Travel Tips

Ephesus is the ruins of what was once the major city of the area around where Izmir is located. For more info on the history, check out the Wikipedia entry, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephesus.

Getting there is easy. There are busses that will cost you no more than 15 Euro. Entry to the ruins is 10 YTL (about 5 Euro). Entry to Mary's House is about 3 YTL (1.5 Euro). A tour will cost you anywhere from 40 to 70 Euro (if you're just the type who much prefers to leave it all to the tour guide, try Tutku Turizm -- their tour will cost you less than most). The reason I say not to go with a tour group is not just about saving money though. When you go on your own, you can take as much time as you want to explore Ephesus. A tour group will guide you through the highlights. Believe me, there is so much more to this place than what a cursory 1 hour guided tour can give you. There are side streets and hidden things to look for. Enjoy it at your own pace and take as much time as you want.

Here's how it goes, I think...

After Jesus Christ died (or resurrected and ascended to heaven -- whatever you believe), his mother Mary was entrusted to John the Apostle. He took her north from Jerusalem to Ephesus, where he preached about Christianity. The house he built for her is in the mountains near the city, but outside the city walls because Christianity was not popular in Ephesus at the time.

What you see when you go there is a restored building that is now a chapel. It is a major tourist site, so you won't be enjoying this place in peace and quiet. I'd go on a Sunday and catch a mass there. It might be nicer, since you're going to have to deal with all the people anyway. Why not?

...and I hope you get to see this place in person some day. Up till now, I think it's the oldest man-made things I've seen.