Turkey contains the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities.
Ephesus lies near the modern town of Selçuk in western Turkey. It became a major Greek and later Roman city, benefiting from its position near the Aegean coast and important trade routes.
The city is famous for the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, the Temple of Hadrian, and the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Ephesus was also an important early centre of Christianity.
The coastline shifted as the nearby harbour gradually silted up, contributing to the city’s decline. Archaeologists continue to excavate and conserve the site, which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage property.