Ephesus and Kusadasi: Day 8

Drive from Bodrum to Ephesus (approx. 3 hours).

• Ephesus was one of the greatest cities in the western world, and the magnificent ruins attest...

  Along the way, stop at Selcuk to see theHouse of the Blessed Virgin, believed to be where she spent the last years of her life.

Ephesus was one of the greatest cities in the western world, and the magnificent ruins attest. Originally a Greek city dedicated to the Anatolian Mother Goddess Cybele in 1000 BC, the current ruins are a city founded by Lysinachus in the 4^th century BC. Under Roman rule Ephesus flourished and became an important trading harbor and center for Christianity.

• Library of Celsus – Erected in 114-17 AD, this stunning façade features statues representing wisdom, virtue, intellect and knowledge

• Theatre – Originally Hellenic and later updated by the Romans, this arena is carved into a side of Mt. Pion and gorgeously preserved.

• Temple of Hadrian – Built for Hadrian’s 123 AD visit to the city, the relief depicts gods and goddesses

• Gate of Hercules – Massive pylons with relief carvings of Hercules draped in a lion skin are believed to date from the 4^th century AD.

Where to Stay in Kusadasi

Drive to Kusadasi (approx. 30 min) to overnight

Kusadasi is a port city with some nightlife but not much else to offer save for its proximity to Ephesus.

• There are not great hotels, but the KoruMar, renovated last year, is decent and directly on the water.