Nothing can prepare one for the grandeur of Ephesus.  A sprawling ancient city, so carefully reconstructed and preserved.  Walking the stone roads provokes a genuine feeling of awe; and trying to comprehend this city's significance and age is incomprehensible.  

Built in the 10th century BC, Ephesus grew over the centuries becoming a flourishing city in 129 BC.  Having been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, Ephesus remains one of the top international tourist destinations in the world.

What makes Ephesus so special?  Well... many things:

• Ephesus was the location of the Virgin Mary's final home.
• Paul wrote 1 Corinthians and Letter to the Ephesians in Ephesus.  
• The Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, is located in Ephesus.  
• The tomb of John the Apostle lies in the ruins of the Basilica of St John.
• The Church of Mary, which is housed in the main ruins, was the first church named after Mother Mary.
• The ruins of Celsus Library, once the third largest library in the world, was able to store 12,000 scrolls!
• The Grand Theatre, with its awe inducing stone seats, accommodated 24,000 people!

It is impossible to put my thoughts into words as I strolled down Marble and Curetes Streets.  My mind wandered from how old these ruins are, to the meticulous work people have put in to restore Ephesus, and everything in between.  

Our boys had a ball, running up and down the ancient stairs of the theater and the roads; their curious little minds unable to process the magnificence before them.  We were blessed with low crowds (one benefit of COVID), beautiful weather, and memories to last a lifetime.