Private Ephesus Shore Excursion From Kusadasi Port

St-Jean Church is located in the south of Ayasuluk hill in Izmir's Selcuk district, right next to the Seljuk Castle. As soon as we enter through the monumental gate called the follower gate, we find ourselves in historical breezes. Saint-Jean, one of the 12 apostles of the Prophet Jesus, is buried on Ayasuluk hill after his decease. A wooden-roofed church was built on his tomb in the 4th century. Instead of the destroyed wooden roofed church, the emperor Justinianus (525-527) and the empress Theodora built the 6-domed church, whose ruins we visit today. St Jean's cathedral became the "Church of the Cross", frequented by Christian pilgrims in the Medieval. Throughout the Middle Ages, Christians, who believed in the healing properties of the dust from the grave of the Saint, accepted it as a pilgrimage place. Monograms of Emperor Justinian and his wife Empress Theodora can still be seen on the column headings of this magnificent church, which was built on two floors.

Isa Bey Mosque is one of the oldest and most spectacular works of Anatolian Principalities. Aydinogullari, one of the Anatolian Principalities, ruled in Ayasuluk, which was the administrative centre, for 103 years between 1300-1403. Isa Bey Mosque, one of the first examples of mosques with two minarets, porticoes and courtyards with fountains in Anatolia, is one of the oldest and most spectacular works of Turkish architectural history belonging to the Anatolian Principalities period. The mosque, which fell into ruin at the end of the 19th century, was surrounded by grass until it reached its domes. The roof of the mosque, which is completely destroyed, was repaired in 1975 and the altar in 1990. It was opened to worship again after the restoration made by the foundations. Although the mosque has lost its original character and reached today, it is still magnificent and impressive.

In the House of Virgin Mary, declared holy by the Vatican, Muslims as well as Christians from all over the world pray and make offerings to fulfil their pilgrimage. In the Virgin Mary House, which is a sacred place for Christians all over the world, believers from all religions pray, and tourists make their visits. Olive trees on both sides of the path leading to the house of the Virgin Mary were planted by Lazarist monks in 1898. The statue of Mary, located at the end of the road with olives, is the gift of a religious community in Izmir and bears the date of 1867. The visit to the Virgin Mary House ends with three fountains reached by descending the stairs on the right after leaving the church. Drinkable water flows from the fountains and from the wells next to the church. Visitors do not only taste this water in the belief that it is healing but also take it with them.

The Temple of Artemis, a religious building where the people of Ephesus presented their faith to the goddess, was also the meeting point of the people used as a market place. The Temple of Artemis, which only has its basic ruins and a marble column, is one of the most important places to see in Selcuk. The temple of Artemis, the temple of Temenos, the religious section, had the appearance of a small city with public buildings and residences. Far from the sea, surrounded by fertile land, the temple was used as a commercial enterprise. Because it was a safe place, it also functioned as a bank. What a magnificent structure the Temple of Artemis was once; It is clear from the words of the Macedonian General Antipatros, "When I saw the house of Artemis built on clouds, all other wonders lost their shine and I said," Here! Except for Olympus, the sun has never looked at such a big thing ".

Ephesus Ancient City, which contains the symbols that shed light on the superior urbanization, architecture and religious history of the Hellenistic and Roman periods, has the most important architectural and urban planning examples from different periods. The ancient city, which is completely made of marble, is also very impressive with its architectural structures. Where you will see one of the most magnificent excavations in the world, the ancient city of Ephesus is a remarkable ancient site and you will be able to see every step of the dozens of historical artefacts that include The Odeon, The Fountain of Trajan, The Terraces of Apartment Houses, The stream baths of Scholastika, The temple of Hadrian and impressive Celsus Library which is adorned with columns and statues, and let's not forget about The Magnificent Grand Theater, where Saint Paul preached and is the largest theatre is antiquity with capacity of 24.000 seats.