​​​ Lost Paradises Travels - Europe  

​TURKEY - Ephesus (Efes)

The ancient Greek city of Ephesus was famous for its Temple of Artemis (near present-day Selçuk), which was recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. After a messy period of conquest and reconquest, Ephesus became a Roman city in 133 BC. Ephesus is the best-preserved ancient city in the Mediterranean region, and one of Turkey's top sights. Ephesus played a great role with its strategic location and was the trade centre of the ancient world and  a religious centre of the early Christianity.

Selçuk, the town 3 km (2 miles) east of the Ephesus archeological site, lies at the foot of Ayasoluk Hill, topped by a Byzantine-Ottoman fortress. On the slope are the St John Basilica and İsa Bey Mosque, both worth a visit, and below them the scant remains of the renowned Artemision.​