Step Back in Time: A Day Tour of the Ancient City of Ephesus, Turkey

One of the highlights of my trip to Turkey was visiting the ancient city of Ephesus. This historic site, once a significant city during the Greek and Roman eras, is said to be remarkably well-preserved. Although it's an archaeological site, the area is well-maintained with flat and clean pathways. Before entering, I strongly recommend using the restroom at the entrance, as there are virtually no facilities inside the site. The tour is long and the sun is relentless, so don't try to hold it in! Speaking of the sun, it's no exaggeration to say there's absolutely no shade here. The blazing sunlight is unrelenting, and without proper sun protection, you could easily get sunburned. I saw several tourists without umbrellas or hats, and they were visibly overheated halfway through. Be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and an umbrella. Once inside, the most awe-inspiring sight was the magnificent Library of Celsus. Although only the façade remains, its grandeur is undiminished. The intricately carved columns and exquisite reliefs are mesmerizing, and I found myself standing there for ages, unable to take enough photos. According to our guide, this library once housed over 10,000 books and was a cultural hub of its time. Standing there truly felt like stepping into a history book. Further along, we reached the Great Theatre, which could accommodate 25,000 people. The tiered seating extends up the hillside, and the view from the top is spectacular. Imagining the lively performances and speeches that once took place here was fascinating. The site also features numerous temple ruins, bathhouses, and mosaic floors, each rich in detail and worth savoring. Another delightful highlight: the abundance of adorable cats throughout the site. They lounge nonchalantly on stone columns and steps, completely unafraid of people. Some even approach visitors for affection. Taking a break from photographing the ruins to play with the cats was incredibly refreshing. Many tourists stopped to snap pictures of them, and the cats seemed to know how to pose perfectly, like iconic models of the site!