I joined a tour to see Ephesus (Efes in Turkish) and a few other sites in the area. It’s apparently a major site for early Christianity. Our first stop was Meryem Evi or Mary’s House, thought by the Catholic Church to be where Mary spent her last days.

There were some spigots for water thought to have special healing properties/properties to grant the requester his prayer. Next to them was a wall where people had left their wishes and prayers written on pieces of paper

I took advantage of the little post office to buy a bunch of stamps for postcards. Then next stop, Ephesus!

Ephesus is a large set of Roman ruins that are extensive and impressive. Not surprisingly, my favorite was the library facade, two massive stories of which have been restored

Ruins:

Nike (check out the swoop that the company Nike uses for its logo):

Ancient public toilets:

Marble + sun = kitty

The library from a distance

I was the only one on our tour who opted for the additional entrance fee to see the Terrace Houses, but it was definitely worth it. The houses are still being excavated and reconstructed, so you can see the frescoes and mosaics as well as the in process restoration. Those scared of heights, though, beware! There are a couple of walkways that are about two stories up and made of glass so you can see the mosaics and frescos without damaging anything. Not my favorite part at all.

I joined the rest of the group back at the library:

This one gives you an idea of the scale (yes, I’m the bitty figure in one of the doorways)

The rest of the ruins including the theater are also on a grand scale:

After a buffet lunch at a not-very-good restaurant catering to tours, we visited a ceramics place. Yes, I admit it, I caved in and bought some! And now I have to carry them in my backpack the rest of the trip…but they are truly lovely and the glaze is lead free.

We then went to St John’s Basilica, believed to hold the grave of St John. Interestingly, this Seljuk (I think) church reused some columns from the Artemision (Temple of Artemis). So does the Seljuk Isa Bey mosque I visited on my own after the tour.

The church:

Views of the Seljuk fortress and Isa Bey Mosque from the church:

We also stopped back at the Artemision and then at a carpet school/workshop/store. I made the mistake of showing interest in some of the carpets and got the full carpet salesman experience. At least I got an idea of prices!

I ended my sightseeing at the Isa Bey mosque: