Once called Smyrna, Izmir is the birthplace of Homer, and third largest city in Turkey located at the center of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor and now is a bustling modern port city, the heart of the Turkish Aegean. Izmir also doubles up as one of the country’s major industrial and commercial centers, which is underlined by the important International Trade Fair held each September. For international travelers, Izmir has been traditionally used as a starting or ending point of excursions to the more imposing and well-known archeological sites and ruins that lie to the south and to the north.

As buildings of historic interest, the main ones are the Agora, the bazaars and the flat-topped Kadifekale (Mt. Pagos, the old acropolis) with a superb view over the town and harbor. Ancient Smyrna has been an Ionian city from about 800 BC onwards; with the rise of Christianity, it became an important city and was the site of one of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse. Unlike other ancient cities which have lain in ruins for centuries, Izmir did not lose its natural harbor and has been inhabited throughout, a fact that left Izmir rather devoid of antique monuments.

Izmir's beauty is mainly due to its striking setting around a vast bay. The city life concentrates on the attractive waterfront where there are many excellent restaurants.

Ephesus

The best-preserved ancient site in the world, which extends back into the third millenium B.C., Ephesus was one the most important centers of antiquity. The harbor city Ephesus was the point of departure for the famous royal highway that led through Sardis into Lydia. Because of its location, Ephesus developed into an important political and economic center, and became the capital city of the Roman province of Asia. The remains of this important Ionian city are standing miraculously today, vivid witnesses of a glorious past. Among the well-preserved ruins, the Theater, the Hadrian Gate, the Celsus Library, the Street of the Curetes, the Fountain of Trajan, the Odeon are the most remarkable.

The House of Virgin Mary

The house on top of Bulbuldagi is believed to be the last home of Virgin Mary. It was proclaimed a place of pilgrimage by Pope Paul VI in 1967 and Pope John Paul II in 1979. The resolutions of the ecumenical council of 431 held that Virgin Mary came to Ephesus with Saint John, four to six years after the death of Christ. Today's structure is a church that dates to the seventh century.

Church of St. John (St. John Baslica)

After Paul's execution, John took over the leadership of the church in Ephesus, and wrote his gospel and letters. After his death, he was buried in the spot that now forms the center of the Church of St. John. The present ruins are those of the church built during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian.

The Temple of Artemis

Excavations revealed the presence of earlier temples but the Temple of Artemis of which we see the remains today was constructed in the fourth century B.C. and numbered among the seven wonders of the world. Its carefully detailed work and ornate decoration were flawless and extremely impressive.

Priene

Priene is a most beautiful example of ancient town planning. Walking through the city walls, the Acropolis is revealed. The major monuments include the remains of the Athena Temple.

Miletos

According to findings of recent excavations, the founding date goes back to the 11th century B.C. Miletos was the leader of Ionia in political and cultural spheres and had developed a maritime commerce. The marvelous theater which could seat 25,000 spectators, the Gymnasium and the Faustina Baths are only some of the well-preserved remains of this old city.

Didyma

The Sacred Road from the gates of Miletos ran southwards to Didyma, with halting places all along for the pilgrims who took part in the annual celebrations. The remains of the Archaic Didymaion (Apollo Temple of Didyma) in the present day date back to the Hellenistic Period - 4th century B.C. This breathtaking temple has been for centuries a very important oracle seat.

Pergamum

The extensive ruins of Pergamum cannot fail to impress instantly by virtue of its setting and the sight of the steep acropolis. The city's most prosperous times were during the reign of Attalid Kings and its importance continued under the Romans. A cultural center, the Pergamene library at its peak was said to contain 200,000 volumes - papyrus scrolls . Today the most spectacular structure is the theatre built into an exceptionally steep hillside. Other remarkable remains are the Dionysos Temple and the Temple of Demeter. The Altar of Zeus is reconstructed at the Pergamum Museum in Berlin where the magnificent frieze was transported. Early in the 4th century B.C. the cult of Asclepios, god of healing, was introduced at Pergamum. Asclepieion was the greatest medical shrine of the ancient world. The remains today include the temple of Zeus Asclepios, the Sacred Well, the library and the main hospital building's foundations.

Kusadasi

A small town 90 km (56 miles) south of Izmir, 70 km (43.5 miles) from the airport and 15 minutes drive from Ephesus. In the Hellenistic Era, it was called Neopolis and was the resort area of the big city of Ephesus. During the Middle Ages the name was changed to Scala Nuova (New Pier) and the importance as a port continued until the development of Izmir harbor. Today, with several new hotels, the marina and the port, the major activity is tourism. Kusadasi has preserved the charm of small towns: it is refreshing to walk through narrow pedestrian streets, the local market place and to see tradesmen playing backgammon and conversing from one side to the street to the other. The climate is Mediterranean and the minimum/maximum temperature is as follows: January 42/53,March 43/57, May 62/77, July and August 77/101,October 60/77,December 46/57. Kusadasi is a convenient center for excursions to nearby antique cities. Beaches close to town tend to get quite crowded during summer. If you prefer some serenity, head for Dilek Peninsula National Park, known locally as Milli (National) Park. About 17 miles (28 km) from Kusadasi. Its untouched rocky mass of woods, canyons, valleys and caves, is worth a visit. Luxuriant forests include the common plane trees , laurels, red and black pines, plus several types of lime trees, chestnuts and oaks that are found only in northern Anatolia. Seals and turtles are government-protected and live and breed along the coastline. Numerous species of reptiles, birds and mammals proliferate in the mountainous terrain. The tiny Guvercin Adasi (Dove Island) is connected to the mainland by a causeway. Its romantic setting includes a well- maintained flower garden which surrounds the restored 14th or 15th century fortress housing a restaurant and disco frequented by lovers. In Kusadasi the tempo is more relaxed at night and the number of Turkish visitors, especially summer residents from Izmir, matches from the foreign guests. You can visit an old Caravanserai where caravans stopped for the night in old times. The palace is unique with its beautiful garden and food quality. Every night at 21:00 the Turkish night show starts at this place and the show includes Caucasian dancers, folkloric shows, entertainment and a singer. During the show 4 course dinner will be served and unlimited local beverages are included in the program.