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Ephesus Palace: Unveiling Selçuk’s Secrets

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Ephesus Palace: Unveiling Selçuk's Secrets

Selcuk, an epitome of Turkey’s richness, indeed is much more than the meet the eye, especially for Ephesus lovers. This little town, rich in antique treasures  are ideal place for those who wish to explore the glorious past of Ephesus. The Ephesus Palace acts as the entrance to the exploration and this hand is a detailed guide revealing the magic of the ancient city.

Ephesus Ruins: Along the Main Path

Embark on a journey through Ephesus Ruins, walking the main path to witness history unfold. Begin at the Magnesia Gate, entering a world where ancient Greeks and Romans thrived. Marvel at the Odeon’s remnants, where politicians once debated. The path leads to the iconic Library of Celsus, a testament to ancient knowledge. Nearby, the Grand Theatre amazes, once hosting 25,000 spectators. Don’t miss the Temple of Hadrian, showcasing intricate architecture. Each step on this path offers insights into a civilization’s heart, making Ephesus Palace a must-visit for history lovers. Perfectly blending exploration and education, it’s a journey back in time, revealing the essence of ancient life.

St. John’s Basilica: Faith Testimony

Discover the spiritual allure of St. John’s Basilica in Selçuk, a beacon of faith and history. This ancient site, believed to hold the tomb of John the Apostle, offers a unique blend of religious significance and architectural grandeur. Visitors are drawn to its serene ambiance and the profound sense of connection to early Christianity. Explore this sacred destination, where history and spirituality intertwine, offering a glimpse into the past and a space for reflection. Ideal for pilgrims and history enthusiasts alike, it stands as a testament to enduring faith.

Şirince Village: A Look Back at History

Şirince, Village, nestled in Izmir, Turkey, captivates with its historical charm. Once Greek, it’s renowned for preserved architecture and wine-making tradition. The village’s cobblestone streets and stone houses showcase its cultural heritage. It’s a serene retreat, offering insights into Turkey’s multicultural past. Visitors can explore artisan shops and taste local wines, reflecting the area’s agricultural richness. Şirince is a picturesque destination for those intrigued by history, culture, and natural beauty. Its peaceful ambiance and scenic landscapes make it a must-visit for travelers seeking tranquility and a touch of history.

Isa Bey Mosque: Cultural Crossroads

Isa Bey Mosque: A Beacon of History and Harmony” explores its unique architectural blend. Built in 1375 in Selçuk, Turkey, it marks where East meets West. Its Anatolian beylik-era design combines Selçuk and Ottoman features. The mosque overlooks ancient Ephesus ruins, symbolizing cultural intersections. It’s a must-see for its historical and spiritual significance, appealing to travelers and history enthusiasts. Discover its peaceful courtyard and striking columns, showcasing Islamic and Byzantine influences. Isa Bey Mosque stands as a testament to the rich, diverse history of Selçuk.

Ephesus Museum: A Trove of Antiquities

Nestled in Selçuk, this museum showcases artifacts from the ancient city of Ephesus. With stunning exhibitions, it brings history to life. Visitors can marvel at statues, coins, and the famous Artemis statue. Ideal for history enthusiasts, the museum offers insights into ancient Greek and Roman life. Explore artifacts dating back centuries, revealing Ephesus‘ rich cultural heritage. Perfect for educational trips, it highlights the city’s archaeological significance. A must-visit for travelers in Turkey, the Ephesus Museum enriches your historical understanding.

In sum of this blog; Selçuk, through the lens of Ephesus Palace, is not merely a destination; it’s an experience, richly woven with the threads of history, culture, and unparalleled beauty. For those enchanted by the tales of yore, it promises an adventure that transcends the confines of time, inviting you to uncover the essence of Ephesus history in its purest form.

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Why Ephesus Palace is the Ideal Choice for Cultural Enthusiasts

Cultural Enthusiasts

Why Ephesus Palace is the Ideal Choice for Cultural Enthusiasts

Hidden in the core of Selçuk, Ephesus Palace is a landmark that calls for culture lovers who want to experience the Turkish cultural enthusiasts in a unique and immersive way. This Ottoman-inspired boutique hotel with a signature combination of classic splendor and contemporary convenience is the ideal haven for those who dream to behold the grandeur of Ephesus and Turkey.

