectural achievement. Today, only one reconstructed column and a few remains are visible, but the site continues to attract visitors due to its historical significance and unique atmosphere.