Our first stop was a short visit to the Virgin Mary Shrine. The ride into the hills overlooking Ephesus was spectacular, if a little scary on a big coach. Many people believe that the Virgin Mary traveled to Ephesus with St. John and lived in a house a few miles away from the city until her death. Pope Paul VI authenticated the shrine on the celebrated site in 1967. All Popes since that time have visited the Virgin Mary Shrine, which only holds less than 10 people, so be prepared for a line. Near the shrine is a wall of wishes, where Turks and others tie bits of cloth or paper to a frame and make a wish. There was also a clean restroom.
Ephesus, the highlight of our tour, was the second stop and where we spent the most time. The coach dropped us at the entrance and we slowly walked down the hill, stopping along the way to listen to the guide interpret some of the ruins. This ancient city is spectacular, but very crowded and hot in the summer. We were glad to be there in the early morning. Seeing the Great Theater and the massive frame of the Library of Celsus, along with the other remains demonstrates how large and important this city once was. One change I noticed from the last time I visited were the newly-excavated Terrace Houses, which long ago were like condominiums with sea views.
Our last stop was at the ruins of St. John's Basilica in the small town of Selcuk. The Roman Emperor Justinian built a massive basilica over the tomb of St. John. Earthquakes, looters, and time destroyed most of the magnificent church, but the view is nice, and it is being restored.
