The Celsus Library is one of the most impressive buildings in Efes, (above). Artemis was the Goddess of Fertility and Protector of the people of Efes, (below).

EFES
Efes, known in English as Ephesus, is Turkey’s most important antique city, and one of the best preserved and restored. Dating back 3,000 years, one can still for hours stroll for hours along its streets, past temples, theatres, libraries, houses, and statues. This was a place for cults. Artemis for whom the most sumptuous temple was built in Efes, considered to be one of the seven wonders of the ancient world replaced Cyble, the Goddess of Anatolia.

APHRODISIAS
Aphrodisias, the capital of Caria, is one of the most significant sites discovered by modern archaeologists.

The excavations, initiated in 1904 and continued ever since, have unearthed superbly preserved monuments and artefacts: a theatre, an Odeon and the most beautiful stadium in antiquity. The museum is rich with sculptures, created by members of the celebrated school of Aphrodisias who worked with the local marble, the best in Anatolia. The stadium, where athletic games were once held, is 262 metres long and 59 metres wide and can seat 30,000 people. Leading to the stadium, one can see the ruins of a building thought to be a school of philosophy. Aphrodisias was indeed an intellectual and cultural centre, attracting people who came to study philosophy, astronomy and medicine.