Ephesus which is one of the most important centres belonging to Hellenistic Era has great significance in terms of civilization, science, culture and art throughout the history until B.C. 4000. Ephesus having lived its most splendid times in Hellenistic and Roman Era, is placed in the middle of the ruins and traces of an ancient civilization which covers approximately 8 km2 area.

The Virgin Mary House

Beyond Ephesus and on Bulbul Dag (mountain), 8km southwest of Selcuk, the monument is thought by some to be where the Virgin Mary died, and is visited by Christian and Muslim pilgrims from around the world. The small stone house is now a chapel, and probably dates back to the 4th century, although the foundations are thought to be 1st century.
It was not until a German nun, Catherine Emmerich (1774-1824) claimed that she had visions of Mary living in ‘a small, stone house’ in even though the nun had never left Germany. Following her descriptions, 19th century clergy discovered the foundations of the house, which was then verified by a Papal visit in 1967. It has since been accepted that Mary spent her last few years in there until she died at the age of 101
The Feast of Assumption, on August 15, is celebrated here by the Orthodox Greeks, and Mass is said daily. The church can only be accessed by car, as no public buses come through the dense forest surrounding it.

Sirince Village founded in 5th century A.D. is famous for delicious wine and different from other villages at the area in terms of its architectural style. Among its distinguishing features, there are flemish windows and fringes embroided by bird motifs and unique balconies as well as aproximately 40 churches, monastries and historical schools