Ephesus Palace is a place where the past and the present merge together in harmony. Every room, with great care and details, is a gateway to the greatness of the Ottoman empire, but still offers the amenities of modern hoteling. The hotel’s strategic location makes it even more attractive as it provides easy access to the ancient city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its remarkable archaeological marvels such as the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre,one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

More than the historical charm of Ephesus Palace, it is a proof of the enduring Turkish hospitality. The family-run philosophy of the hotel guarantees that every guest will feel warm and friendly during their stay, which reflects the famous Turkish genuine care and hospitality. This dedication to creating a home away from home is further enhanced by a range of unique experiences that are tailored to excite and enthrall. With guided tours of Ephesus’s ruins to culinary adventures that thrill the palate with classic Turkish flavors, Ephesus Palace is the key to the soul of this ancient part of the world.

Cultural immersion of ephesus centrum

Cultural immersion is what the core of the Ephesus Palace experience is built around. The hotel not only provides a space for restful sleep and recovery. But it is also a cultural medium by which guests can socialize with the locals, participate in authentic cultural practices. Learn about the local artistic and historical background. Workshops on Turkish cooking, nights of traditional music  workshops point out the hotel’s commitment to guest’s authentic Turkish experience.

Selçuk’s Ephesus Center is a hub of cultural discovery. Uncover the past as it is just a stone’s throw away from your accommodation. Our place guarantees an incomparable connection with the wonders of Ephesus where comfort and heritage are bonded. Ephesus Centrum offers the opportunity of having an authentic immersion into the Turkish life and tradition.

Walk from your bed into the past in Ephesus close by or UNESCO site. Savor authentic local food flavors. Try out the Turkish hospitality. Our guides really animate Ephesus and help you to have an experience you will remember.

Choose rooms which show Selçuk’s beauty of architecture, by blending the modernity and tradition. Ephesus Centrum is more than a stay; it’s deep into the culture which is centuries old. Go to Selcuk markets, only 5 minutes walk away, to pick some handmade souvenirs and spices.

Perfect Selection for Ephesus Centrum

Guests review our location, the perfect selection for the cultural aficionados who want to go deeper and dig in. Our sustainability consciousness is meant to appreciate the heritage we live in, thus contributing to your experience as well.

Each corner of Ephesus is an adventure into the past that bridges education and comfort. Experience music and dance of Turkey’s culture with our cultural nights.

Traveling with Ephesus Centrum turns your vacation into an adventure of exploration. Book your cultural experience and go back in time today. Step into the past and be enriched and inspired.

In sum, Ephesus Palace is not only a hotel but also a way to an unforgettable cultural journey. Whether it is the attraction of ancient ruins, the warmth of Turkish hospitality, or the pursuit of a genuine cultural experience, guests at Ephesus Palace will find themselves in the centre of Turkey’s rich historical and cultural weave. This is the place where the traditions of the past and the buzzing present vibrate, and the true character of Ephesus emerges.

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history buffs of Ephesus Palace: 9 Must-See Attractions

Ephesus Ancient City: 9 Must-See Attractions

For history buffs visiting Ephesus, exploring the rich tapestry of ancient civilizations is a dream come true. Ephesus serves as a gateway to a multitude of historical sites, each offering a glimpse into the past’s complexity and grandeur. Hence here are 10 must-see attractions near Ephesus Palace that will captivate any Ephesus history buff:

Thus here are 9 must-see attractions near Ephesus Palace that will captivate any Ephesus history buff:

1-The Library of Ephesus Celsus:

The Library of Celsus in Ephesus represents a monumental symbol of ancient architecture and cultural heritage. Dating back to 117 AD, this library housed more than 12,000 scrolls. Today, it is one of the main reasons why many visitors come to Ephesus, as it shows its historical importance in the field of education and culture. Intricate facades and sculptures mesmerize the viewer, emphasizing the Roman presence in the area. The Library of Celsus is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in history and travel. This place is ideal for history lovers as well as visitors.

history buffs
Ephesus history buffs

2-The Great Theatre of Ephesus:

Marvel at the Great Theatre of Ephesus, a spectacular venue that would seat 25,000. Experience history, where gladiators fought for their lives and apostles preached the gospel. Best suited for lovers of culture and history. Located in Turkey, this theatre makes visitors experience architectural masterpieces of the bygone era and age. Perfectly suited for photographers, the location would deliver eye-catching scenes. Don’t skip this must-see spot in Ephesus where history feels so real.

