EPHESUS ON THE HILLS

Ephesus is the best-preserved classical city on the Mediterranean,and perhaps the best place in the world to get the feeling for what life was like in Roman times. As a strategic coastal gateway to the Eastern World, this Ionian refuge grew to be the second largest city in the Roman Empire, the site of a Christian shrine, and one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Legend has it that the Virgin Mary,accompanied by St. Paul, came to Ephesus at the end of her life,circa 37-45 AD. Renaissance church historians mentioned the trip, and it is said that local Christians venerated a small house near Ephesus as Mary's. In 1967 Pope Paul VI. visited the site, where a chapel now stands, and confirmed the authenticity of the legend. Also the Basilica of St. John is located near Ephesus. St. John is said to have lived the last years of his life here and after his death, a shrine was located over his grave.

Ephesus on the Hills was the name originally used for the site now occupied by the village of Sirince. This place was thought to have been inhabited at the same time that the city of Ephesus was the second largest city in the Roman Empire.

Ephesus on the Hills was so called because it provided water to Ephesus in the valley below through a series of aquaducts. Some of these remain to this day on the road down to Selcuk and Sirince continues to have natural springs.

Sirince is the perfect place to stay when visiting Ephesus, an easy 15 minute drive away. In addition to the ancient city Selcuk also has an impressive museum housing some of the best finds from Ephesus. Selcuk is also rich in other sites including a twelth century mosque and the House of the Virgin Mary.