Being a commercial and port city since time immemorial, İzmir has hosted many civilizations since its establishment and thanks to this; different cultures have been blended in İzmir.
Ephesus, the best preserved classical ancient city in the Eastern Mediterranean, is located in Selçuk/İzmir.
Selçuk is home to many early Christian ruins, such as the house believed to have been visited by the Virgin Mary, and Ayasuluk Hill, where St. John wrote the Bible.