ephesus turkey visit

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Discover 8.600 Years of History !

The capital of the ancient world, the golden city of ephsus..

Some Famous People are Visited Ephesus

Visiting Ephesus In Selcuk: Crucial Tips For Travelers

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler. Globetrotter, Adventurer, and Frequent Traveler to Turkey!

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No trip to Turkey is complete without a visit to Ephesus, one of the most famous archaeological sites in the country and a present-day UNESCO World Heritage Site.

But like all famous landmarks in Turkey , visiting Ephesus is more than just showing up, buying a ticket and visiting the attraction.

There are many things you have to prepare and plan in order to have the best experience possible at one of the most important cities in the ancient world.

That is why we have written this article on the ruins of the Ephesus Archaeological site, so you can enjoy this historical Turkey attraction and experience it better than the average tourist!

History of Ephesus

Before we jump into the logistics of visiting Ephesus, let’s talk about the history of Ephesus. Knowing the history of the site can greatly enhance your experience, especially if you choose not to take a guided tour. Information can be quite limited inside the archaeological site.

According to the legends, The ancient city of Ephesus is believed to have been founded by Ionian Greeks in the 10th century BC.

For much of its history, the city was an important trading port and strategic center. It was once considered the most important Greek City and the most important trading center in the Mediterranean Region.

During its heyday, many of the world’s best monuments were built in Ephesus, including the Temple of Artemis, which is one of the seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was estimated to be four times bigger than the Parthenon in Athens.

Ephesus was able to become such as wealthy city due to its unique geographical location. It was once where the Aegean Sea met the River Kaystros. However, the River Kaystros eventually dried out, and Ephesus was no longer a busy trading port.

And during that time, the Byzantine Era, Constantine the Great made Constantinople (present-day Istanbul) the capital of the Roman Eastern Empire, which left Ephesus very vulnerable.

The last straw was a devastating earthquake in the sixth and seventh centuries that left much of the places in ruins. Along with the Arab invasion, many of its residents relocated to somewhere safer, and Ephesus has been left to ruins since then.

But during its long history, Ephesus was home to many important figures, such as Virgin Mary and St, John. The city is even mentioned in the New Testament.

Today Ephesus serves primarily as an archaeological site although some remains can still be seen amongst all that remains from this once-great ancient civilization.

Ephesus Entrance Fee

The entrance fee for Ephesus Archaeological Site is 700 TL, or around 25 USD. This is solely the cost to enter the site and does not include the price of a guided tour or an audio guide, which you can get by paying extra.

You have to pay an additional fee to enter the House of Mary, which is around $7 USD. While the main site of Ephesus is included in the Museum Pass, the House of Mary is not.

The St. John’s Basilica costs around $4.60 USD, the Terrace Houses costs $11.40 USD and the Ephesus Archaeological Museums costs around $8 USD.

📖 Note: Ticket prices often change due to the fluctuating price of the Turkish Lira, so the prices listed are just an estimate based on the prices in October 2023.

Ephesus Opening Hours

The opening hours of Ephesus vary by season. During the winter months, the main site of Ephesus is open from 8.00 AM to 6:30 PM daily.

During the summer months, Ephesus is open from 8.00 AM to 8.00 PM daily. Keep in mind that the ticket office closes 30 minutes before closing.

For the House of Virgin Mary , the hours are as follows. From November – February, 8.00 AM – 5.00 PM, from March – October, 8.00 AM – 6.00 PM

What To See In Ephesus Archaeological Site

Ephesus was once an important city, so the archaeological site you see today is quite big. Visitors typically do see most of the main attractions on the site just by strolling around, but you might miss some if you are not thorough.

Here are some of the most important landmarks in Ephesus:

1. Library of Celsus

The most famous attraction in Ephesus is undoubtedly the Library of Celsus. It is one of the largest and most beautiful libraries in Ancient Greece and is often used as the advertising photo for Ephesus.

Built from 114-117 AD as a monumental tomb for Roman Senator Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, the Library of Celsus once contained up to 12000 scrolls and included works by authors such as Homer, Plato, Aristotle, and more.

The only part of the Library of Celsus that remains is its three-story facade. Visitors can still see the gorgeous Corinthian columns. But the reading room decorated with marble statues and wall paintings on the upper floors is no longer visible.

Even with just the facade of the building, visitors can appreciate the stunning architecture and engineering of the Roman Empire.

2. Temple of Artemis

The Temple of Artemis is one of the seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Unfortunately, not much of the building remains today, but you can still get a sense of how impressive this structure must have been.

It is also known as the temple of Diana and was built to honor Artemis, the Greek Goddess of hunting, chastity, and childbirth.

Note that the Temple of Artemis is not in the main complex, but about 3 km (1.86 mi) away from the archaeological site. Visitors can also go from Selcuk, which is only a short walk away from the Temple.

3. Curetes Street

Curetes Street is the main street in Ephesus and goes from Hercules Gate to the Library of Celsus. It was once a bustling trading hub and its cobblestone pavement can still be seen today. The street is lined with columns, statues, shops and other monuments that you can explore as you walk through this ancient city.

4. Terraced Houses

These are houses that were located next to Curetes Street and opposite Hadrian Gate. It is believed that the wealthy and influential people of Ephesus used to live in these houses. These houses are most notable for their intricate floor mosaics, frescoes, and wall paintings.

Note that the Terraced Houses have their own separate admission fee.

5. Ephesus Ancient Greek Theatre

Built in the first century AD, the Ancient Greek Theatre is the oldest and largest theatre in Ephesus. It once held up to 25,000 people and was used for plays, music concerts, religious ceremonies and more.

It was the biggest theatre in Anatolia, and is now one of the most recognizable landmarks in Ephesus.

6. The Odeon Theatre

The Odeon Theatre is a smaller and slightly younger theatre than the Ancient Greek Theatre, but no less impressive. It was built in the second century AD and was used for political meetings, social gatherings, concerts and theatrical performances.

7. Temple of Hadrian

The Temple of Hadrian was built in the second century AD and is dedicated to Emperor Hadrian. It is known for its impressive facade, which was decorated with statues, friezes and columns.

Ephesus Attractions Map

Below is a map with all of the main attractions we’ve discussed above. We have included the things to see inside the Ephesus ruins as well as other attractions around Ephesus.

As you can see, most of the other things to do in Ephesus are situated in Selcuk (sometimes referred to as Ephesus town).

We’ll talk more about the attractions near Ephesus down below, but feel free to save this map so you can use it on your own personal device when you are visiting Ephesus! (To do so, click on the small star symbol next to the name of the map.)

How To Get To Ephesus?

Ephesus is located in western Turkey, and the closest tourist city is Izmir at about 80 km (50 mi).

If you want to fly to Ephesus, you’ll have to fly to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, which is the closest airport to Ephesus. From the airport, there is a train that takes you to Selcuk, which is the town where Ephesus is located. Of course, you can also rent a car or get a guided full day tour with transport included.

If you want to visit Ephesus from Istanbul, you’ll need to fly to the Izmir Airport and follow the same steps above.

Depending on which part of Turkey you are coming from, you might also be able to take a long-distance bus to Selcuk. The most important part of getting to Ephesus is getting to Selcuk, where you can then catch a short taxi ride or a minivan to the site.

Many travelers choose Izmir as their base because they can easily take a day trip to Ephesus, which is one of the top things to do in Izmir . In fact, visiting Ephesus is one of the main reasons to visit Izmir .

From Izmir, it’s easy to get to Ephesus thanks to the convenient train. You can get a train from Izmir to Selcuk, and from there, catch a minibus to Ephesus. The minibus departs every 15 minutes and takes 25 minutes to get to Ephesus. It costs less than $1 USD each way.

Another popular base is the coastal city of Kusadasi, especially for beach lovers. From Kusadasi, you can go from the bus station and catch a minivan to Selcuk.

For more information, check out our dedicated guides on getting from Izmir to Ephesus and Istanbul to Ephesus .

Ephesus Guided Tours

There are many different types of guided tours you can take for Ephesus. The most common ones include a professional guide and transportation to the site, perfect for those travelers that are pressed for time and want to learn more about the site.

Visitors also have the option to get a guide at the entrance of Ephesus, but the guides are known to overcharge tourists, so you can easily end up paying a lot more than booking a guided tour online.

Another option is getting an audio guide. Though it costs a little bit extra, it offers a lot of valuable information about Ephesus that you would not get just by walking around the site. We’ve heard that the ticketing office might say that the audio guides have run out, in hopes that you would hire one of the tour guides instead.

Where To Stay When Visiting Ephesus?

There are three places you should consider staying when visiting Ephesus:

As we mentioned, Izmir is home to the closest airport to Ephesus, and visitors can get a direct train from the city center or airport straight to Selcuk. From Selcuk, you can easily go to Ephesus with the minivan or a short taxi ride.

