Required fields are marked *. Activities: The entrance fee for Ephesus is 100 TRY and for a day trip to Pamukkale, you can expect to pay around 60 USD (519 TRY) for the tour so, in total, 619 TRY for activities in Selcuk. Constructed in a similar style to the GreatTheater but smaller, the Bouleuterion has a capacity of 1,800. Touring this ancient city is what attracts tourists to this town. While you could opt to stay in the much larger city of Izmir (which even has its own metro system), Selcuk is by far the best place to stay when visiting Ephesus. Since the restoration is still ongoing, you will have to pay to get access to the area. Can a person enter alone, or is a tour guide needed? Theres also a free toilet past the ticket office. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. The ruins are impressive and worth the visit. But if your flight gets in midday, then you wont have enough time to visit Ephesus and drive to Pamukkale. Along the eastern Mediterranean, discover the old yet well preserved city of Ephesus. I relied on buses most of the time and they are comfortable and pretty reliable. Travelers of the past made their way from distant corners of the known world to visit pilgrimage spots, trade their goods, and lay eyes on the wondrous architecture. There are often many organized tours going from Selcuk every day but I highly recommend you go with the"Pamukkale Day Tour From Selcuk" tour. We visited at the end of April and were truly lucky with a warm, sunny day. Alexander the Great offered to fund the rebuilding of the temple again, but the city politely declined his offer and rebuilt it themselves in 323 BC, following the death of Alexander. It was the famous Roman emperor Vespasian who ordered the building of the gate in the 1st century. In Ephesus today theres not just one bath complex to see, but several. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you want a little guided tour of the temple, you can hire a local guide at the entrance. This is the place where Mary may have spent her last days. From the US, there are several direct flights you can fly to Turkey from major cities in the US like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, etc. As you know, I am a light traveler and packing light for a trip like this is an art in and of itself. From riding a hot air balloon to hiking, here are the, Mt. If youre wondering how long you should spend in Ephesus, 2 to 3 hours should be enough to see everything. Its one of the best rated ones. Its located about a 5-minute drive from Ephesus. Its believed that social relationships here were relatively modern, with education valued and strangers from other regions integrating easily in the city. Turkey. Complete with a swimming pool in its elegant courtyard, other amenities on-site include bike hire, room service and free parking available. Temple of Hadrian. There are two versions of the history of the Cave of the Seven Sleepers, a Christian version and a Muslim version. Im visiting Selcuk with my elderly parents next week and will stay 2 nights there. It is one of the most well-preserved piece of architecture in Ephesus and you will be blown away the moment you see it. The Ephesus Ancient Theatre is 140 meters in width and it is said that the seats reached up to 30 meters and can hold more than 20,000 spectators in its heyday. You might get some rain here and there but I think it is worth the sacrifice for a much better experience in this beautiful place. Some of the roads here, though still quite uneven, are suitable for wheelchairs or any other walking aid. From there, you can take either the minibus as I described above, or take a taxi. It takes about 10 hours and tickets cost about 25. Known for its closeness to Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary, and Seljuk work of arts, Selcuk is a region rich in history. Plus, you do not have to spend a dime to get into the Temple of Artemis. We adored our time there and would encourage others to visit Turkey in a heartbeat. For more help when planning your trip to Turkey, you should also read this posts: Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a03841c49c21fa2068578257b318c2e4" );document.getElementById("bf5f1d039c").