Known as Pluto's Gate.  Ploutonion in Greek, Plutonium in Latin. The cave was celebrated as the portal to the underworld in Greco-Roman mythology and tradition. Pluto’s Gate, the legendary portal to the underworld in Greco-Roman mythology and tradition, has been located in Turkey, according to Italian archaeologists.

Historic sources located the site in the ancient Phrygian city of Hierapolis, now called Pamukkale. A cave where the ruins were located emits dangerous gases as the ancient gate  was said to be filled lethal mephitic vapors, according to historical sources.

The Greek geographer Strabo in 63BC mentioned about this cave: “This space is full of a vapor so misty and dense that one can scarcely see the  ground. Any animal that passes inside meets instant death,”

A team of archaeologists led by Italian Professor Francesco D'Andria made the discovery, and it has been open to the public visits recently. D'Andria has conducted extensive archaeological research at the World Heritage Site of Hierapolis. 12 years ago he claimed to discover there the tomb of Saint Philip, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ.

D'Andria also found the remains of a temple, a pool and a series of steps placed above the cave -- all matching the descriptions of the site in ancient sources. D'Andria said:  “People could watch the sacred rites from these steps, but they could not get to the area near the opening. Only the priests could stand in front of the portal. We could see the cave's lethal properties during the excavation. Several birds died as they tried to get close to the warm opening, instantly killed by the carbon dioxide fumes” 

If you would like to see the remains of this mysterious site. We organize private tours to Hierapolis (Pamukkale) from Kusadasi and Selcuk. Pamukkale is 3 hours drive from Kusadasi and Selcuk. For more information please visit:
Pamukkale Tour from Kusadasi
Pamukkale Tour from Selcuk

Thyatira's fascinating origins date back to the legendary Amazons as noted in historical records. According to what is said, the region was the scene of Amazonian Queen Myrine establishing towns. She gave her name to the district. The area later fell under Lydian rule. Lydians changed the name of the city to Thyatira. The city held significant importance within the Lydian Kingdom and stood in the northernmost boundaries of the kingdom. Its prominence continued until 547 BC, when it was conquered by the Persian Empire. However, this period of Persian domination was eventually brought to an end by Alexander the Great during his Anatolian expedition in 334 BC. It was under his rule that Thyatira was integrated into the Kingdom of Macedonia. Later, the city came under the rule of the Kingdom of Pergamon. After the death of King Attalos the Third of Pergamum in 138BC, the kingdom and treasure of Pergamum were inherited by the Roman Republic. It became an important industrial city during the Roman period. The most important industry was textile. They were advanced in wool dyeing, linen weaving and leather processing. Trade guilds were established in various business lines.

During the Roman times and in early Christian times, Thyateira held a prominent position as the home to a significant Christian church. This church's importance is evident as it is listed among the seven Churches of the Book of Revelation. In the book of Revelation, Thyatira is praised for the growing faith and devotion of the church. Church members are praised for their commitment in the face of hardship and adversity. However, there is also a criticism. The church's tolerance of Jezebel, a self-proclaimed prophetess known for her immoral behavior. Despite being given the chance to repent, Jezebel stubbornly refuses.The church is reminded to remain vigilant and understanding of those who may be led astray by their false teachings.  It is widely believed that Jezebel was a symbolic name given to a specific woman in Biblical times. The mention of Jezebel in the Old Testament further increases the importance of this name. Scholars suggest that Jezebel represents a figure often associated with immorality and religious corruption. In the Old Testament, Jezebel and Balaam are mentioned as false prophets. They are the two non-Jewish characters in the Bible most notorious for leading Jews into eating food sacrificed to idols and immorality. Jezebel encouraged the Israelites to worship false gods and thus commit sin. Also, when John talks about the Morning Star, he is talking about Jesus himself.
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It is possible that during Paul's second or third missionary journey, he and Silas visited the ancient city of Thyateira, as mentioned in Acts 16:13-16. As Paul and Silas traveled through the region, they made a point of visiting various small towns nearby; but the names of these towns were not specifically mentioned in the Bible. In Philippi they found hospitality in the home of Lydia, a woman from Thyateira. Beyond simply offering them a place to stay, Lydia continued to help Paul and Silas even after they faced prison time and were later released. ​Lydia is a notable figure in the New Testament and represents the first documented woman to convert to Christianity in Europe. Her name "Lydia" indicates that she is from Lydia in Asia Minor, indicating her origin as a woman from that region. It is widely believed that Lydia was a Greek Gentile who was involved in the trade in purple dyed wool. Thaytira was famous for the wealth of its purple-dyed wool industry in Roman times.

