Philadelphia

The town Philadelphia was built on the site of an ancient Lydian town, that was founded in the first millenium B.C. under the name Callatebus. In 159- 138 B.C. under the reign of Attalos II, King of Pergamon, this town was captured and re-named Philadelphia in honour of the conquerer. The name of the ancient city means: "Brotherly Love". Ancient coins found in the city show two brothers alike in limbs, features and garments, an idendity that symbolized their mutual unity and affec­tion. Even now, when the town is no longer known as Philadelphia, this beautiful name has been given to many cities and towns allover the world. The most famous of them is Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U .S.A.. This city was founded at the end of the seventeenth century by William Penn, leader of the Quaker Group.

This old city was renowned for its very great tolerance toward all types of religion .In that new city the Independence of the United States was proclaimed in 1776 by the Provisional Congress. The "City of Brotherly Love" was the home of a spiritually strong and mature Church.

Philadelphia remained, however, the last bastion of Christianity in Anatolia, that lasted until the fourteenth century.Today there are only a few remains visible in present Alasehir that was rebuilt atop the old one. Apart of the old city walls are still lying here and there. An ancient brick church ruin forms what is probably the most important ancient feature of modern Alasehir .

Ancient Ephesus is a must for every visitor to Turkey Ephesus was a port city established five thousand years ago along the Little Meander River. The city with her temple of Artemis, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, was under the protection of Artemis Ephesia.

The name Ephesus has long been Identified with the name of Turkey. In ancient times it was crowded by people coming from all over the world .The present day site of this magnificent city welcomes more than one million visitors every season.Ephesus, as an important port city of the ancient world, was the capital city of the Asian province during the Roman era and it was the most outstanding political & commercial centre.

The present day remains of the city are Iocated 2 miles away from the town of Selcuk. Selcuk, Iocated 50 mIles away from Izmir, is an example of a typical Turkish town, famous for its festivals, hospitable people and the Museum of Ephesus. The findings of the excavations, going on for more than a century, are on display here, and this museum is one of the best regional museums in Turkey.

A short walk towards the hilltop, Ieads to the Basilica of St. John, Isa Bey Mosque & the castle of Selcuk. This is also a pleasant panoramic poim to see where all five different

settlements of Ephesus were Iocated. Also the hilltop housing the House of the Virgin Mary comes into view. A house/chapel, known as Meryemana by the Iocals, is where the Virgin Mary is belleved to have spent her last days. The "house" was discovered in 1891 and it is now a place of pilgrimage for people from all over the world. It received two papal visits in 1967 and 1979. The present day site, where the remains of the third city of Ephesus stand, is the highlight for all visitors of this area. The archaeologists from the Austrian Archaeological Institute and other experts carry on the excavations throughout the year to discover more of this magnificent city. Among the edifices of Ephesus, The Celsus Library, (the third largest library of the Roman era with 120,000 volumes of documems) and the Theatre of Ephesus where St. Paul has preached, are the major places of attraction. The Menorah carving on the steps of the Celsus Library indicate the presence of a Jewish population in Ephesus as well as Christians and pagans.Besides its archaeological and historical importance, Ephesus played a vital role in the development of Christianity. The presence of St. Paul, St. Luke and St. ]ohn indicate the importance given to this city, which was the centre of pagan worship for three thousand years, with its Temple of Artemis. One of the very first churches constructed in the honour of the Virgin Mary, in which the Third Ecumenical council of Christianity was held in 431 AD, stands among the ruins of Ephesus.

Ephesus, with five thousand years of history, definitely has as much to offer to her present day visitors as she had offered to Lydian King Croesus, Alexander the Great, St. Paul, St. ]ohn, the Virgin Mary and many other VIPs in history who all walked on the marble paved streets of this magnificent city.

What to know?

The site where visitors can see the remains of the third city of Ephesus, has two main entry gates. Using the upper gate Iocated along the road to the House of the Virgin Mary is recommended since the third city of Ephesus was constructed on the slopes of Mt. Pion at the end of this A brief visit to Ephesus requires about an hour and a half of walking in open air, so it is recommended to dress according to the season. Inside the ruins, there are no restrooms or water stands. Visitors to Ephesus should take advantage of the facilities Iocated at the main entry gates. Inside the ruins, taking pictures and usage of video cameras are free of charge. Using a tripod requires a permission that can be taken from the Museum of Ephesus in Selcuk.For the visitors who come by car or taxi, parking spaces are available at both entry gates. There Is a set fare for transportation from one gate to the other. It Is recommended to ask the set fare before getting into the taxi. At both entry gates, there are souvenir shops, bookstands and restroom facilities. For the guests wishing to visit the Isa Bey Mosque, proper dress is required.

A Full Day Tour 

The tour should start with a morning visit to House of Virgin Mary. (Hours should be checked). Then, by using the upper gate, the open-air museum of Ephesus (Hours should be checked) can be visited. Following lunch, proceed to the Temple of Artemis, then the Museum of Ephesus (open daily except Mondays 8:30 -12:30 and 13.30 -17:30) and the Basilica of St. John. (Hours should be checked) The daily tour may end with the visit to Isa Bey Mosque.SurroundIngs of Ephesus Sirince Village: established by the people of the fifth settlemem of Ephesus. Located 30 minutes drive from the town of Selcuk.

Kusadasi

This is the most developed resort In the Aegean, for one simple reason its proximity to Ephesus. For more information please visit our info pages.