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Ephesus Ancient City & House of the Virgin Mary: History, Faith, and Culture Guide

Ephesus Ancient City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflects the splendor of Ancient Rome with monumental structures like the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. The nearby House of the Virgin Mary is a sacred pilgrimage center for Christians. This route in Selçuk, İzmir, offers an indispensable experience for history enthusiasts and faith tourism travelers.

Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary: A Journey into History

🏛️ Ephesus Ancient City: The Metropolis of the Ancient World

Located near the Selçuk district of İzmir, the Ancient City of Ephesus was once the capital of the Roman province of Asia and one of the world’s largest metropolises. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ephesus takes visitors on a journey through time with its historical and architectural grandeur.

Key structures that make Ephesus unique include:

The Library of Celsus: The most iconic structure of the city, renowned for its architecture and preserved magnificence.
The Great Theatre: With a capacity of about 25,000, it hosted not only theatrical performances but also gladiatorial combat.
Curetes Street and the Terrace Houses: Ruins of luxurious residences where the wealthy of the period lived, featuring mosaics and frescoes that reveal the Roman lifestyle.

Ephesus also holds a crucial role in Christian history. St. Paul preached here, and the city became one of the key centers for the development of early Christianity.

⛪ House of the Virgin Mary: A Holy Pilgrimage Site

A short distance from Ephesus, nestled in the green foothills of Bülbül Mountain, the Houseof the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi) is considered a holy pilgrimage site for Christians. It is believed that St. John brought the Virgin Mary here after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and she spent her last years in this modest stone house.

Worship and Belief: The house is currently visited by Catholic and Orthodox Christians and is recognised as a sacred site, having been blessed by the Pope.
Holy Water and Wishing Wall: Visitors can drink the holy water nearby, which is believed to have healing properties, and tie notes with their prayers onto the Wishing Wall.

🗺️ Visiting Ephesus

Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary offer a unique itinerary for anyone interested in history, religion, and architecture. Both areas can be comfortably explored in a single day, allowing visitors to witness the profound cultural heritage that combines ancient splendour with sacred tranquillity.

Ephesus Ancient City & House of the Virgin Mary: History, Faith, and Culture Guide

Ephesus Ancient City & House of the Virgin Mary: History, Faith, and Culture Guide

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