Religious Highlights

OVERVIEW

Admire two of the most hallowed sites in the ancient world and browse a museum whose collection sheds more light on the past. A panoramic drive will bring you to the House of the Virgin. Believed to be the last residence of the Virgin Mary, the small stone building contains a bedroom, kitchen and an altar adorned with images of Mary. Feel free to drink from the sacred spring that runs under the house. For a more all-encompassing look at ancient times, you will walk through the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, taking in the locally excavated artifacts, the most famous being the statue of the Greek goddess Artemis. You will also visit St. John’s Basilica, which was built in the 6th century over the spot where St. John is supposedly buried. Although a Mongol army destroyed the building and pillaged much of it, part of the basilica has been restored to show its scope.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See the modest stone building that is thought to be the Virgin Mary’s last earthly residence.
• Browse the fabulous artifacts in the Ephesus Archaeological Museum.
• Visit the ruins of a basilica beneath which Saint John is supposedly buried.
• Spend free time shopping for handicrafts such as carpets and ceramics in Ephesus.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.