Kusadasi is another great place to stay, especially if you prefer to be by the sea. From Kusadasi, you can take a minibus from the bus station to Selcuk, where you can then get to Ephesus easily.

Lastly, visitors that don’t want to take a day trip to Ephesus should consider staying in Selcuk. Staying there will allow you to visit Ephesus first thing in the morning, which means you can avoid the crowd and the midday sun.

What To Wear When Visiting Ephesus?

There is no dress code for Ephesus, so visitors are free to wear whatever they want. However, we would highly recommend wearing a hat and lots of sunscreen, since the sun reflects off the white buildings. This is especially true if you are visiting in the summer.

We also recommend wearing some comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking on the site. Loose-fitting and breathable clothing is also recommended so you don’t get too hot in the sun.

Other Things To Do Near Ephesus

Though the Ephesus Archaeological Site is the main attraction, there are plenty of other activities near Ephesus worth visiting. Most of the sites are situated in Selcuk, which is less than 4 km (2.5 mi) away from Ephesus.

Here are some of the things to do near Ephesus:

1. House Of The Virgin Mary

The House of The Virgin Mary is situated about 9 km (5.6 mi) from Selcuk and Ephesus, and it is believed that Virgin Mary lived out her last earthly days here after being brought here by St. John. The small complex is situated atop Mount Koressos on a pleasant hillside overlooking a lush valley.

It was discovered in the 19th century and has been serving as a pilgrimage site ever since.

The complex includes a small house serving as a chapel, but perhaps the most unique feature is the Wishing Wall, where you can write down your prayers and wishes.

There is an entrance fee for the House of The Virgin Mary. At the time of writing, it costs 200 TL (7 USD) to enter.

2. Basilica Of St. John

The Basilica of St. John stands proud in the heart of Selcuk. This is a renowned landmark and a holy site for both Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic believers. Constructed in the 6th century AD by Emperor Justinian I, it was dedicated to St. John the Apostle who lived and preached in the area during his time on earth.

An ancient tomb believed to be St. John’s final resting place can still be found inside one of the chapels which further adds to its historical value.

This makes it a major pilgrimage spot for Christians from all over the world today who visit this holy place every year to pay their respects to this great apostle of Jesus Christ.

Most of the site is in ruins, but visitors can get a glimpse of its glorious past. There is a small entrance fee to the Basilica of St. John.

Sirince is one of the most beautiful and unique villages in Turkey and is only a short 15-minute drive from Selcuk. It is known for its stunning views, old stone houses and cobblestone streets.

The town was built on a hillside surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and orchards, giving it an idyllic setting. The old stone houses are adorned with bright colors, detailed mosaics and intricate patterns, further adding to the small-town charm atmosphere.

But perhaps the biggest attraction in Sirince is its wine. The village is known for its homemade wine produced in the small wineries located here. Visitors can sample the wines and even buy a few bottles home as Turkish souvenirs .

Visitors can get from Ephesus to Sirince by getting a minibus at the bus station in Selcuk .

4. Ephesus Archaeology Museum

The Ephesus Archaeology Museum is located in Selcuk, a short walk from the bus station and train station. The museum displays artifacts found around the ancient city of Ephesus. These include coins, sculptures, and more.

It even has a unique 3D simulation video where visitors can imagine what the old city was like at its peak. There is a small entrance fee to the Ephesus Archaeology Museum, but it is definitely worth the short visit.

5. Isa Bey Mosque

Located on the outskirts of the town of Selcuk, The İsa Bey Mosque is home to one of the oldest works of architectural art in the Anatolian region.

It was built in 1374–75 by architect Ali b. Mushaimish Dımışklıoğlu using stones from the ruins of Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis. It was a ruin for many years, but was renovated in the 1970s.

It’s most famous for its geometric designs and beautiful fountain courtyard.

