On Thursday, Sept. 22, we were in Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey. Our plans were to visit Ephesus, St. John's and Virgin Mary Shrine.
Strolling through the streets, it was easy to see that Ephesus is one of the best-preserved classical cities in the world. Although in ruins, the Basilica of St. John is still a majestic sight to behold. Large columns, frescos, and mosaics still stand, paying homage to the monumental basilica built during Emperor Justinian's reigh - created in the shape of a cross and covered with six individual domes. St. John is thought to be buried under the central dome. He was supposedly burned and his ashes are buried here.
A motorcoach took us from the port of Kusadasi to the Shrine of the Virgin Mary. What a scenic delight! There were wonderful views of the Byzantine fortress in Selcuk and the Temple of Artemis.
The House of the Virgin Mary is considered by the Vatican to be the final resting place of St. Mary, and a small shrine, dedicated to her was found in the ruins when the house was first discovered. A curative spring runs through the property, from which we could drink. The house was such a quiet and tranquil place. Linda and I both lit candles in memory of loved ones.
Our tour continued to the ancient city of Ephesus. A slow, downhill walk over rocks and cobblestones into the ruins gave us time to appreciate the historic significance of the area (not an easy stroll when you have artifical knees). Our guide highlighted such places as the Temple of Hadrian, the magnificent Trajan Fountain, the Odeaon Theater, and the beautiful Celsus Library with its two-story Corinthian-style columns.The dramatic Great Theater is one of the few structures still used today. It seats 25,000 and, although once an arena for gladiator games, is now home to annual spring festivals. Elton John performed in the theater a few years ago.
Strolling through the streets, it was easy to see that Ephesus is one of the best-preserved classical cities in the world. Although in ruins, the Basilica of St. John is still a majestic sight to behold. Large columns, frescos, and mosaics still stand, paying homage to the monumental basilica built during Emperor Justinian's reigh - created in the shape of a cross and covered with six individual domes. St. John is thought to be buried under the central dome. He was supposedly burned and his ashes are buried here.
A motorcoach took us from the port of Kusadasi to the Shrine of the Virgin Mary. What a scenic delight! There were wonderful views of the Byzantine fortress in Selcuk and the Temple of Artemis.
The House of the Virgin Mary is considered by the Vatican to be the final resting place of St. Mary, and a small shrine, dedicated to her was found in the ruins when the house was first discovered. A curative spring runs through the property, from which we could drink. The house was such a quiet and tranquil place. Linda and I both lit candles in memory of loved ones.
Our tour continued to the ancient city of Ephesus. A slow, downhill walk over rocks and cobblestones into the ruins gave us time to appreciate the historic significance of the area (not an easy stroll when you have artifical knees). Our guide highlighted such places as the Temple of Hadrian, the magnificent Trajan Fountain, the Odeaon Theater, and the beautiful Celsus Library with its two-story Corinthian-style columns.The dramatic Great Theater is one of the few structures still used today. It seats 25,000 and, although once an arena for gladiator games, is now home to annual spring festivals. Elton John performed in the theater a few years ago.
Back at Kusadasi, we had very little time to explore the colorful markets and bazaars, because we viewed a demonstration the art of carpet weaving. We wanted to do more shopping here, but time was not our friend.
It was a very informative day!
It was a very informative day!
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