Turkey - Ephesus

October 2012

Selcuk
Stayed for several nights at the cozy Boomerang Guest House in Selcuk while visiting Ephesus, the Meryemana ("home" of the Virgin Mary), and the village of Sirince. Selcuk is a sleepy town, it has some pleasant restaurants and a lovely park near the Boomerang where the locals gather to drink beer or tea and play Backgammon.

Boomerang Guest House
Ataturk Mah. Ugur Mumcu Sevgi Yol
1047 Sok. No:10,
Selcuk - Ephesus

 
 

Meryemana - Home of the Virgin Mary

Legend has it that the Virgin Mary settled in a small home in the hills outside of Selcuk.  The location of the structure came to German nun, Sister Anne Catherine Emmerich in 1812 while in trance. Very curious, but the stone structure is considered a holy site and is in a lovely, peaceful setting.
 Meryemana - Legend of Virgin Mary's Home in Turkey
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/turkey/ephesus-house-of-the-virgin

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Ephesus

Ephesus was a Greek city built in the 10th century BC. The beautiful structures cover a large area and well preserved.

 

Sirence

Originally a Greek village, still small with ancient structures, quite a few shops with local wine (pretty good!) and chilies and small restaurants.  While wandering through the streets away from the center I met a sweet little lady who invited me in to her home for tea.  She was quite simple - crocheting little cats for sale.