Boronia Travel Centre

The Great Outdoor Museum

Turkey is truly unique and has some of the most impressive historical sites which have been instrumental for the development of the western world. One of the great outdoor museums that exists today is in the ancient city of Ephesus, which was once a powerful trading and religious city.

Interestingly, only 15% of the city has since been excavated, and the ruins that remain today provide only a glimpse of how phenomenal this city was in its original splendour. But the ruins are so well preserved that it has become a must-see for every traveller.

Ephesus was famed for the Temple of Artemis, which was completed around 550 BC, and is now considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. But the largest and most spectacular structure of Ephesus is the grand amphitheatre, which had an original seating capacity of 25,000. The theatre dominates the view down Harbor Street.

The other main highlights of Ephesus include travelling through the Magnesia Gate, the main entrance to the ancient city, then continuing along marble streets grooved by chariot wheels. The beautiful temples are just breathtaking, as are the porticoes, fountains and frescoes. The three-storey Library of Celsus is also amazing, of which the facade has been carefully reconstructed from all original pieces.

Some of the more fun things to do include is a visit to the 14th-century Turkish baths, which is great after a long day of travelling, or if you’re just stressed or tired. The baths are one of those great communal places that are open to everyone regardless of their status; young and old, rich and poor, townsman or villager, Turkish or foreign.

To get a taste of the local cuisine, you must try a Shish kebab (skewer-grilled lamb), which is a Turkish invention. You'll find these delights everywhere, but they can be very spicy and are not for the faint hearted. For those with a sweet tooth, then the desserts are often honey-soaked and tend to incorporate fruit, nuts and pastry in a variety of mouth-watering combinations.

If Ephesus is on your bucket list, then why not consider our Classic Cultural Tour of Turkey, where you’ll visit all the wonders including Istanbul – Ankara – Cappadocia – Pamukkale – Ephesus. For more information please contact us today or call us on 1800 035 350.

Image Top Left: Grand Aphitheatre

Image Middle Right: Temple of Artemis

Image Bottom Right: Library of Celsus