EPHESUS, Greek EPHESOS, was the most important Greek city in ionian asia minor, the ruins of which lie near the modern village of Selçuk in western Türkiye.

Ephesus is one of the largest and most impressive ancient cities in the world, and is one of Türkiye's most significant ancient cities. Its cultural and historical significance was highlighted in its addition to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2015. The remains of the city lie just 80 km inland from the popular seaside city of İzmir and close to the charming town Selçuk.

Ephesus has been a city since neolithic times, but it came to full prominence under the Roman Empire, as the capital of Asia minor. As the second most important city of the Roman empire, Ephesus grew and prospered. Its populace was largely educated and whealty, while its buildings were richly decorated and celebrated the interests and the good fortune of its inhabitants. Today wisitors come to see the city's impressive historical imprint.

The city came to prominence under the ancient Greeks, who built the famed Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Though only one column of the temple remains today, it was said to be very grandand impressive indeed. 

After ebbs and flows in the city’s fortunes, Ephesus became a city under Roman rule in 133 BC and the Capital of Asia minor in 27 BC. This is seen as a historical turning point for the city. Which truly flourished and became second in importance to Roman Empire. Ephesus is also an important site for Christian history in the region. It was here that St. Paul wrote “First letter to the Corinthians'' and St John is said to have writen his gospel. Ephesus is belived to be the final resting place of Mary and one of the most visited sites is St Mary's Basilica. 

Ephesus, one of the biggest and most important Roman cities, is still under excavation and study. Visitors will be truly impressed by the grandeur of the ancient city.