Within 25km of Kirazli are a host of ancient and modern attractions and sites.

Ephesus
Few ancient sites can rival the glory that is Ephesus which in Roman times was known as the "first and greatest metropolis of Asia".

The ruins are remarkably well preserved and excavations continue to reveal more and more of the city.

The marvellously preserved and very impressive Celsus Library forms a centrepiece of a an entire town of colonnades, shops, houses and state buildings which ramble down the hillside towards what was once the harbour.

The sense of history is enormous and the ability to wander at will through the ruins and discover secret corners full of atmosphere makes a visit to Ephesus and very personally rewarding and memorable experience.

Best times of year to visit are Spring and Autumn without the crowds of summer and the blazing sun making it something of a marathon tour. Bring a picnic, take your time, feel the age of the place and wonder whose footsteps you walk in!

Travel Tips - Enter from the top entrance, wear comfortable shoes, bring plenty of water, don't accept the kind car park attendants offer to drive you to the other entrance - he is trying to sell you jewellery!

Oh, and if you find an interesting shard of pottery or carved stone whilst wandering around (and it is possible) don't even think about trying to bring it home with you.

Ephesus Museum
In nearby Selcuk the Ephesus Museum is well worth a visit.

The museum houses all Ephesus artefacts uncovered since the 2nd World War (earlier artefacts can be found in the Museum of Vienna).

The exhibits are labelled in various languages and the two of the finest exhibits are the statues of Artemis from the 1st and 2nd centuries AD.
Various interpretations of the statues have been suggested but latest theories are that the markings on her chest are associated with the bull cult so important to the area.

Also to be found at the Museum is a very fine fresco of Socrates and the altar of the Dometian temple.
Don't miss the Eros and Dolphin statue in the Terrace Houses Room.

Artefacts come from the Hellenistic, Roman, Christian and Byzantine eras of Ephesus' history.

Travel Tips - Try and time your visit for mid day if you are visiting during the summer.
If you have spent most of the day at Ephesus itself round off the afternoon with a trip to the museum and then stay on in Selcuk for dinner, there are some excellent local restaurants.

If your day is not complete without a beach stop then Pamucak beach is only 6km from Ephesus and is great for sunset watching.

St John the Evangelist is believed to have spent his last days in and around Ephesus and was buried on the southern slopes of Ayosolug Hill. Memorials to him started to appear around the 4th century and the great basilica was constructed by Emperor Justinian around 550 AD. Excavations began in 1973 and continue to this day.

The House of The Virgin Mary is located in a remote and beautiful valley some 9km from Ephesus itself.

It is believed that Mary travelled here with John and sought to live away from crowds and among a small Christian and Jewish village that was being established in the area.

Her home (and the extensions which form a chapel) are a notable site of pilgrimage and a small mineral well in the area is said to have curative properties.
There is also a way of the cross said to have been marked out by Mary herself, with 8 marker stones remaining beside the various stations.

Legends surround the death and burial of Mary with stories of St Peter and the other Apostles being present and the mysterious disappearance of her body from her tomb within hours of burial.

The House is in a very peaceful and evocative location and occasionally allows weddings to be performed there.
Only the central building and a room to the right of the altar are currently open to the public.

Travel Tips - Give yourself some time to explore this beautiful little area and try to picture it 2000 years ago, the wilderness, the harshness of life and a small community of outcasts trying to establish a church. It's pretty amazing.