Description of the attraction
Ephesus was founded in the 2nd millennium BC. in a convenient place for trade - at the intersection of sea routes and caravan routes from the Asian depths. Ephesus reached its greatest heyday during the Roman Empire, and most of the local archaeological sites date from this period. The decline of the city began in the 2nd half of the 3rd century, when it was captured and destroyed by the Goths. At the beginning of the rule of the Ottoman Turks, Ephesus was consigned to complete oblivion.
Among the most interesting sights of the city are the majestic ancient theater, designed for 24,000 spectators, the Temple of Hadrian, built in honor of the emperor of the same name and considered one of the main attractions of Ephesus, the library of Celsus, which contains 12,000 parchment scrolls, Trajan's fountain, the Temple of Serapis - the Egyptian god of fertility, the ruins of a nymph - the sanctuary of nymphs, terraced houses with mosaics and the ruins of early Byzantine houses with an exhibition of ancient utensils.
Two mountains adjoin the ruins of the ancient city - Falcon Mountain with the House of the Virgin Mary and Mount Pion with the "Cave of the Seven Sleeping Youths". The House of the Virgin Mary is a Christian shrine. According to legend, it was here that the Virgin Mary spent her last few years of her life, and from here Jesus Christ took her to him (Dormition of the Virgin Mary). The house is located on the top of the mountain, where a serpentine path leads. In front of the house there is a small bronze monument to the Virgin Mary. Inside, there are carpets on the floor, and sayings from the Koran about Mary on the walls.
Music festivals are held in the ancient theater in summer. The upper rows of its auditorium offer a magnificent view of the surroundings of Ephesus.
