Ephesus

Ephesus, which was the main gate between the east and the west, was an important port city. This location enabled Ephesus to develop as the most important political and commercial center of its age and to become the capital of Asia state in the Roman Period. Ephesus does not owe its importance in ancient times only to this. The largest temple of the Artemis cult, which is based on the ancient Anatolian mother goddess (Kybele) tradition of Anatolia, is also located in Ephesus. The Temple of Artemis in Ephesus is considered one of the seven wonders of the world. Ephesus was an ancient Greek city on the west coast of Anatolia, 3 km away from today's Selçuk district, later an important Roman city. It was one of the twelve cities of Ionia in the classical Greek era. Its foundation dates back to the Polished Stone Age 6000 BC. The first establishment of the ancient city of Ephesus within the borders of Selçuk, district of Izmir Province  goes back to 6000 BC, to the Polished Stone Age called Neolithic Period.  Ephesus, which is visited today, was built by Lysimakhos, one of the generals of Alexander the Great. It was established around 300 BC.

It is one of the most important pilgrimage places for Christians as St. John and Virgin Mary passed their last five years there and today millions of people have visited Virgin Mary House where she stayed.