3-Temple of Artemis:

The discovery of the ruins of Artemis temple takes us on a journey back in time to ancient Ephesus, rediscovering its role as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This mammoth structure, a tribute to the mighty goddess Artemis, was venerated for its morphology and beauty. However, the site is now a ruin, still, it takes its visitors to the past by its historical and cultural importance. For those who interest themselves in the areas of archaeology, history, or the ancient world of wonders one of the must-visit destinations is the Temple of Artemis.

history buffs
history buffs

4-House of the Virgin Mary:

Hidden in the quiet mountains around Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary is one of the holiest places in which Mary, the mother of Jesus, is believed to have spent her her final days. This holy site, bringing pilgrims and just tourists in all together, presents a perfect mix of spiritual serenity and historical significance. It shows the common veneration of several faiths and thus, it’s an important site for pilgrimages of those studying religious history of Turkey. Going to this sacred area is highly emotional as one experiences a mixture of religiosity, peace, and connection with the past.

5-St. John’s Basilica:

St. John’s Basilica in Selçuk is a marvel of history, giving the insight into the early world of Christianity. This ancient site believed to be the tomb of Saint John the Evangelist is a must-see both for history enthusiasts and spiritual explorers alike. Its ruins are of historical importance and of religious significance which makes it an important stopover for those visiting Selçuk to see its diverse cultural fabric.

history buffs
history

6-Isa Bey Mosque:

Find the historic Isa Bey Mosque in Selçuk, a 14th-century architectural masterpiece in which Selçuk and Byzantine designs was mixing. Stroll through its courtyard, columns and scenery, discovering its vibrant cultural pattern. Historians and cultural travelers would just love this perfect spot, Isa Bey Mosque being a master piece of ancient craftsmanship and religious comprehension. Visiting is to feel the substance of Ephesus’s rich history.

7-Ephesus Archaeological Museum:

Discover the Ephesus Archaeological Museum: an aperture to lost wonders of the past. View artifacts from Ephesus, which dates back to history and culture. Catering to history enthusiasts and tourists. Come to see how the past lived out here. Properly situated, it’s worth visiting in Selçuk.

history
Sirince Village

8-Sirince Village:

Şirince Village, located close to Ephesus, gives you a lovely opportunity to burnish Turkish traditions. This is known as a wine and olive oil hills. Tour revived Greek houses and delight in Greek handiworks. The cobble stone streets and the warm, friendly atmosphere make it an absolute must-stop. With its cultural features, Şirince promises a tranquil rural retreat amidst the beauty of nature. A perfect place for travelers looking for an invigorating experience, the winding road, and the artisan markets are unforgettable. Taste Cumalikizik for the flavor of Turkey‘s historical past and kind people.

9-Temple of Hadrian:

Feel the grandeur of the Temple of Hadrian in Ephesus, a gem of ancient masterpiece and history. The building is a beautiful example of the intricate reliefs that represent the rich past of the city of Ephesus. Such gem for history lovers and travelers, it is a must to visit to have a slice of the Roman life of the past. Discover the temple’s special characteristics, its function in the old town. Suitable for incorporating a little bit of history into your Ephesus trip, the Temple of Hadrian eagerly welcomes you.

history

These sites differ in their focus on ancient civilizations, ranging from the grandeur of public buildings and religious temples to the personal details of everyday life. Hence touring these sites will give you an all-encompassing view of the historical importance of Ephesus. Its surroundings that can make Ephesus an interesting destination for history buffs.

