Turkey - Sacred Destinations

 ~Ephesus~
One of Turkey's major tourist attractions, Ephesus is a large archeological site.  It is also a sacred site for Christians because of its connections with several biblical figures - St. John, St Paul and the Virgin Mary.

The theater is thought to be where St. Paul preached. It is still in use and can seat thousands

Celsius library is one of the largest libraries of the ancient world

Once lined with shops and inns, Curetes street was the main street where important processions took place

The Temple of Hadrian with well -preserved facade and with an interesting frieze that seems to depict the goddess, Medusa

Of course, there are other structures that bring ancient Ephesus to life. For instance ......

  the gladiators provided entertainment

and this structure points to the brothel and the wash rooms

~House of Virgin Mary~

The House of Virgin Mary, is both a Christian and Muslim shrine located on Mt. Koressos in the vicinity of Ephesus. 

It is believed to be the last residence of the Virgin Mary. Today, it is visited by tourists and pilgrims. The spring that runs under the Virgin's house is believed to have healing properties and many miracles have been reported. Devotees and those hoping to receive a miracle wrote letters and notes to God. 

~Temple of Artemis~
In ancient time, this temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the World, but today this temple is represented by a single column standing in a swamp with a few ducks as companions. The temple was last destroyed by the Goths in CE 262 and was never reconstructed again.

~Hierapolis~
Another 'sacred city' is Hierapolis, believed to be founded by the god Apollo. Long before you arrive in at the ruin city of Hieropolis, you will be greeted by the gleaming white travertine terraces of Pamukkale (cotton castle), located next to the city.  The terraces are created when water from the hot springs loses carbon dioxide as it flows down the slopes, leaving behind deposits of limestone.  The layers of white carbon carbonate, built up steps on the plateau.