Christian legend holds that Jesus gave the Apostle St. John custody of His mother, Mary, during the Crucifixion. Since Mary was no longer secure in Jerusalem, St. John took the Virgin Mary to Ephesus, where she is said to have lived out her last years on Mount Bülbül. The House of the Virgin Mary is now acknowledged as a significant destination for pilgrims. Its spiritual significance for Christians across the globe has been reinforced by the visits of Popes Paul VI (1967), John Paul II (1979), and Benedict XVI (2006).

Ephesus Ancient City is one of the most significant highlights of our Ephesus tours. Once the third-largest city in the Roman Empire, Ephesus had a population of approximately 250,000 and served as both the capital and commercial center of Asia Minor. It is also of great biblical importance as the Apostle Paul lived here and one of the Seven Churches of Revelation is located here. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to see featured structures, such as the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre of Ephesus, where St. Paul preached to Ephesians, as well as the Temple of Hadrian, ancient latrines, and many other impressive structures.

After building a home for the Virgin Mary on Bulbul Mountain, St. John, the writer of the Gospel, remained in Ephesus to care for her and to spread Christianity. Following the legalization and rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire, Emperor Justinian commissioned the Basilica of St. John in the 6th century to honor the Apostle. The basilica was constructed over what is believed to be the burial site of St. John, making it one of the most sacred landmarks in Ephesus.

The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was originally constructed in the 6th century BC and reached its final form in the 2nd century BC. It was known as the largest pagan worship center of its time and served as a monumental symbol of wealth, faith, and architectural achievement. Today, only one reconstructed column and a few remains are visible, but the site continues to attract visitors due to its historical significance and unique atmosphere.