Turkey Day 14 - The famous city of Ephesus

Luke and myself in Ephesus.

I have seen lots of Roman ruins over the last couple of weeks, but today is the most famous of them all in Turkey, Ephesus and I can safely say I was under-whelmed. Grandma spent the day relaxing and recharging her batteries after the last busy couple of days by spending her day at the cottage. This included finishing off the washing which Julianne had started in the morning. The cottage is halfway through our holiday and is the only washing machine on the trip so there is several weeks of washing to do.

Julianne, Robin, Luke and myself headed out about 10-30am (the morning was spent relaxing for Julianne & Grandma, so it was a late start).

Ephesus was expensive, first was parking and then 30 Lira each to get in, and then an extra 15 Lira each to see the Terrance houses. The Terrace houses were the best part of Ephesus so well worth the expense.  

We entered by the lower entrance and started our explore. The theatre looks large but I have seen more impressive including the huge theatre at Miletus yesterday and the amazing Epidaurus in Greece.

Approaching the theatre in Ephesus.

Robin at full speed in the theatre.

Interesting photo showing the original unrestored seats compared to the restored seats.

The library of Celsus was interesting to look at but did not blow me away as expected, the restored fountains at Sagalosos where much more mind-blowing, and not just their size but the unexpected nature of the working Roman Fountains.

Library of Celsus.

Too much for Luke.

The Terrace Houses were easily the highlight of the visit. When vising Roman ruins it is always about public monuments like fountains, civic buildings and temples, whereas the Terrace Houses are real houses people lived in, even if they were rich people – it is more personal. The Terrace Houses are a number of large apartment’s right smack in the centre of Ephesus, and one was over 900 square meters! There were open atriums which surprised me to see in an apartment block and amazing paintings and mosaics. It was fascinating to see where people actually lived and the life styles they lived.

Terrance House, with open courtyard.

Amazing artwork in the Terrace Houses.

Mosaics in the Terrace Houses.

More Terrance Houses.

There was a not a lot more else to see really, but of course the large crowds, there were people everywhere – so different to the other ruins which were so quiet.

Robin in the Council Chamber, with crowds below.

The other interesting building in Ephesus was the St Mary church. Jesus’s apostle John moved to Ephesus with Mary his to escape prosecution and lived here until he died. So there is not only a Roman connection, but a Christian connection as well to Ephesus. There is not a lot left of the church but interesting to be in the site of really early Christian focus.

St Mary Church in Ephesus.

We didn’t get out of Ephesus until 4pm, picked up Grandma to head into town to get supplies so we can cook our own meal tonight. Macaroni cheese for the Wellers with Grandma doing a Tuna – potato dish sitting in a very Turkish seating area outside, lounging around. 

Another relaxing meal in our cottage – having your own place is such a treat.