Ephesus, Turkey

Ephesus, situated in Western Turkey, is a place to dig into the ancient city’s history, architecture, and culture, as well as its ties to ancient Rome.

Today, the ruins, though weathered by time, encourage you to piece them together. There is history to explore.

Take an afternoon to roam through the Terrace Houses, the Library of Celsus, and the Great Theatre. The tour gives insight into how the affluent lived, how people educated themselves, and how they sought entertainment and spiritual fulfillment.

Along the way to the ruins, a bronze statue of Saint Mary stands alongside a road, paying homage to her possible final years spent in this ancient city.

This stretch of the road invokes a sense of calm. The greenery surrounding you, including olive trees, compels you to take deep breaths and enjoy nature.

The dichotomy of the ruins and the rural landscape makes you reflect on how time, people, and regions change. A visit to Ephesus is a treasure trove of history.

Next stop: Kuşadası, Turkey