On the UNESCO World Heritage list, Ephesus is located in the Selçuk district, 80 km from Izmir. The first foundation of the ancient city of Ephesus was established in 2000 BC, on the Ayasuluk hill in the centre of Selçuk. Current St. John's Church and Selçuk Castle. Its first founding is known as the Lelegs and Carias living in the region. In the 7th century BC, the Cimmerians came under the rule of the Lydians and Persians in 570 BC. They were freed from Persian rule with the conquest of Anatolia by Alexander the Great in BC and remained under the authority of the Romans and Byzantines in the following years, in 133 BC. Ephesus played a significant role in the spread of Christianity to Europe and the world. St. Paul gave sermons in Ephesus for a long time. Ephesus experienced its brightest period during the Byzantine period. Emperor Justinianus built St. John's Church, and St. John's Tomb is in the middle of this church. Ephesus is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world with its famous Celsus Library, a 25,000-capacity large theatre, Hadrian Temple and many historical artefacts. With the temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The house of the Virgin Mary is near Ephesus. Every year, hundreds of thousands of Christian pilgrims and Muslims visit the Virgin Mary's house and pray.
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