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Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour

PAMUKKALE TOUR (49€ / per person)

Highlights of Pamukkale Tour Schedule: (7:30/19:00) :

  • Pamukkale
  • Hierapolis
  • Grand Theatre
  • Gymnasium

Pamukkale’s surreal landscape was formed over millennia by limestone deposited by 17 hot springs in the area.

It has been made eternally famous by the gleaming white calcite travertines (terraces) overrunning with warm, mineral-rich waters on the mountain above the village. Just above the travertines lies Hierapolis, once a Roman and Byzantine spa city, which has considerable ruins and a museum.

The city enjoyed its greatest prosperity during the 2nd and 3rd centuries when, with its on-tap natural hot springs, it became an important spa center. The remains of a grand colonnaded street running parallel to the travertines below for just over one kilometer, extending between the necropolis to the north and a Byzantine church at the southern end.

On a slope above the rest of the Hierapolis ruins is the Grand theater, with its facade over 100 meters long and two tiers of seating, each with 26 rows.

Built during the reigns of the Roman Emperors Hadrian and Septimius Severus, the theater is incredibly well-preserved.

Inclusions:

  • Professional Tour Guide
  • Entrance Fees per Itinerary
  • Lunch
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Ephesus Tour

Ephesus Ancient City

EPHESUS TOUR

Highlights of Ephesus Tour Schedule: 9.00 – 16.30) :

The ancient city of Ephesus is Turkey’s most important ancient city, and one of the best-preserved and restored.

It contains such grand public buildings as the impressive Library of Celsus, the theatre, the Temple of Hadrian and the sumptuous Temple of Artemis, which is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Visit for hours along its streets passing temples, theatres, libraries, House of Virgin Mary and statues. Supposedly founded by the Ionian prince Androclus in the 10th century BC, Ephesus was not only a center of trade but a great pilgrimage center, with the Temple of Artemis built in worship of the mother goddess.

Ephesus is also particularly very important for faith tourism as it contains the House of Virgin Mary. It is believed that the Virgin Mary was taken to this stone house by St John, where she lived until her death at the age of 101.

Two other religious sites worth visiting are the Basilica of St John, built in the sixth century, and İsa Bey Mosque, which is a sample of Selçuk architecture.

Inclusions:

  • Professional Tour Guide (English or Spanish)
  • Entrance Fees per Itinerary
  • Lunch

ŞİRİNCE GREEK VILLAGE (Optional)

Şirince Village is part of the Selçuk district of. It is 7 km distance from Selcuk. Sirince Greek Village is a good example of the tolerance and cultural heritage in the west of Turkey which reflects Turkish and Greek ways of life together. It is a charming village famous for its fruit wines. You will also appreciate the beauty of this village by tasting their unique fruit wines.

Şirince has lots of fig trees, the typical Aegean olive trees, walnut and apple trees. However, the main plant that makes Şirince famous for its fruit wines are the grapes in the vineyards. Besides the fruit wine, Şirince is also famous for its tasty grapes.

Also, Şirince is well known mostly since 2012 when the whole world was shaken with rumors about the rupture of the apocalypse on December 21st in 2012.

According to the Mayan calendar, this date was the date of the end of the world. A group of people claimed that only Şirince Village and Bugarach Village in France would be saved from the apocalypse.
According to these rumors, Marduk planet would hit the world on December 21, 2012 and start the apocalypse. All of this, of course, remained to be a rumor and the apocalypse did not come. But the nice result of it all was that Şirince got the attention of the world.

Highlights of the Village:
-Wine tasting
-Buying hand-made olive oil soap
-Visiting St Johns church
-Tasting and buying the best olives in Turkey.

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Temple of Artemis

Temple of Artemis in Ephesus is an ancient temple located in the Selçuk district of İzmir. Artemis Temple is one of the 7 Wonders of the World. For the first time, Greek Sidon made the list of 7 wonders of the world. This list includes the Pyramid of Cheops, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Statue of Zeus in Olympia, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, and the Mausoleum Halicarnassus and the Colossus of Rhodes, apart from the Ephesus Artemis Temple. By comparing the Ephesus Artemis Temple’s value with other artifacts on the list, we can understand how valuable archaeological remains. Due to this reason, Unesco protects the Ephesus Artemis Temple. Although the Ephesus Artemis Temple is the first temple made entirely of marble, we can only see two marble columns in the Temple of Artemis. However, there were 127 columns with a height of 17 meters in Ephesus Artemis Temple.

