THE PILGRIMAGE ROAD OF ARTEMIS
AN ENCHANTING TRIP TO EPHESUS’ RICH GEOGRAPHY
VAST OPTIONS IN ECO-TOURISM
In İzmir, 180 eco-tourism destinations are discovered up to day. Some of these are trekking paths which are popular amongst nature lovers, amateur athletes, students and people who seek healthy life habits. Most of these destinations are convenient for day trips.
Some of these routes focus on discovering nature, some on culture whereas most of them present the possibility of enjoying both. Ephesus is a very rich region for diversity in touristic attractions.
SELÇUK EPHESUS
- Belevi- Şirince (Culture and nature)
- Baarutçu-Zeytinköy (nature)
- Şirince- selçuk- Ephesus Ancient City- Pamucak Beach (Culture and nature)
- Çamlık-Şirince (Culture and nature)
- Ancient city of Ephesus- House of Virgin Mary (Culture)
- House of Virgin Mary- Pamucak Beach (Culture and nature)
- House of Virgin Mary – Sultaniye (Culture and nature)
- Tree nursery- Sinan Dede shrine (Picnic area) Belevi Mousoleum (Culture and nature)
- Belevi crossroads- Goat Castle- Sarnıçlar (Culture and nature)
- Mountain Bülbü- Lysimakhos Walls- Çetin Culture Village (Museum) (Culture and nature)
Eco-tourism is a philosophy which aims for preserving environment, natural balance and sustainability, educating people to increase their awareness of those concepts while helping them to develop economically and culturally. Eco-tourism uniquely creates a bond between visitors and the local culture.
AN ENCHANTING TRIP TO EPHESUS’ RICH GEOGRAPHY
THE PILGRIMAGE ROAD OF ARTEMIS
In the ancient times, one of the seven wonders of the world, the Artemis Temple was a popular destination for people from all around Ephesus. The magnetism of the temple was not limited to those times, for centuries, many roads were built for this cradle of civilizations. Christians visiting Virgin Mary’s House and St John Church used this road up until rather recent periods. What locals call The King’s Road is made by cutting the rocks and was used by pedestrians until sometime later modifications were done for carriages. With the rise of automobiles these old roads, with all their memories, became history. One of the most remarkable streets among them is the Via Sacra Artemis, the holy road of Artemis which lies between the temple of Artemis and the ancient city of Ephesus. Ephesians used to walk the Artemis road lead by high priests, every year on the 5th of May for it was believed to be Artemis’ birthday. The 30 km long ancient road from the southeast parts of the city to the temple became a major hiking path after many discovery hikes initiated by Özgür Aydoğan. The hike ends at Magnesia Ancient City and it can include camping if preferred. The Artemis Road generously provides magnificent views to its walkers. This is not merely a nature walk but an unforgettable experience in natural beauty and history.
Özgür Aydoğan
ABOUT THE ROUTE
If you have the right gear and experience of similar tracks, a great fun is in store for you. Even though the path is clearly marked, it is recommended that you should be accompanied by a guide if you’re not a well-seasoned hiker. The path is approximately 32 km through various terrains like old highway, tractor road, dirt road, caravan route, river bed and wooded areas. The altitude varies from 9 meters to 278 meters and the road is mostly straight, running parallel to İzmir-Aydın Highway.
THINGS TO SEE ON ARTEMIS PILGRIMAGE ROAD
Artemis temple (one of the seven world wonders)
Latitude: 37056’58,94”N / Longtitude: 27021’49,88”E
Shrine from Aydınoğulları Seigniory time
Latitude: 37056’55,97”N / Longtitude: 27021’47,19”E
Seven Sleepers Cave
Latitude: 37056’55,97”N / Longtitude: 27021’47,19”E
Ephesus Ancent City (Upper entrance)
Latitude: 37056’8,48”N / Longtitude: 27020’44,10”E
Ancient settlement road
Latitude: 37056’37,45”N / Longtitude: 27021’14,25”E
Çukurici Höyük
Human relief
Latitude: 37055’34,25”N / Longtitude: 27021’5,91”E
Ortygia Aqueduct (Roman Era)
Latitude: 37055’12,76”N / Longtitude: 27020’57,48”E
Aydınoğulları Peirod warehouse
Latitude: 3705’25,29”N / Longtitude: 27021’31,39”E
Acarlar village
Latitude: 37054’55,80”N / Longtitude: 27021’47,44”E
Marnas Valley
Marnas River
Pollio aqueduct
Latitude: 37054’0,37”N / Longtitude: 27022’6,45”E
Old and new raildoar
Çamlık Village
Latitude: 37053’8,14”N / Longtitude: 27022’54,77”E
Çamlık Train Museum
Latitude: 37053’7,92”N / Longtitude: 27022’49,28”E
Çamlık Atatürk’s House
Latitude: 37053’9,89”N / Longtitude: 27022’51,54”E
Old highway
Ancient canal road
Ancient road
Mount Thorax
Naipli Village
Latitude: 37052’53,2”N / Longtitude: 27028’16,46”E
Old Ortaklar ( Ruins of Börklüce Mustafa’s supporters village)
Aqueduct path
Latitude: 37052’57,10”N / Longtitude: 27028’58,85”E
Gümüşköy (thermal baths)
Latitude: 37051’37,44”N / Longtitude: 27029’27,66”E
Ancient city of Magnesia
Latitude: 37051’9,53”N / Longtitude: 27031’41,96”E
BOARDING, SHOPPING AND FOOD
There are many places to discover in the town of Selçuk so it is recommended that you stay for at least a night. There are vast options for accommodation and the town center with its bazaar is a perfect place for shopping of all kinds. The restaurants are many and for every budget.
PLACES TO SEE IN THE TOWN CENTER
Belevi Mousoleum (Monumental tomb)
Byzantine aqueducts
Cemal Özkaynak heritage House
Çetin Culture Village
Ephesus Ancient City (Founded in 6000 BC)
Ephesus Museum
Isa Bey Mosque (Built in 1375 AD by Aysınoğlu İsa Bey)
İsabey Hammam
Goat Castle (Gallesion)
Vaulted tombs (From the days of seignories)
House of Virgin Mary (Pilgrimage destination)
Sadet Hatun Hammam
Selçuk Ephesus Town Memorial
Selçuk Castle (Ayasuluk Castle)
Selçuk Bird Paradise
St John Church (St John who was one of the writers of the Bible is buried here, this is a pilgrimage spot)
Şehabettin Sivasi Monumental sepulcher
Şirince (Old Greek town, The last Ephesus)
Train station (Awarded)
FESTIVALS
January is the month of the annual Selçuk Ephesus Camel Fights Festival on Pamucak beach. This festival was chosen by the authorities as the best organized camel fight event. The first Sunday of May is the St John festival. Every September, the town center is the stage for the International Culture and Tourism Festival and The Liberation of Selçuk.
HOW TO GET THERE
A variety of transport options are present to visit Selçuk. You can drive using the İzmir-Aydın highway, fly to Adnan Menderes Airport then take a shuttle, take a ferry to Kuşadası port then use public minibuses or take the İzmir-Selçuk-Denizli train or İZBAN.(fast rail system)
