When you're in the midst of a tour of Turkey, chances are you'll be making your way through some of the most historic areas in the region. For thousands of years the country has been host to a long list of important historical figures and events, and there a certain spots where this is especially evident. There are many attractions in Turkey you should visit, but Ephesus stands out as one of the best.
Ephesus, which is situated on the west coast of Turkey, played an important part in both the ancient Greek and Roman empires. Today, it is among the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean and is flush with awe-inspiring ruins and building, some of which have to be seen to be believed.
The Library of Celus is one of the most compelling structures at Ephesus. The original library as built in 117 A.D., and although it has been mostly restored thanks to a massive project in the 1960s and 70s, it still offers a window into life nearly 2000 years ago. At its height, this impressive building was home to more than 12,000 scrolls.
Many of the other ruins at Ephesus are not quite as well maintained as the Library of Celus. Among them is the Basilica of St. John, which was built in the 6th century A.D. Today, not much of the original structure remains. The same is true for the Temple of Artemis, which was named one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Although some of the most iconic structures at Ephesus have been lost to time, one visit will surely give you a new appreciation for how people lived thousands of years ago.