Temple of artemis in Ephesus Ancient City

The history of the Temple of Artemis

Greek architect Chersphron designed the Temple of Artemis by the Lydian King Croesus to pay homage to the goddess Artemis. Ephesus Artemis Temple’s construction period took more than 100 years, but in 550 BC, only the Lydians finished it. The Ephesus Artemis Temple consists of 127 marble columns with a height of 17 meters. Ephesus Artemis Temple is the first temple made entirely of marble. Besides, there are many bronzes and marble sculptures in the Temple of Artemis. Unfortunately, we can only read this information from ancient books because now we can only see two marble columns in the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus. We see the Temple of Artemis in this state today when Herostratus burned the Temple of Artemis in 356 BC, and the people gradually plundered the Temple of Artemis.

Places Around Ephesus Artemis Temple

We call it Ephesus Artemis Temple, but the Artemis Temple is not in Ephesus Ancient City. Don’t worry, the Temple of Artemis is 20-25 minutes walking distance to the entrance to the ancient city of Ephesus. You can see the Celsus Library, one of the Ancient World’s most extensive libraries, in Ephesus’s Ancient City. One of the valuable and magnificent ancient theaters awaits its visitors in the ancient city of Ephesus. For more works on the history of Ephesus, you can visit the Ephesus museum. You can also visit the Virgin Mary’s house, where she spent her last days after the Ephesus Ancient City tour. A few years after Jesus’ death, the Virgin Mary spent the last remaining years of her life in this house. We do not know the Virgin Mary’s tomb’s exact location, but according to one theory, the Virgin Mary’s grave is on the Bülbül Mountain in this region.

temple of artemis Ephesus Ancient city

Read more on: places to visit in Selcuk.

Another place you can visit within 15-20 minutes walking distance from the Temple of Artemis is St. John Church. St. John is one of the most important characters of Christianity and one of the 12 apostles of Jesus. After the death of Jesus, for the Virgin Mary‘s safety, she brought Virgin Mary to Ephesus, and she lived here for the rest of her life. Roman Emperor Justinianus built the church of St. John on the tomb of St. John. There are only archaeological remains of this church at the moment. Although it does not have a roof, you can see many marble columns and some walls. Just above St. John’s church is the Selçuk Castle. After the Romans built this castle, the Ottomans protected this castle and used it. That’s why you can see the intact castle walls and the ruins of the Ottoman Palace.

How Can I Go To Ephesus Artemis Temple In Selcuk İzmir?

To go to Artemis Temple, you must first go to the city of Selcuk. There are many various ways to get to the Selçuk district. The most common public vehicle of İzmir is Izban trains. You can go to many places in Izmir with Izban. Of course, there is an Izban train stop at Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport. If you come to Izmir by plane, you can go to Selcuk by the Izban train. After arriving at Selcuk Izban stop, you can reach Artemis Temple by walking for 15-20 minutes. If you come to Izmir by bus, you can directly take minibusses from Izmir Bus Terminal to Selcuk Bus Terminal. You can also reach the Ephesus Artemis Temple by walking for 15-20 minutes from the Selçuk Bus Terminal. Do not be afraid to get lost while walking the Izmir streets because many tourist groups in Selçuk reach many historical places by following the tourist groups.

temple of artemis selcuk

Another way is to come to Izmir by personal vehicle. You have the opportunity to rent a car directly from Izmir airport. You can reach Selçuk district by following the Kuşadası and Selçuk signs on the way to Selçuk Direction from İzmir. Another option is you can quickly get the Ephesus Artemis Temple using google maps. You can find many significant places in Izmir city using google maps.

