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The Best Destination for Ancient History Lovers – Ephesus, Turkey

  • Writer: Erin
    Erin
  • Feb 6, 2023
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jul 31

For history lovers, there is no better destination than Turkey. It encapsulates several empires and historically significant ruins and architecture. Some of the most famous ruins of the Roman Empire are located in the Izmir district of Turkey. One of the most significant cities in ancient Turkey is Ephesus.


View of Harbor Street in ancient Ephesus, Turkey, lined with remnants of marble columns and ruins under a clear blue sky, showcasing the layout of the historic Roman road.
Harbor Street

Ephesus is an ancient city that dates back to the 10th century and was one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League. The city has a long and impactful history in the country of Turkey. It is one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. From the ruins, you can see the city's original beauty and grandeur. One of the sections of the city that still remains is Harbor Street.


Ruins of the Temple of Artemis near Ephesus, Turkey, with a single standing column and scattered stone remains set in a grassy field, with a historic fortress visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
Temple of Artemis

Temple of Artemis

The city was home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the world's seven wonders. The temple had many variations and was destroyed several times, the third and final version was the grandest. This version of the temple was ruined by 400 AD. If you visit the temple today, only fragments of the foundation remain. This is a must-visit to explore the history of Ancient Turkey.


Front view of the Library of Celsus in Ephesus, Turkey, with the sun shining through the central window, highlighting the grand Roman architecture with marble columns, statues, and intricate stone carvings.
Library of Celsus

Library of Celsus

Another section of the remains is the Library of Celsus. This library is one of the only remaining examples of the ancient city's architecture. Not only is it one of the statues that you can see when visiting the city, but it is also one of the only remaining great libraries of the ancient world. During the height of the Roman Empire, the library was the third largest, behind the libraries in Alexandria and Pergamum. Along the exterior are several marble statues of Greek Gods and the namesake Celsius himself. This library is one of the best ways to see the ancient architecture that remains in Turkey.


Scenic view from the Lycian Way trail overlooking Ölüdeniz Beach in Turkey, with turquoise waters, a curved coastline, and lush green mountains stretching into the distance.
Oludeniz Beach View From Lycian Way

Lycian Way

The last great way to experience ancient history is on the Lycian Way. This trail was once used as a footpath and mule trail that followed the Mediterranean Sea. The ancient Lycian people built small city-states along the coast, and this trail connected all of those cities. These cities were all placed strategically for great trade opportunities as you travel on the trail that opened 24 years ago thanks to an avid British hiker, Kate Clow, that wanted to bring more opportunities to explore Turkey's countryside. As you adventure along this intermediate trail, you can discover the small cities and experience true Turkey. This is one of the greatest ways to explore the countryside.


As you learn more and more about the historical side of Turkey, your interest becomes peaked. We here at Enchanted Wanderings are here to help you learn and plan the perfect trip for all of your interests, so schedule a consultation today.

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