Philadelphia, a city full of history, has its origins dates back to the Pergamon kingdom in the 2nd century BC. It was named Philadelphia, meaning "the city of brotherly love" in Greek, in honor of the two Pergamon kings. The ancient city of Philadelphia, which prospered during the Pergamon Kingdom, continued to maintain its importance as one of the major cities of the Romans in Asia Minor throughout the Roman period. With its strategic location, Philadelphia emerged as a vital center for trade. As the Romans expanded their influence in Asia Minor, Philadelphia became a vibrant economic and administrative center attracting merchants, officials, and settlers. 

Philadelphia has a deep-rooted reputation for its viticulture, dating back to ancient times and continuing to this day. However, in addition to this prestigious reputation, the region also faced great earthquakes. Earthquakes in Philadelphia were more severe than in other regions. A catastrophic earthquake devastated both Philadelphia and Sardis in 17 BC. The famous geographer Strabon,  called Philadelphia the "earthquake city". Following the devastating earthquake, Roman emperor Tiberius demonstrated his determination to rebuild the city and support its people by funding not only Sardis but also Philadelphia. As a huge sign of gratitude, the city's inhabitants decided to rename their city Neocaesaria, meaning "Caesar's new city", as a tribute to Tiberius' support. With Tiberius' benevolence, the city was reborn. After Claudius, the town reverted to its original name, Philadelphia. 

During the Roman period the city experienced significant growth and development. Following the spread of Christianity around 40AD, it emerged as an important center for Paul's disciples to gather. In Paul's time, the Philadelphia Church was founded. 

​Philadelphia and Smyrna are two churches that received no word of criticism from John. The Philadelphia church was known for its loyalty and was promised physical protection. The reference to the "Key of David" refers to the power and authority they had. Even though they were seen as weak in the eyes of the world, they remained faithful to the teachings of Christ. As a reward for their loyalty, they were presented with new opportunities. It is important to note that the open door the Lord spoke of was given to Philadelphians after they proved themselves worthy. The phrase "synagogue of satan" does not refer to a literal place, but to a group of people who are described as liars. These people falsely claimed to be Jews. The purpose behind their deception is not clearly stated. Faithful Philadelphians were promised the privilege of reigning with Christ.

​After enjoying your visit to Athens, it will definitely be beneficial to add Ephesus to your travel plan. Ephesus, with its rich history and dazzling archaeological ruins, is a must-see destination for both history buffs and explorers.

If you're looking for a reliable tour operator in Athens to help you with your travel plans in Athens, look no further than Spiros from Elite Tours. With their impeccable professionalism and extensive knowledge of the city, Spiros and his team are the first choice for an unforgettable experience in Athens. Whether you want to take a historical tour around ancient ruins or explore lively neighborhoods, Spiros from Elite Tours will tailor a personalized itinerary to ensure a perfect, hassle-free trip. So if you are ready to embark on a truly extraordinary adventure, do not hesitate to contact Spiros and entrust your travel plans to Elite Tours: ​https://discoverathens.com/

Traveling from Athens to Ephesus offers a range of options to suit every traveler's preference. Whether you choose to fly, drive or enjoy a scenic sea voyage, reaching Ephesus is an adventure in itself.

• Traveling by Air

The fastest and most convenient way to go from Athens to Ephesus is by air. Aegean airlines operate regular flights between the two destinations, offering a hassle-free travel experience. The closest airport to Ephesus is Izmir Airport. A flight from Athens International Airport to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, takes approximately 1 hour. Once you arrive at Izmir, you can either rent a car or take a transfer service to reach Ephesus, which is around 65 kilometers. The journey from Izmir Airport to Ephesus takes approximately 50 mınutes by road. 

• Traveling by Land

If you prefer a scenic and adventurous journey, traveling from Athens to Ephesus by land is a great option. You can drive yourself. This option is not recommended it takes a long journey time and the journey involves crossing the border, 

• Train

Unfortunately, there is no direct train service between Athens and Ephesus. 