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Ephesus Museum opens from 9 AM to 6:30 PM every day and the entrance fee is 120 TRY plus 70 TRY if you want an audio tour. At midday, it can get very crowded with tour groups but luckily most of them dont spend too long here. This travel guide will show you the best things to do in Ephesus and Selcuk, including how to get there, where to stay, 2023 entrance fees, and a suggested itinerary. This is considered to be the main entrance, and its where the majority of visitors pass through particularly tour buses. Most people who wish to visit Ephesus base themselves in either Selcuk or Kusadasi, and a few also stay in Izmir, which is a much larger city. 2023 Let's Venture Out | Adventure Travel Blog, This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Thanks so much Julie! Having a car will give you the opportunity of being completely flexible and it will make a trip to Ephesus a breeze. The Basilica of St John lies at the top of a hill overlooking Selcuk and can easily be reached on foot if youre staying in the town center. Kara uses it for dancing. This is one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. It was built in the 2nd century AD under the eye of a Roman consul, Gaius Julius Aquila. Looking for a complete itinerary for Turkey? Check latest rates here. Its a millennia-old archaeological site and much of it is still crumbling ruins that will be hard to traverse. Another option is to take the bus. Visiting Istanbul too? So, the sleepers could have been Muslim or Christian. Temperatures are easing off in September, with average highs of around 77F (25C). Evidence has been found of humans living in the area of Ephesus since around 6000 BC. It lasts 5 hours so you get a lot out of your visit! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. She may have come here with Saint John, who spent several years in the area to spread Christianity. The Terrace Houses of Ephesus are located just opposite the Temple of Hadrian. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Address Acarlar, 35920 Seluk / zmir, Trkiye Web Visit website You don't need to be an ancient history buff to appreciate incredible Ephesusalthough it certainly helps. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. 2 Selcuk Tours. You can also go cheaper with an 8 GB 30 days plan for 60 TRY, and the price goes down from there depending on the GB you want for your data sim card. Dont be surprised if you find the prices have increased when you visit! Cat lover? 3 Selcuk UNESCO sites. Most international flights arrive in Istanbul. At one time, before excavations of Ephesus, this entire theater was completely underground. Do you think its doable to visit the Ephesus ruins with them? The Library of Celsus is particularly important as its one of just a handful of ancient libraries that can still be seen today, and its the only Roman example that we have left. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Of all the ruins and archaeological tourist attractions in Turkey, Ephesus is the most famous. The Temple of Hadrian was an important structure within the city of Ephesus. There are even musical performances that take place at the theater (only around 8,000 attendees are allowed). Within this travel guide, I am going to show you how you can visit Ephesus and provide you with a comprehensive list of great things to do in Selcuk from visiting Ephesus to visiting Pamukkale, another stunning wonder of the world. It is now a place of pilgrimage for Christians and has been visited by several Popes. The Gospel of John may have been written in Ephesus from 90 to 100 AD. Once described thousands of years ago as one of Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, youll have to use your imagination to conjure up what this temple would have looked like. Looking for a complete itinerary and travel guide for Turkey? Once inside, you will find a small ruined mosque, several cisterns, and foundations of old houses and those are it. The fortunes of the city moved with the fortunes of the empires of the time, with various incidents assassinations, invasions and battles affecting how the city fared on a regional level to an extent. With plenty of places to eat and drink, as well as a number of accommodation options to suit different budgets, Selcuk is easily my top recommendation if youre looking for hotels near Ephesus. Its also believed that, due to its location close to the upper agora, it was also used as a council chamber for the city government. A number of notable figures were connected with the city. As for the exact time, if youre visiting in summer I would not recommend the middle of the day. Theres so much to see here, a lot to learn and a lot to understand. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The road leading to Isa Bey Mosque is my favorite since its very peaceful and quiet. Another monumental structure for entertainment in the ancient city of Ephesus, the Odeon was built in approximately 150 AD. Turkey is a country that stands in the middle of Europe and Asia. For this reason, many trade routes pass in this direction. Despite it being built almost 2,000 years ago and damaged several times, you can still see its incredible facade with all most all the columns intact here in Ephesus. Here is link to a website with more information. The peak season is between June and August, so there will be more crowds. Visitors to the theater today can climb the stairs to the upper rows of seats, just as theatergoers around 2,000 years ago would have done, and get some great views. Its slightly more expensive but still very affordable. The interiors of this charming building are decorated with authentic Turkish crafts including handmade carpets. Without a doubt, Ephesus is the highlight of a visit to Selcuk. Hi, my name is Claudia. 