Ephesus

Culture and history info

Ephesus boasts some of the best preserved ancient ruins in the world. A visit to Ephesus - once the commercial centre of the ancient world - is a highlight of any visit to Turkey. The city, whose wealth and patronage supported its splendid architectural program, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Artemis was the virgin goddess of nature, and protectress of women in childbirth. The enormous Temple of Artemis, once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and rebuilt several times, dates in its latest form from the third century B.C. In 263 AD., the temple was sacked and destroyed during the invasion of the Goths. The tour of the ruins also includes a theatre, gymnasium, agora and baths, as well as the Library of Celsus.

Nearby, is the site of St. John's Basilica . The plan of the Baptistery is somewhat complex. The main chamber is octagonal in plan, and is framed by a narrow corridor and flanked on two sides by absidal-planned halls. The main baptistery is paved with marble, with the pool in the centre. The baptistery predates the Justinian church, being built in the 5th century.