• Traveling by Sea 

For those who enjoy a leisurely and scenic journey, traveling from Athens to Ephesus by sea is a fantastic option. Several ferry companies operate regular services between the Greek islands and the Turkish coast, making this an enjoyable and unique travel experience. To travel by sea, you can take a ferry from Piraeus, the main port of Athens, to the Greek island of Samos. Samos is the closest Greek Island to Ephesus. Once you reach Samos, you can take a ferry to the Turkish town of Kusadasi, which is a short distance from Ephesus. The ferry journey from Piraeus to Samos takes approximately 8-9 hours, and the journey from Samos to Kusadasi takes around 1 hour. From Kusadasi, you can easily reach Ephesus. It is possible to visit Ephesus on a day trip from Samos between May and October.  In the off season ferries do not operate. Travelling by Sea option is recommended between May and October months.

If you're planning to travel from Athens to Samos and then to Kusadasi, we've got a top recommendation for you. Our recommendation is to catch a flight from Athens Airport to the beautiful island of Samos. Once you've landed in Samos, hop on a ferry to Kusadasi. Not only is this option the least tiring, but it's also the most enjoyable and budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind that this option is available between the months of May and October. So, make sure to plan your trip accordingly. 
​Consider your time constraints, budget, and personal preferences when deciding on the best mode of transportation. Remember to plan ahead, check for any travel restrictions or requirements, and make reservations in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

For planning your trip from Athens to Ephesus, we are able to assist you with private transfers from Izmir Airport and a private Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Port or Izmir Airport. For more information and recommendations, please do not hesitate contact us.

​The archaeological site of Ephesus is part of Selcuk, a small town south of Izmir. The world-famous Ephesus is very close to Kusadasi and Izmir, 540 kilometers south of Istanbul. 60 kilometers south of Izmir City Center. 18 kilometers North East of Kusadasi. A long day from Istanbul or an easy trip from Izmir or the very popular holiday area around Kusadasi. Many people combine their trip to Ephesus with the famous Temple of Artemis, House of Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St. John.

From Izmir, Izban trains and TCDD trains run approximately every hour, 8 times a day. Between Izmir and Selcuk. Trains are cheap but crowded. For train schedules, please click here. These trains also stop at Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport. For travelers who are planning a day trip from Istanbul. We recommend them to fly to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport. They can take the train from Izmir Airport to Selcuk, or can take the Havas Shuttle Bus stopping in Selcuk, or we can provide private transportation.

From Istanbul, the closest airport to Ephesus, is Izmir Adnan Menderes airport. Budget travelers from Istanbul may also choose to get an overnight bus from Istanbul to Selcuk. The bus ride may take over 7 hours (one way). This would be a budget but a tiring option.

From Kusadasi, there are shared minibuses called Dolmus to Selcuk. The minibuses run approximately every 30 minutes. They are cheap but most of the time very crowded. But travelers should expect a long walk after getting of from Dolmus.

From Selcuk, the ancient city of Ephesus is approximately 4 kilometers. It can be reached by walking or taxis are available in Selcuk.

The Ancient City of Ephesus impresses its visitors with its magnificence and size. It is a destination that requires time because it is spread over a very wide area. For typical tourists with diverse interests, a two to three hour visit is usually sufficient to experience the attractions this ancient city has to offer. Accompanied by an expert Ephesus guide, you can greatly enrich your visit by providing insight into the intriguing stories and details that make Ephesus such a fascinating destination. Devoting a day to exploring these ruins will provide an enriching and unforgettable experience.

For travelers, who needs assistance, we provide Private Ephesus Tours, Private Ephesus Transfers and Ephesus Private Tour Guide services. For more information, please contact us. 

Once a vibrant Ancient Port city, Ephesus has a rich historical significance that continues to fascinate visitors today. The change in proximity between the Ephesus Port, approximately 7 kilometers inland, and its original location may seem strange to some. However, this change in geographical location does not diminish the magnificence and cultural importance of this famous city. Although the ancient port is now far from the Aegean Sea, it remains a destination where visitors can discover the wonders of ancient architecture and learn about the impressive role Ephesus played in the ancient world.