949 Tours & Activities Why you are seeing these recommendations Reserve Now & Pay Later All inclusive Private Tour: Ephesus, Artemis, The House of Virgin Mary, LUNCH 126 Reviews Badge of Excellence Selcuk, Turkiye Share Save to Wishlist From $94.00 Price varies by group size Lowest Price Guarantee Select Date and Travelers Check Availability Travel back to times to see the ancient christian ruins of Ephesus and visit St. Mary's House during this guided day trip from Izmir. CLICK HERE TO BOOK A GUIDED TOUR OF EPHESUS. Please edit your blog. CAPPADOCIA: In our 3 Days in Cappadocia itinerary, learn how to plan your visit here, with daily itineraries, hotel and restaurant recommendations, and helpful tips. 4 Selcuk Culture & history. Isa Bey Mosque is open from 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM every day and it is free to enter. Thank you for your support . The quickest way to get to Selcuk is to fly into Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport and from there, you can hire a rental car or taxi, or take the bus to Selcuk. For the summer, the Ephesus opening hours are between 8 AM and 7 PM whereas in winter the opening hours are between 8 AM to 5 PM every day. Improve this listing Admission tickets A visit to Temple of Artemis (Takes about thirty minutes) Visits to outlet shops in the area (Such as ceramic, carpet, and leather shops) A visit to Kusadasi Port and beaches Lunch in old restaurants of Selcuk Town And many more to decide when you come to our home town best-sirince-village-photo Brothel of Ephesus Like this: Loading. The key is to be comfortable. Here are some resources to help you get your trip going: Are you planning to travel to Selcuk, Turkey independently? She writes adventure travel guides featuring waterfalls, mountains, and beaches and shares her tips on how to travel on a budget without compromising on comfort and experience. The graffiti includes everything from mundane things like shopping lists to daydreaming illustrations of gladiators and love poetry. From Europe, you can fly from the most popular European hubs like London, Paris, or Frankfurt via Turkish Airlines or local carriers like British Airways, Air France, or Lufthansa that should also go directly to Istanbul or Ankara. The amphitheater was constructed on a slope of a hill and it is one of the first massive structures you will notice when you enter from the Southern entrance of Ephesus. The tour includes pick-up service from your hotels, a visit to the terrace pools as well as the ancient city of Hierapolis, and an ancient spa in Pamukkale and they will drop you off in Selcuk at the end of the day. Here, youll find adventure travel guides featuring waterfalls, mountains, and beaches and tips on how to travel on a budget without compromising on comfort and experience! There is an entrance fee of 40 TL. And learn more about taking a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, one of our favorite experiences in Turkey. We flew from Cappadocia to Izmir, getting in midday, spent some time visiting Izmir, then drove to Selcuk. Several sites (Ephesus, Isa Bey Mosque, and St. Johns Basilica) all have entrance fees. Then read my post Why Are There So Many Cats In Turkey? The ticket office here is next to the car park, where you will also find toilets, a kiosk and a souvenir shop. Starting at the upper entrance means fewer crowds and a bit more of a relaxed atmosphere. To get to Ayasuluk Castle, you have to enter through the Basilica of St John. There isnt a whole lot to do in Sirince but you can simply wander around the cobblestoned streets, do some souvenir shopping, visit St John the Baptist Church, or go wine tasting. Various attacks and sacks by Arab and Seljuk Turks in the following centuries affected the towns fortunes. The Basilica of St John was built in the 6th century to honor the burial site of St John who came to Ephesus with Mary, the mother of Jesus. There is so much history right here in such a small geographical area! St John is depicted as praying in the temple to rid it of demons, allegedly causing the altar to Artemis to crack in half. Ephesus Great Theater. Visiting the house of the Virgin Mary is among the best things to do in Ephesus in 2023. Ayasoluk Castle or the Seljuk Fortress is a massive stone fortress constructed by the Byzantine sometime around the 6th - 8th Century AD and it was built on top the Ayasuluk Hill. The Terrace House closes 30 minutes before the Ephesus closing time so be sure to spare some time if you want to visit the Terrace Houses. For more information about Turkey's local sim card: Turkey's Prepaid Data Sim Card. More Nearby City Ephesus Archaeological Museum 8.1 4.7 /5 438 Reviews "Ancient Towns" "Historical Sites" Nearby City The Temple of Artemis 6.5 4.3 /5 58 Reviews "Historical Sites" Its believed to have been almost entirely destroyed in 615 during the Sassanian War (602-628). This massive open-air theater is built on a hill and had a seating capacity of 25 000. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The Isa Bey Mosque and the Basilica of St. John can be seen nearby, and Ephesus is only one mile away. In 1304, Ephesus suffered a massacre at the hands of a Seljuk warlord, before finally becoming a vassal of the Ottoman Empire in 1390 and falling under complete control of the Ottomans in 1425. Sitting at the top of Ayasuluk Hill is Ayasuluk Castle which is also one of the best viewpoints in Selcuk. Today, only a pillar remains in a field of rubble and relics. To take a bus from Istanbul to Selcuk, you can get on one of the 3 daily buses running between Istanbul Central Station and Selcuk at 8 AM, 8 PM, and 10 PM. Dedicated to the goddess Artemis, it is estimated that the Greek temple had over 100 columns when it was first constructed around 570 BC. If youre coming by bus (click here for the location of the bus station in Selcuk), youll be dropped off at the north entrance which has a huge parking lot (parking costs about 25 TL). The main bus terminal in Selcuk can be found in the center of the city. Guided tours offer more than just convenient transport, however. Food: Food costs about 20 TRY on average per meal so you can expect to pay around 120 TRY per person for 2 days in Selcuk. TURKEY ITINERARY: Learn how to plan your visit to Turkey with our 10 day Turkey Itinerary, which includes Istanbul, Cappadocia and Ephesus. There are various tours available classic group tours, small group tours, and even private tours. The most well known are the Baths of Varius. Roads were constructed. Make sure your shoes have a good grip and that they dont rub: you dont want them ruining your day. Unfortunately, an earthquake in 262 meant that they were out of action until the end of the 4th century. Various events have caused damage to the Library of Celsus over the centuries. book the bus from Istanbul to Selcuk here, "Turkey's Wonders - Pamukkale, Ephesus, Cappadocia Travel from-to Istanbul", 15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Turkey, How To Get From Sabiha Gokcen To Istanbul Airport And Vice Versa, A Complete Travel Guide to the Butterfly Valley, Turkey, 10 Best Things to Do in Cappadocia, Turkey, How to Travel to Sumela Monastery, Turkey, 45 Photos that will inspire you to travel to Turkey. The 10 best things to see and do in Ephesus are: Go to the Temple of Artemis: The Temple of Artemis is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and a must-see in Ephesus. Related post: 3 Turkey 7 day itinerary ideas. Ephesus has 2 opening hours, one for the summer (April October) and two for the winter (November March). Itwas constructed asymmetrically, on purpose, with its windows and doors not matching up. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Theres an additional fee to pay to visit the Terraced Houses of Ephesus, but its totally worth it. Another thing to see in Selcuk is theruin of an ancient aqueduct that was used to supply water to Ephesus. Day 2: Go on a day trip to Pamukkale with an organized tour. When we visited it was 170 Turkish Lira (approximately $8.60 USD 8 Euro / 7 GBP). Our website uses cookies. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Since you are already all the way east, why not cross the border from Turkey to Georgia and make your way to Tbilisi, a vibrant capital city of Georgia. The museum is divided into themes with over 8 different sections full of artifacts from beautiful sculptures to excavated artifacts and small objects found in places like the Terrace Houses. 1 Ephesus. The heat and the tourist crowds at this time of year can also just be really overwhelming. It was a place of learning and culture, with education and social acceptance placed high on the agenda. I dont know much about getting around without a car, but there is a train that connects Izmir and Selcuk. From Istanbul, take a short flight to Izmir. The castle was built during the 6th century AD and contains 17 towers, a mosque, and a Turkish Bath. This one isnt as popular as the other attractions in Ephesus but is still worth a quick stop. Available for both mobile and PC. Click the link below to rent a car: Here's a complete guide on how to transit between SAW and IST Airports:How To Get From Sabiha Gokcen to Istanbul Airport and Vice Versa. Any statues or monuments related to Rome were also destroyed. When she's not traveling abroad, youll either find her exploring her own backyard or researching her next trip. There appear to be multiple different centers that form the core of the city. The rows of seats were inclined a little steeper, so that people in the higher seats could get a better view of the action. