OVERVIEW :

Ephesus is located within the boundaries of Selcuk county, with its foundation dating back to 6000 BC. Belonging to 6th century BC, Artemision, the biggest temple dedicated to Artemis, was built on the slopes of Ayasuluk Hill, which is located in front of the oldest port in the city, and is based upon Anatolia’s old mother goddess tradition. The temple which was built later on is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Since it was constantly relocated throughout its history, the ruins of Ephesus are scattered across a large area.

In the World Heritage List, Ephesus and its surroundings have their place as four components; Cukurici Hoyuk, Ayasuluk Hill (Selcuk Castle, St. John Basilica, Isa Bey Hammam, Isa Bey Mosque, Artemision), Ephesus and House of the Virgin Mary. A continiously inhabited settlement for approximately 9000 years, from pre-historic ages, to the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Turkish chiefs, and Ottoman periods, Ephesus has always been a center of culture and commerce, besides a crucial port city.