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Ephesus is one of the most spectacular ancient sites of Turkey. It's located in the south of Izmir and near Kusadasi sea resort in the Aegean region. The city is a must-see for all visitors coming to Turkey, where you can see a history of almost 4000 years since the Amazon woman warriors period. Therefore, many tour groups, cruise ships, and individual travelers include this city in their itinerary.
Most of the ruins of the city are dating back to the Hellenistic and Roman period, and some to the Byzantines. Ephesus was the capitol of Asia Minor during the Roman period and had a permanent seat of governor of Rome. The city had a busy harbor but today it lies about 5 kilometers (about 3 miles) away from the Aegean Sea because of the silting up. The most important buildings to see in Ephesus include a huge theater, a beautiful library, fountains, temples, marble road, baths, agoras (markets) and rich houses.
The Temple of Artemis nearby was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. At the location of the temple today only its foundations and some columns left but you can admire the gorgeous marble statues of the goddess Artemis in the archaeological museum. The museum has so many other fine artifacts on display found during the excavations of Ephesus and other sites in the environs.
Ephesus was an important city for early Christians as well. Saint Paul visited the city and wrote his letter to the Ephesians, Saint John lived and died in Ephesus, Virgin Mary spent last years of her life, and the third Ecumenical Council was held here as well. Today, the House of Virgin Mary and the Cathedral of St. John are amongst the places to visit nearby the ancient site.