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. October is the last busy month of the season, with November ushering in more wind and rain; by now, average highs are . The centerpiece ofEphesus, the Library of Celsus was built in 117 AD. The capacity of the theater has helped to support the theory by archaeologists that, in its heyday, Ephesus had a population estimated to be around 250,000. By Tours: Selcuk is also a great base to explore other beautiful places like Pamukkale which can be easily reached via a day trip. If youre looking for a fun thing to do in Selcuk, make sure to add it to your itinerary. Croesus enlarged the city, which saw its population grow exponentially. Turkey. If you dont have a car but wish to travel independently or are on a smaller budget, you have the option of using public transportation to get to the site. Visitors from around the world come here to walk down the well-preserved Roman streets, gaze at the mighty monuments, and soak up the ancient soul of this ruined city. Here is, The southwestern coast of Turkey boasts some of the most stunning beaches, cliffs, and hiking trails in the country and one of the best places you shouldn't miss is the Butterfly Valley. With its marble seats, complete with lion paws and other ornamental designs carved into them, it would have been a polished place to see a performance. This is where we stayed and I wholeheartedly recommend it, Celsus Boutique Hotel is a charming hotel set in a traditional stone and wood building. Water you can buy water outside the site, in both entrances. Ephesus, or Efes in Turkish, is an ancient Greek city and one of the most impressive archeological sites in Turkey. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Its also only about a 5-minute drive from Ephesus. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". It was first constructed during the Hellenistic Period around 3rd century BC but then expanded by the Romans in 1st century AD. The ancient Greek city of Ephesus is probably one of the main reasons why you are here in Selcuk, Turkey and I can tell you right now that there will be a lot of places on this list that will involve Ephesus. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. We had dinner there and truly loved it and the magnificent sunset views are definitely a plus. There are decorative frescoes, mosaics (covered in glass so you can safely walk on them), and even graffiti that was scrawled on the walls by previous inhabitants. Nemrut and its massive stone statues of gods are one of the most unique places I have ever seen but it is not the easiest place to visit. In one of the dwellings, you can even see a huge marble hall as well as private baths, which points to the wealth of the people who once lived here. If you have a day to spare, I would highly recommend you go on a day trip from Selcuk and visit Pamukkale, an ancient tourist attraction where you will find all these photogenic white travertine terrace pools where mineral-rich thermal waters flow into. Interestingly the library was originally intended to be a funerary monument for the consuls father. All entrance fees, roundtrip hotel transfers from Selcuk and Kusadasi, a licensed guide, and lunch are included in the tour price. The church is located not too far from the north entrance. To this day, part of the city is still being excavated, so theres still a lot more to be discovered about Ephesus. Ephesus (Efes in Turkish) was once an ancient Greek city and later became a Roman city. Sunblock as I mentioned, theres no shade, and sunblock will be needed to keep yourself safe from UV rays. One of the best things to do in Selcuk is to visit the ancient city of Ephesus. Note that it opens slightly later at 9 a.m. If youre looking for a place to eat in Selcuk, I recommend Alsancak Pide Salonu. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Later, in 334 BC, Alexander the Great defeated the Persians, bringing them into his pan-Greek empire. The square of Domitian itself is only partially excavated. BEST TIME TO VISIT SELUK From his base at Ephesus, Mithridates ordered that every Roman citizen, or anyone who sounded like they were Roman, should be killed. In summertime the temperatures can soar, and there isnt much shade. Not too far from Isa Bey Mosque, you will also find the Temple of Artemis, another remnant of an ancient civilization, this time from the Greek era. