Ephesus, Turkey, is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, and a major tourist attraction for people all over the world. It is one of the most visited places in Turkey.
Ephesus, once an important seat of the Roman and Byzantine empire, is accessible from nearby town Selcuk. Travelers can walk the 4km basalt road, or take other forms of transport. The grounds at Ephesus are meant to be covered by foot, the best way to see the different places of interest.
Ephesus is a site with breathtaking beauty and a mystical charm. There are many granite columns which tell the story of the former grandeur of the city. There are many places in the immediate vicinity of Ephesus which are of great importance. These include the Artemision, or the Temple of Artemis, which is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Saint John's Church, the Cave of the Seven Sleepers, part of the famous legend of the Seven Sleepers Den, the Celcius Library, the Shrine of the Virgin Mary, the Mosque of Isabay, and a museum of archeology situated at Selcuk.
There are quite a few shops at the exit points where one can get traditional Turkish handicrafts and mementos. A number of small and medium Turkish food stalls and restaurants are also found here.
Though Ephesus itself does not have accommodation facilities, nearby cities Selcuk and Kusadasi have many hotels and restaurants that would enable tourists to plan a stay near Ephesus.
