Here is another map that shows the surrounding areas of Ephesus.
On Day 6 of your trip, you will be exploring some of these surrounding areas.
You will take your preferred route of transportation to these sites.
On Day 6 of your trip, you will be exploring some of these surrounding areas.
You will take your preferred route of transportation to these sites.
Temple of Artemis
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Reconstruction of Temple of Artemis in Istanbul, Turkey (Modern Day)
Your first site is arguably the most important yet most depressing. The Temple of Artemis or Artemision is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was destroyed three times before its final destruction in 401 AD. All that is left to view today is the foundation, but many of the gorgeous works of art that came from it can be viewed at the British Museum in London.
![Picture](/uploads/1/7/3/0/17303612/1361667906.png)
Here is a picture of a marble column drum used in The Temple of Artemis. Evidence suggests that the temple was around during the Bronze Age, which would place its building date around 8th century BC, but that is just approximate. One of the things you will find in the Ephesus Museum is the Artemis Ephesia or Lady of Ephesus which represents fertility.It is believed that this statue has come from the temple. Although depressing that such a grand architectural piece is nothing but ruins, it has most definitely held a place in history.
"I have seen the walls of unbreachable Babylon, along which chariots may race, and the statue of Zeus by the river Alphaeus, the Hanging Gardens and the Colossus of the Sun, the great man-made mountains of the lofty pyramids and the gigantic tomb of Maussolos. But when I saw the sacred house of Artemis reaching the clouds, the others paled...
-Antipater of Sidon, Greek Anthology 9.58
"I have seen the walls of unbreachable Babylon, along which chariots may race, and the statue of Zeus by the river Alphaeus, the Hanging Gardens and the Colossus of the Sun, the great man-made mountains of the lofty pyramids and the gigantic tomb of Maussolos. But when I saw the sacred house of Artemis reaching the clouds, the others paled...
-Antipater of Sidon, Greek Anthology 9.58
Basilica of St. John
![Picture](/uploads/1/7/3/0/17303612/1605762_orig.jpg)
Your next site you will see is the Basilica of St. John. St. John is the writer of the Fourth Gospel and the book of Revelation. St. John is believed to have spent his last years in Ephesus and been buried underneath a small church. The beautiful basilica was built onto that church during the 6th century AD by the orders of Emperor Justinian 1.
House of the Virgin Mary
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You next site that you will visit is the House of the Virgin Mary. This site's foundations date from the 1st century AD, and archeological evidence dates the house between 6th and 7th century AD. This is believed to be where the Virgin Mary spent her last days, brought here by John the Apostle by Jesus' request. It was identified by the visions of nun Anne Catherine Emmerich. The house has been visited by Pope Benedict XVI,Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II.
The Grotto of the Seven Sleepers
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Your last cite you will visit on day 6th will be the Grotto of the Seven Sleepers. It was discovered by both Christians and Muslims and the interest in it has continued to grow. According to Christian legend, seven men were walled in during the rule of Decius then seen again during the rule of Theodosius many,many years later. Muslim legend states that the seven men slept 309 years in this tomb, and then walked out after.
You will now return to your hotel in Izmir and tomorrow you will visit the Ephesus Museum!