The Ephesus area has numerous historical sites, which gives you many options of places to go, if you only have a few days. Here are a few of our own recommendations of things to see when you head to the Ephesus area.
Ephesus is also one of the Seven Churches of Revelation in the Bible and considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Be sure to see the Grand Theater, Library and the excavated houses in this beautiful city.
House of the Virgin Mary
On Bulbul Dag (Nightingale Mountain) you will find the House of the Virgin Mary where it is believed that she spent the last years of her life. The House of the Virgin Mary is recognized as a shrine by the Vatican.
The Ephesus Archeology Museum is only a few kilometers from Ephesus. Almost all of the exhibits are findings from Ephesus, the most spectacular being two life-size statutes of Artemis Ephesia, both of them dating from the middle Roman imperial era.
Sirince Village
If you have a half a day’s time, this charming Orthodox village is a perfect mixture of Turkish and Greek culture from the 1920s. This village was once called Cirkince or “Ugly” in Turkish to deter foreigners from travelling there. Sirince is set up on a hill where you can see amazing views of the wine vineyards and peach trees that surround the area. You will see a restored Orthodox Church, women selling handcrafts, olive oil and Sirince Wine.
7 Churches of Revelation
The seven churches are all located in Turkey and mentioned in The New Testament book of Revelation. You can take several days to visit Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Smyrna, Philadelphia, Ephesus and Laodicea by car or by bus. At some of the sites, there is not much to see, but many travelers want the experience of visiting all 7 churches mentioned in the Bible. When planning a trip of the seven churches, check out Dr. Mark Wilson’s book, Biblical Anatolia for information and history about each site.
Take a day trip from the Ephesus area to Pammukkale, which means cotton castle in Turkish. This city has hot springs and has terraces of white minerals left by flowing water. Many pictures show people walking and sitting in the pools, but that entering the pools is no longer allowed so that they can be preserved for many years to come. You can also explore the ruins of the ancient city of Hieropolis that is onsite.
This list is by no means comprehensive but its a good start to seeing some of the most important sites around Ephesus.
Here are our recommendations for Hotels in the Ephesus Area.
For more information on touring in Ephesus, you can fill out our custom tour form and we will get you a free price quote and custom tour proposal.
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