Visiting Hours of the temple of Artemis

There is no security guard in the Artemis Temple. Therefore, visiting hours to Ephesus Artemis Temple is quite flexible, and there is no exact time interval. You do not need to pay the price to see the Ephesus Artemis Temple. Apart from the Temple of Artemis, you need to get a museum card for the Ephesus Ancient City, the Church of St. John, and the Ephesus Museum. For Turkish citizens, the museum pass is 60 Turkish lira. There are two different options for foreign Tourists. The first option is that you can buy Museum Pass Turkey. Museum Pass Turkey is the 550 Turkish lira. With Museum Pass Turkey for fifteen days, you can visit all the museums depending on Turkey’s Ministry of Culture. As a second option, you can get Museum Pass Aegean. Museum Pass Aegean is 325 Turkish lira. With Museum Pass Aegean for seven days, you can visit all museums depending on the Ministry of Culture in İzmir, Aydın, Muğla, and Denizli. If you are planning a trip only to Izmir, Museum Pass Aegean is a more economical option.

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Seven Sleepers Cave

How to go to Cave of the Seven Sleepers in Selcuk İzmir Turkey? Transportation Info

Who are the Seven Sleepers?cave-of-seven-sleepers

Seven Sleepers legend is a very famous and a real legend because it is based on holly books of Christianity and Islam. Although there are many legends about the grotto of the Seven Sleepers, the most common legend dates back to the time of the decade of the emperor Decius, who reigned in the 3rd century BC. The legend says like this: Seven people who escaped the persecution of the emperor Decius had fled to caves in Panayir Mountain and slept for 200 years. Today, four floors of these caves have been unearthed. There are two churches and many graves in these zone. However, the entrance to the church is not allowed because the cave is surrounded by wires.

How can I go to grotto of the Seven Sleepers in Selcuk İzmir Turkey?

Cave of the Seven Sleepers is located very near to Virgin Mary’s House, so when you arrived to Virgin Mary’s House, you will be also reached to Seven Sleepers cave. The House of Virgin Mary that located just above the Ephesus City in Selcuk district of İzmir province, is 6 km far from the Ephesus location. You can follow a number of methods to reach the Ephesus Ancient City and the House of Virgin Mary.

How to go to Cave of the Seven Sleepers with car?

If you want to go Seven Sleepers Cave in Selcuk İzmir with your private car, first of all, you should go to international way and need to go to Aydin province direction. If you moved from İzmir province center, this journey will last approximately 1 hour. When you arrived to Selcuk district, that means remaining journey is just 5 minutes now. This 5 minutes journey is a distance that you travel when you return to Kusadasi from Selcuk.

How can I go to Grotto of the Seven Sleepers with bus?

If you want to reach to Cave of the Seven Sleepers with a bus, you can use the minibuses that goes from İzmir to Selcuk bus terminal and then again get in to minibuse to move to Cave of the Seven Sleepers.

How can I go to Seven Sleepers cave myself with guide or with a tour?

And as final, if you want to go to cave by yourself with a guide or with a tour as team, you can join to tours that moves from Alsancak district, İzmir province. This tour arranges Ephesus Ancient City, Cave of the Seven Sleepers, House of Virgin Mary and village of Sirince journeys. So you can join them to go those places easily, securely and fast. Choice is yours.

Go from near the Virgin Mary Spring Water to Cave of the Seven

When you go to the Virgin Mary’s House, you will also can reach to Virgin Mary spring water  zone. There is a 3-eyed-fountain. Here is a mineral water fountain for tourists. Therefore you can see that many tourists fill their bottles with this “Mineral Water of the Virgin Mary”. And then when you see the “wish wall” that means you are in right way to go to Seven Sleepers’Cave. By clicking to link below, you can reach there easily.

If you want to use Google Map to go to Cave of the Seven Sleepers with your car, click here to go with Google Map.
For more information about touristic places, check out our web site Ephesuspalace.com

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House of Virgin Mary

How to go to House of Virgin Mary? Selcuk –İzmir Turkey Transportation Info

As you all know, Virgin Mary is one of the most important values in our history and her house, House of the Virgin Mary, located in the Ephesus Ancient City, Selcuk district, İzmir city in Turkey.