Unfortunately, Ephesus Port does not exist today. However, travelers visiting Ephesus can use the modern port of Kusadasi instead. As the main port of entry for visitors to this ancient archaeological city, Kusadasi Cruise Port offers a convenient gateway to explore the fascinating historical sites of Ephesus. With its lively activities and well-connected ferry services, Kusadasi serves as a modern hub for tourists who want to explore the rich history and fascinating ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus. Although it is sad that the Ephesus Port no longer exists, Kusadasi offers visitors a seamless and efficient way to explore the ancient city of Ephesus and make the most of their trip.

Ephesus, a popular tourist destination in Turkey, is conveniently located near cruise ports. The distance between Ephesus and the port depends on which port you are talking about. If you mean Kusadasi port, where most cruise ships dock, Ephesus is about 20 kilometers away. This means a journey of approximately 30 minutes. However, if you mean other ports in the region such as Izmir, Cesme, Bodrum, the distance will be longer. In such cases, Ephesus can be reached in a few hours by car. In order for your visit to Ephesus to be smooth and enjoyable, it is recommended that you plan your Ephesus Tour by examining the special location of the port.

Ephesus, which was a vibrant port city in ancient times, is no longer a port due to various factors that caused its transformation. An important reason is the natural sedimentation process. The Caistros River, which flows into the Aegean Sea near Ephesus, accumulated sediment over the centuries and gradually filled the port. As a result, the water gradually became too shallow for ships to navigate, making Ephesus Port useless. In addition, changes in geopolitical dynamics and trade routes throughout history have caused Ephesus to lose its status as an important port, while other ports such as Constantinopolis have become more strategic and accessible trade centers. Despite its historical importance, Ephesus now serves as a major archaeological site and tourist attraction, allowing visitors to marvel at its well-preserved ruins and glimpse its glorious past.

​The closest port to Ephesus is Kusadasi Port, located on the Aegean Sea coast of Turkey. Known for its rich history and lively atmosphere, Kusadasi serves as a gateway to the Ancient City of Ephesus, which attracts tourists from all over the world. This well-established port offers excellent facilities and services for variety of cruise ships and making it an ideal starting point for exploring the breathtaking ruins of Ephesus and nearby attractions. With its excellent location Kusadasi Port plays a vital role in enhancing the overall travel experience of visitors to Western Turkey.

This weekend we had a day trip to Ancient City of Priene and Doganbey Village with my wife, Doganbey village takes approximately 1 hour drive from Kusadasi. Doganbey is a former Greek village located by the ancient Mykale Mountains across the Greek Island of Samos, the birth place of famous mathematician Phytogoras. In 1924 there was an exchange of populations between Greece and Turkey. Turks living in Greece were exchanged with the Greeks living in Turkey. This is one of the rare exchange villages. Former Greek name was 'Domatia''. Approximately 300 houses were located in this village. After this exchange in 1924 the village was hit by an earthquake in 1959 and abondoned. The villagers founded a new settlement and named as ''Yeni Doganbey" meaning the ''New Doganbey''. Today the villages stone homes are restored by their new owners from big Turkish cities who can afford to restore the ruined homes.

Visitors can enjoy seeing typical Greek homes from 19th century and can walk on the cobble stone streets. The streets and majority of the homes are restored and in very good condition. A picturesque town. We were impressed with beauty of the homes and cleanliness of the streets and great views of the Aegean sea and fresh air. There are no shops or anywhere to stay or eat. The village today is like an open air museum. The village is so quite in the winter, it was like visiting a ghost town. Majority of the home owners come to the village to spend their summers.

The visit to the village of Doganbey can be combined with Ancient City of Priene and you may lunch at a fish restaurant located at the coastal village of Karina. For custom private tours feel free to contact us.


Pictures of Doganbey Village

One of the symbols of Istanbul is the red nostalgic trams running in Istiklal Street that take you to the days of 19th century Istanbul. Almost everyone who comes to Istanbul enjoy a walk at Istiklal Steet. It is one of the most crowded streets of the world. People enjoy walking, wandering, browsing the stores and having a snack at a nearby restaurant.
I enjoy organizing walking tours of Istanbul that would take you through back streets of Istiklal Street and Beyoglu area. For a private walking tour of Istanbul contact us.