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. It housed more than 12,000 scrolls, making it the third richest library in ancient times after Alexandria and Pergamum. Incredibly, the Temple of Artemis features in the New Testament, specifically in the Acts of John. I dont drive and I dont want to spend money on a driver and car. Looking for a complete travel guide to Pamukkale? Trust your guts and if something doesn't look safe, do not pursue it. It often gets overlooked on a global scale, but Ephesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a good reason. This brought Ephesus under Greek rule again. Here she holds a laurel wreath (a symbol of victory) in her left hand, and palm fronds in her right. However, it is possible to see the highlights (as Ive listed above) in probably around 2 to 3 hours. I dont recommend it, but if you are really tight on time you may have the chance of visiting Ephesus on a day trip from Istanbul. Simply choose whichever one is closest to your hotel in Istanbul. | Claudia Tavani P. Iva 03780660928. Do you need a guided tour to visit Ephesus? Its architecture was some of the grandest in the region: it had the 3rd largest ancient Greco-Roman library and boasted a wonder of the ancient world, the Temple of Artemis. Deciding what to wear when visiting Ephesus is actually crucial to have a good experience. They emerged 300 years later. Although you could potentially walk there in about 45 minutes, I wouldnt recommend doing this during summer as its usually very hot. Zipline Sirince: I didnt do this activity but saw it on the way to Sirince. 1 Selcuk Activities. For a guided tour departing from Kusadasi, you may want to consider this tour that also goes to the House of the Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis. The Basilica of St. John was built in the 6th century AD over the believed burial site of John the Apostle. If you just type Basilica of St John on Google Maps, you wont be taken to the correct entrance. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. With this in mind, will spending 4 nights (coming from Marmaris via Rhodes) in Selcuk be sufficient to see the more important sites? Now that we are done with Ephesus, it is time to explore the city of Selcuk. The bus station in Selcuk is located in the town center, within walking distance of most hotels. For 45 TRY more, you will be able to access the Terrace Houses which is an ongoing preservation project indoor where they are trying to preserve the ancient residential houses they recently discovered in Ephesus. You dont want to get dehydrated. There are many beaches in Kusadasi that you can enjoy, but if you feel lazier and want to be spoiled, you can also try the beach clubs of Kusadasi. Below are some of the best things to see in Ephesus: The Harbor of Ephesus was a transshipment area with several warehouses. Though a formidable leader, he oversaw a number of construction projects, including the Temple of Artemis, on which his signature was found at the base of one of the columns. Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here. Dating back to the 1st century BC, this is where the elites of Ephesus used to live. Ephesus is open every day from 8:00 am to 7:30 pm in April to October, and to 5:30 pm from November to March. Selcuk and Ephesus Things To Do Itinerary Map, Where to Stay in Selcuk and Ephesus, Turkey, 8 Best Things to Do in Selcuk and Ephesus, Turkey, Be Amazed at the Stunning Library of Celsus, Admire the Ongoing Preservation At Terrace Houses of Ephesus, Getting From Istanbul to Selcuk and Ephesus, How to Get Around Selcuk and Ephesus, Turkey. Cheers, Julie, It all looks so incredibly beautiful! It was built in the 2nd century AD, and underwent a large amount of repairs in the 4th century using the original stones. Sirince is the Tuscany of Turkey. Enjoy views of the green mountains, wander the cobblestoned streets, and have lunch or dinner here. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. When youre not busy exploring the ancient sights nearby, you can take a dip in the pool or sun yourself in the terrace garden. My name is Pete R., and I am an avid solo traveler, travel blogger, and photographer of over 10 years and I'm here to help you make your trip come true. But there were downturns in the fortunes of the city. After this time, the city seemed to boom as a center of culture and power in the region. These would have had mosaic floors and even a small bath (but there was a fee to use them). The incredible morning when we had the Library of Celsus to ourselves It was a center of commerce and described as second only in importance to Rome by the Greek geographer and thinker, Stabo (though he may have been biased, being from Asia Minor himself!). These were actually placed at the entrance to the city as they were with most ancient cities. Except for its formidable walls, the site was not very well maintained and there is only a handful of architecture left inside the fortress. This is a relic of Roman engineering and, at the time, was the most advanced aqueduct system in the world. One of the best things to do in Selcuk after youve visited the ancient city of Ephesus is to go to Ephesus Archeological Museum located in Selcuk town.