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"Ephesus (Efes) and Nearby Selcuk" a Ephesus Travel Page by Paul2001

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"Ephesus (Efes) and Nearby Selcuk" a Ephesus Travel Page by Paul2001

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Paul2001   
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Real Name: Paul
Lives In: Toronto, CA
Member Since: May 28, 2001
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Page Views: 2,796            Last Visit to Ephesus: October, 2003      

Ephesus (Efes) and Nearby Selcuk

by Paul2001 - last update: Jan 5, 2006

Ephesus is generally considered to be the best preserved Roman ruins in the Eastern Mediterranean. This makes the site one of the most important attractions in Turkey and for certain, one of the most crowded.
The history of Ephesus begins with actually serving as a port for in ancient times, the seacoast was much further inland than it is today. During these times it was sort of a prosperous city-state. Unfortunately, the locals were not all that keen on military affairs and envious neighbors attacked and destroyed the place. The city was rebuilt but fell under the political control of the series of invaders that dominated the region. Eventually the city fell under the control of the Romans. They much admired the city and its premiere attraction, the Temple of Artemis. Each succeeding emperor would do what he could to enhance its beauty, hence such stunning buildings like the Library of Celsus were built. The city fell into decline when its port began to silt up. By the 7th century A.D. it was basically nothing more than a provincal town.
Thankfully, as in the case of the most great ruins, because the city was essentially ignored over the centuries, the ruins were not built over by other buildings. Therefore the city survived relatively well preserved. Today it is visited by hordes of tourists in the busloads. This means that you should visit the city early in the day. It is open from 8am to 7pm during the tourist season. It cost $10.00 for admission.

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Pros:"One of the great archeaological ruins in the Mediterranean"
Cons:"Sometimes very hot and always very crowded"
In A Nutshell:"A visit to Turkey is not complete until you have visited Ephesus"
Paul2001's Ephesus Travel Tips

OverviewThings to Do
Tips: 9 - Photos: 10
 
RestaurantsHotels & Accommodations
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1
 
NightlifeOff The Beaten Path
Tips: 5 - Photos: 6
 
Tourist Traps
Tips: 2 - Photos: 2
Warnings Or Dangers
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1
 
TransportationLocal Customs
 
Packing ListsShopping
 
Sports TravelGeneral Tips
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1

Comments for Paul2001 about Ephesus
deecat Sun Feb 22, 2009 16:38 UTC
 What an HONEST, informative, interesting introduction. Sure glad I visited in early Spring because there were no crowds. Having seen and loved Ephesus, I admire your personal insights and outstanding photos.
albaaust Sat Sep 29, 2007 07:19 UTC
 Once again some detailed, useful tips Paul.
Diana75 Sun Jan 21, 2007 06:14 UTC
 Wonderful page and very beautiful pictures, Paul. Actually the first one with the library without someone in it, really surprised me. It is always so croweded. But is one of Turkey's must visit places.
traveldave Fri Jun 9, 2006 16:36 UTC
 Usually I'm not very interested in ruins, but these sure look interesting. Probably because they're so well preserved compared to others.
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