When you pass through the upper gate of the ancient city of Ephesus in SelçukSelçuk province of İzmir, you will be greeted by the golden statue of Virgin Mary. After a short journey, you will see an historic building, a Byzantine church. This building also known as the House of Virgin Mary. It is believed that in this house Jesus’ mother, Virgin Mary, lived and died here. Christians consider visiting this place as a religious duty.

House of the Virgin Mary- Mary Mother’s House Transportation Help

The House of Virgin Mary that located just above the Ephesus City in Selcuk district İzmir province is 6 km far from the Ephesus location. You can follow a number of methods to reach the Ephesus Ancient City and the House of Virgin Mary.

How to go to House of Mary of Jesus with your car?

If you want to go there with your private car, first of all, you should go to international way and need to go to Aydin province direction. If you moved from İzmir province center, this journey will last approximately 1 hour.

How can I go to Virgin Mary’s House with car?

When you arrived to Selcuk district, that means remaining journey is just 5 minutes now. This 5 minutes journey is a distance that you travel when you turn to Kusadasi from Selcuk.

How can I go to House of Mary Mother with bus?

If you want to reach to Virgin Mary’s House with a bus, you can use the minibuses that goes from İzmir to Selcuk bus terminal and then again get in to minibuse to move to House of Virgin Mary House.

How can I go to House of Virgin Mary myself or with a tour?

Or, finally, if you want to go there by yourself with a guide or with a tour as team, you can join to tours that moves from Alsancak district, İzmir province. This tour arranges Ephesus Ancient City, House of Virgin Mary and village of Sirince journeys. So you can join them to go those places easily, securely and fast. Choice is yours.

House of Virgin Mary Google Map Transportation Information

This is the Google map information for House of Virgin Mary. You can click here to go to House of Virgin Mary.

For more information about touristic places, check out our web site Ephesuspalace.com

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Sirince Greek Village

Sirince-koyu-greek-village-selcuk-2

History of the Sirince Village

Sirince Village is a tourist village in the Selcuk district of İzmir. Some of the people living in the ancient city of Ephesus came to this region in the 15th century and established Sirince Village. Unfortunately, there is no structure from the 15th century in Sirince Village. The oldest buildings in Sirince Village date back to the 19th century. Greeks lived in Şirince Village until the population exchange in 1924, thus it is also known as Sirince Greek Village, even though Turks live here now. The Greeks loved Sirince Village very much, which they named the village meaning ugly because they did not want anyone to discover this village. After the exchange in 1924, the Governor of İzmir changed this beautiful village to Sirince. Another story related to the name of Şirince village dates back to ancient times. The name Kırkınca (meaning fortyish) is another old name of Şirince Village, which comes from the forty people living in the region of Şirince village.

Şirince Village became world-famous in 2012. If you remember, in 2012, there was a significant phenomenon, the Mayan prophecy. According to the Mayan prophecy, the apocalypse would break on December 21, 2012, and only people in the village of Sirince in Izmir and Bugarach in the south of France would continue to live. After this information, people from all over the world knew Sirince Village, a small town. Of course, the apocalypse did not happen on December 21, 2012, as expected, but many tourists visited Sirince Village to avoid the apocalypse. Tourists did not visit Sirince village only on December 21. With an increasing interest after December 21, more people came to visit Şirince Village. You can understand from this information that people discover and love Şirince Village. If you come to Şirince village, you will want to see it a few more times.

Famous Sirince Wines and Foods

Şirince is a vibrant village in terms of agricultural products. Since Şirince village has a wide variety of fruits, developed wine culture is prevalent in Şirince village. People usually know about grape wine, but you can find more than grape wine in Sirince Village. In Şirince village, you can find wines of fruits such as kiwi, black mulberry, melon, strawberry, banana, peach, and apple. Therefore, if you are a wine lover or someone who likes to try different flavors, you should visit Şirince Village. Since Şirince is a wine village, there are cellars of wine producers. You can see these cellars and experience wine tasting in the basement. Many companies offer free tasting of these different wines.

