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Virgin Mary's House
30m · Admission ticket not included
Begin your guided tour of Ephesus with a 30-minute drive to The House of the Virgin Mary, a holy shrine officially recognized by the Roman Catholic Church in 1896. The site was discovered in the 19th century, following visions from a nun who described it in a posthumously published book. It has since become a popular pilgrimage destination, attracting visitors, including popes. Notable is the "Wishing Wall," where pilgrims leave their wishes on paper or fabric.
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Ephesus Ancient City
2h · Admission ticket not included
Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich history dating back to the 10th century BC, is renowned for its extensive Roman ruins, including the famous Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Key attractions include the Library of Celsus, which housed nearly 12,000 scrolls, and The Baths of Scholastica, a social hub for citizens. The Great Theater, a grand venue with a capacity of 25,000, hosted concerts, plays, and discussions on various topics, including gladiator fights. Ephesus offers numerous historical sights for visitors to explore.
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Basilica of St. John
1h · Admission ticket not included
The Basilica of St. John, a stunning church constructed in the 6th century AD, is the next highlight on your Kusadasi guided tour. It is believed that the evangelist St. John spent his final years near Ephesus and was buried on a nearby hill. Three centuries after his passing, a small chapel was erected over his tomb, which later, under Emperor Justinian, was transformed into the grand Basilica we see today. Characterized by its unique use of brick and stone, this structure is a rare architectural find for its period. The Basilica features six magnificent domes and is designed in a cruciform style, making it an exquisite photographic landmark.
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Ephesus Museum
1h 30m · Admission ticket not included
The Ephesus Archaeological Museum is the next stop on your guided tour of Ephesus. Interesting objects from the Prehistoric, Mycenaean, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras can be found in the museum's two distinct archaeological and ethnographical departments. Explore many statues of Mother Goddess Artemis, exquisite mosaics, and gorgeous coins and sculptures.
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The Temple of Artemis
30m · Admission ticket not included
The Greek temple known as the Temple of Artemis or Artemision, or the Temple of Diana, was devoted to a localized manifestation of the goddess Artemis, who was identified with the Roman goddess Diana. On the eve of Alexander the Great's birth in 356 BCE, Herostratos destroyed the old temple, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The temple was demolished in 401 CE, although it had been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times throughout ancient history.The last temple's remnants and foundations are all that are left now.
