•SELÇUK•
efes
Archeology
The foundation of the city dates back to the Neolithic Age, 6000 BC. Ephesus, which was included in the Tentative List of World Heritage Sites in 1994 by UNESCO, was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. The Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the world, is the first temple built of marble in the ancient world, and its foundations date back to the 7th century BC. Recent excavations on Ayasuluk Hill have revealed traces of this Bronze Age city and a Mycenaean settlement on the same hill. Other excavations in the Küçük Menderes Valley have revealed a Neolithic settlement in Ephesus. The oldest temple dates back to the 8th century BC, but it was rebuilt at least three more times. The temple, finally built in the 4th century BC, is considered one of the wonders of the ancient world. The theater is the largest ancient theater in Turkey with a capacity of 30,000 people. The marble streets, the Library of Celsus, the Agora gate, Hadrian’s temple, and the terrace houses are outstanding restoration and conservation works in Ephesus.
History- Culture
The House of the Virgin Mary near Ephesus is a place of pilgrimage, as are the Church of St. John and his tomb. Izmir Ephesus Museum houses wonderful artifacts from Ephesus and its surroundings. There are six different “Historical and Archaeological Routes” in Selçuk. These routes offer an extraordinary experience of the region’s culture, legends, beliefs, nature, and gastronomy. The village of Şirince is also a must-see. The Belevi Peach Festival and the International Ephesus Selcuk Traditional Camel Wrestling Festival, which has been organized since 1983, are among the prominent events of the region. Efesium and Selçuk Ephesus City Memory are also noteworthy destinations to explore.
Nature
Many natural areas such as Belevi Lake Wetland, Klaseas Waterfall, Gebekirse Lake, Barutçu Lake, Zeytinköy Kazan Lake, the Road of the Mulberry Trees and Pamucak Beach offer a visual feast in Selçuk. In addition to opportunities to explore the grade 1 natural site areas and observe different species of birds, you can experience significant diversity by enjoying quality water resources and beaches. There are also many trails for cycling, and horse and jeep safaris.
Gastronomy
In addition to olives, many other products such as figs, peaches, grapes, quinces, and pomegranates are grown. Manguta mushroom, which grows only around Ephesus, attracts a lot of attention. This city, which is home to many different cultures, has a rich culinary culture.