Along with the wine culture, you can find very delicious natural products in Şirince Village. Şirince Village is also home to famous traditional Aegean breakfasts. After having an Aegean breakfast in Şirince Village, you probably won’t get hungry until the evening. The traditional Aegean breakfast includes rich foods grown in the Aegean region. Therefore, mixed olives, natural olive oil, delicious and healthy herbs are part of the Aegean breakfast. Herbs that accompany breakfast are usually parsley and rosemary. In addition to these, organic eggs and various cheeses made from fresh milk are part of Aegean breakfast. Black brewed tea, the indispensable beverage of Turkish breakfasts, is also available in the Aegean breakfast. Finally, people eat homemade flatbread in the Aegean breakfast. In short, all products in the Aegean breakfast are natural and homemade. If you think you will still miss Şirince village’s flavors after visiting Şirince Village, you can buy more of these natural products and take them home. Sirince koyu greek village selcuk

Famous Places of Sirince Greek Village

Although Şirince village is a small place, there are many places to visit in the town. First of all, after you step into Şirince village, the village’s unique sidewalks and streets take you on a historical journey. The most famous historical place of Şirince village is St. John the Baptist Church. You can experience wine tasting right now at St John the Baptist Church. Another favorite spot in Şirince village is Nesin Mathematics Village. In Nesin Mathematics Village, children who do not like mathematics fondly learn mathematics and learn about their responsibilities. You should see the rock tombs with the most beautiful scenery in Şirince Village. You can easily watch the whole Sirince Village from this location.

As there are many important places in Şirince Village, there are many places to visit around Şirince Village. The most essential of these is the old town of Ephesus. It is one of our rare archaeological values on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The old city of Ephesus is an ancient Roman town that still preserves its glory. You can see the world-famous Celsus library and the magnificent old theater in the ancient city of Ephesus. Many tourists come to Sirince Village to visit the ancient theater of Ephesus’s ancient town and the world-famous Celsus library. After visiting the ancient city of Ephesus, you can also see the Artemis temple. In addition to the old buildings, you can see the Virgin Mary’s house, which is significant for Christianity, in Selçuk. Virgin Mary came to İzmir a few years after the death of Jesus and spent the last days of her life here. Due to this religious reason, many tourists still come to Izmir to see this house.

How To Go To Şirince Greek Village?

You can reach Şirince Village with 5 Turkish Liras via minibusses departing from Selçuk city center. To get to Selçuk city center, you can use Izban, the standard public vehicle of Izmir. If you came to Izmir by plane, there is an Izban station at Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport. You can easily reach the Selçuk city center by taking the trains going towards Selçuk. By renting a car directly from the Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, you can get around Izmir. If you come to Izmir by bus, minibusses departing from Izmir bus station take you to Selcuk City center with 10 Turkish Liras. Afterward, you can reach Sirince village by minibusses from Selçuk city center. Apart from these, of course, you can get to Sirince Greek Village by using your car.

Sirince greek village selcuk

 

For more detailed information about the history of Sirince and the wines, please visit here.

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How to arrive Selcuk – Ephesus in 2019

From Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Selcuk

Trains from Airport to Selcuk

You can take the train from the city center or from the Airport to Selcuk. There is a train station next to the airport. Here is the train timetable valid after 1 January 2019.

It takes around 1 hour from Airport to Selcuk, and 1 hour 20 minutes from Izmir city center Basmane. It costs around 7 TL

Here is an easier table:

Depart From Basmane 07:42 08:53 11:30 13:41 15:30 16:41 17:54 19:30
Depart From Airport 08:06 09:18 11:55 14:06 15:55 17:06 18:19 19:55
Arrive to Selcuk 09:09 10:17 12:53 15:03 16:55 18:05 19:20 20:56

Shared Shuttle Busses from Airport to Selcuk / Kusadasi

Most of the time there are shuttle buses departing from airport to going Selcuk & Kusadasi. It takes around 1 hour and costs 25 TL. The shuttle waits in front of the exit door.

Private Transportation Service from Airport to Selcuk hotel

Also, if you want to get to your Hotel Ephesus Palace faster and easier we can arrange a private shuttle service for you. Just contact us here.