Walking Tour (with extras)

Destination #3: Ephesus

The main focus for this region in Roman times was the port city of Ephesus.  It became the Empires’ capital of Asia Minor growing to be a hugely wealthy trading city, as many of the ruins testify.  Today, Ephesus stands as a well preserved classical city albeit awash with tourists. 

We started our walking tour early, heads already spinning with the many myths and legends that surround this city that once supported a population of 250,000.  (That count was male adults apparently, so the true count was probably triple that figure if you include women, children and slaves.)

The Odeon (meeting hall) dates from 150 AD

Gates of Hercules, entrance to Curetes Street

Temple of Hadrian built in AD 123 in honour of the
Emperor's visit

One of the many stunning mosaic floors in the Terrace Houses

Posing in front of the Library of Celsus built by Consul Gaius Julius Aquila 114 AD

The Agora (main city marketplace) off Marble Street

Great Theatre renovated by the Romans seated 25,000 people and Harbour Street

Sadly, the Museum with finds from Ephesus (in Seljuk and reputed to be Turkey's best) was closed but we cheered ourselves up with a fruit wine tasting and a dinner in nearby Sirince.  The village has been declared an historic preservation area due to its picturesque old stone & stucco houses and cobbled streets.  This is one town where local dogs give guided walking tours and chickens have right of way.

Local colour in Sirince - pomegranates & oranges

Fact File: The Library of Celsus was built in 114 AD to house some 12000 scrolls in niches around the walls.  It was clearly a place for the learned and curious to come.  The building was not free-standing however and had been constructed to interconnect with other buildings in the city.  A recently excavated tunnel just happens to connect the Library to the city brothel.  “Just catching up the local news at the Library, darling…back in an hour or two!  Don’t wait up…

If the Library was busy you could always visit the (gents only)
public toilets.  Fountains, musicians, friends....it was clearly the place to be