Top rated travel points of interest in Ephesus? Located 6 miles away from Selcuk town, popular village. First inhabitance dates back first century. The early christians from Ephesus escaping from the persecutors founded the village. This was a Greek Orthodox village till 1924. Was named as “Cirkince” meaning the ugly for while. The word Kirazli is derived from the word “kiraz” which means “cherry” in Turkish. Kirazli refers to the place that has cherries. A traditional and non-touristy Turkish Village, 10 km away from Kusadasi. Surrounded with Cherry Trees, Fig Trees, Olive Groves, Tobacco Fields… We offer private tours of Ephesus with a traditional Turkish breakfast at Kirazli Village from Kusadasi. Discover more information at Ephesus tours from Izmir Airport.
This citadel-like basilica once occupied the whole breadth of the hill it sits on and was ranked with the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople (now the Aya Sofya) as one of the Byzantine Empire’s largest churches. According to tradition, the grave of St. John is under the church. Originally, a mausoleum with a domed roof borne on four columns was built over the grave, but the Emperor Justinian replaced this simple monument with a three-aisled basilica on a Latin-cross plan boasting six domed roofs. Including the narthex at the western end and the arcaded courtyard, the basilica was 130 meters long and 40 meters wide. After the Seljuks captured Ephesus in 1130, the church was converted into a mosque and later served as a bazaar until it was finally destroyed by an earthquake. Although only partially restored, the basilica ruins that remain give a good idea of the awesome size of the original building.
Ayasuluk Fortress sits on the hill above the Basilica of St. John and is accessed by a trail that leads up from behind the basilica. This hilltop site has been settled since the Neolithic period, but the fortress dates from the Byzantine era, and the fortifications were extended by the Seljuks. The fortress area was closed for years due to archaeologists excavating the site, but it has now been opened to visitors. The mighty enclosure wall had 15 rectangular towers. Inside, there’s not much to see, except for a small Seljuk-era mosque, but the views over town and the surrounding countryside are wonderful from the hilltop, making a trip here well worth the uphill walk.
Ephesus Ancient Theatre has been known for being the biggest open-air theater of the ancient period. The capacity of this theater is 25 thousand people and it includes 65 rows. Ephesus Ancient Theatre is considered one of the most important structures worldwide in terms of art history. The theatre has not been only used for artistic activities. It has also been used as a place for gladiator fights. Even if the stage of the theatre has collapsed, the rows are still solid. The story of the theatre actually tells us about the formation of modern theatre. According to this story; various performances were held to honor Dionysus, the god of wine, during the vintage festivities. The main subject of these games was Dionysus’ life philosophy, which alternated between pleasure and pain.
Our professional tour guide will be waiting for you with a board your name written on, you will take your private vehicle (Brand-New VIP Mercedes) from your Hotel, Izmir or Kusadasi Cruise port and drive to Ephesus Ancient City. Also visit other highlight according to your preferences. Your guide will skip the line to buy tickets at the entrances of sites. Tour totally be planned according to your preferences and after tour you will be dropped port or anywhere you like to be dropped. Read many more info on https://www.bestephesustours.com/.
Trajan Fountain, M.S. It was built between the years 102-114 in the name of Roman Emperor Trajan and Artemis of Ephesus. The original architecture of the fountain, which has 2 floors, was later restored and rebuilt as a single-staired. Some of the sculptures in the fountain are exhibited today in the Ephesus Museum and some in the British Museum. The fountain used to be Rome’s most famous fountain, we also can see that within its architecture which includes lots of engravings on the columns.