Ephesus

Background

Ephesus was one of the most important cities in the eastern Roman Empire. The Library of Celsus, built in the early 2nd century, was one of the richest libraries of the ancient world; the Great Theatre held about 25,000 people, and legend says the Apostle Paul preached here. The House of the Virgin Mary on the hill is said to be where Mary spent her last years, and is a Catholic pilgrimage site. The site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is also nearby.

Local customs

• Selçuk is a typical Aegean town with a lively Saturday market
• locals are proud of their olive-oil dishes and figs.

Religion & beliefs

• The House of the Virgin Mary is an officially recognised Catholic pilgrimage site with frequent masses and prayers, so keep quiet when visiting
• the old church remains on the site are mostly Byzantine — simply be respectful.

Rules that apply here

Travel tips

• Summers are extremely hot with little shade, so go in at opening time with plenty of water and sun protection
• the site has upper and lower entrances, and entering at the top to walk downhill saves effort. The House of the Virgin Mary is a separate trip that can be combined with Ephesus on the same day
• Selçuk's Ephesus Archaeological Museum is worth a stop.