Tips For Visiting Ephesus Archeological Ruins

Visiting Ephesus might seem simple, but there are many tips that can make your visit more enjoyable and enriching. After having been there ourselves, here are some tips and advice for you:

• Arrive Early In The Morning – Arriving in Ephesus early in the morning will help you beat the midday heat, which can be very bad, especially during the summer. You’ll also avoid all the tour buses that come in the middle of the day and crowd the place.
• There Are Two Exits/Entrances At Ephesus – If you are arriving at Ephesus on a minibus from Selcuk, you’ll be dropped off at the north entrance. To return, you must get a bus from the north entrance (upper entrance). You will find nothing but taxis on the south entrance by the Great Theater (lower entrance). Note that you need to turn around and walk back to the parking lot if you are using the public buses.
• Avoid Getting A Tour Guide At The Entrance – If you didn’t get a guided tour online, you could also get a guide at the entrance of Ephesus. However, you are likely going to be charged much more. We met someone that was quoted 200 USD for a tour!
• Make Sure You Don’t Miss The Last Train/Bus – If you are doing a day trip to Ephesus, you want to check the schedule so you don’t miss the last train or bus back home.
• Don’t Eat At The Restaurants In Ephesus – If you can avoid it, we recommend not eating at any of the establishments at the entrances of Ephesus. They are not the best quality and they often overcharge tourists. There are plenty of amazing restaurants in Selcuk where you can get some lunch or dinner. We particularly liked Ali Baba & Mehmet Kebab House.

Visiting Ephesus FAQs

Can you take a day trip to ephesus.

Yes, taking a day trip to Ephesus is one of the most popular ways to visit this Turkish historical site. There are both buses and trains to Selcuk, and from there, visitors can get a minibus (dolmus in Turkish) to get to Ephesus.

How Much Time Do You Need In Ephesus?

You’ll need somewhere around 2 to 3 hours to explore the Ephesus Archaeological Site, but that does not include the Temple of Artemis. If you want to see that, you might want to include an additional 30 minutes. Also, if you want to see the Ephesus Museum, the House of Virgin Mary, or the Basilica of St. John, then you’ll need to plan accordingly.

Can You Tour Ephesus On Your Own?

Yes, you can visit Ephesus without a tour guide. However, the site has limited information about the history and importance of what you are seeing, so it is best to do some research prior to your visit. If you don’t want to hire a tour guide at the entrance, there are online audio tours available that can help provide more information about this ancient site.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Ephesus?

The best time to visit Ephesus is either early in the morning or late in the afternoon when it’s not too hot and there are fewer people. The summer months can be very crowded and hot – temperatures often exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). If you can, we would recommend to avoid visiting Ephesus during the summer for that reason.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Ephesus is the highlight of any Turkey trip. It’s certainly a bucket list experience and one of our favorite places that we visited in the country.

Hopefully, our article has given you all the information you’ll need to make your experience as perfect as it can be! If you have any questions, or want to know more about our visit to Ephesus, feel free to reach out to us in the comments.

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler

Louisa Smith

Louisa is a professional travel blogger with an insatiable wanderlust for exploring the captivating country of Turkey. With a deep appreciation for the country’s diverse history and natural beauty, Louisa has made it her mission to share the wonders of Turkey with the world. Born in the UK and raised by two Travel Agent parents, she was born with a perpetual case of the travel bug and now travels full time as a travel writer. Louisa has embarked on numerous adventures across Turkey, and shares her first-hand expertise and experience about her favorite destinations in Turkey, such as Antalya, Alanya, Fethiye and Bodrum.

7 thoughts on “Visiting Ephesus In Selcuk: Crucial Tips For Travelers”

Thanks for the excellent tips! This was super useful to me as I’m planning at trip to visit Ephesus in a couple weeks.

Excellent concise guide to the sites . I have been there 4 times & every thing stated here is exactly right. As is the guidance & tips to get most out of a day at Ephesus.. An unforgettable experience. Thank you Author

I’m glad you found this useful! – Sean

Hi, thanks for the info. Would all the info be still relevant for a visit in late Dec, winter? thank you

Yes the information is still correct, just make sure to note the winter opening hours: 8 AM to 6:30 PM

What was the restroom situation for visitors?

There is a restroom at the entrance by the parking lot.

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The Complete Guide to Ephesus, a Highlight of the Ancient World

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Where to stay, how to get there, ephesus ancient greek theatre.

You don't need to be an ancient history buff to appreciate incredible Ephesus—although it certainly helps. This ancient ruined city just inland from western Turkey's Aegean coast was once one of the most important ports in the Greek and Roman world. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015, visitors to Ephesus can walk along cobblestone lanes, watch archeological excavation and restoration in progress, marvel at the enormous amphitheater and facade of the Library of Celsus, and learn about the centuries of history here and across the Mediterranean and Aegean civilizations.

History of Ephesus

Ancient legends state that Ephesus was founded in the 11th century BCE by Ionian prince Androclos, but much of the settlement's earliest history is unknown or unclear. More concrete historical knowledge of Ephesus begins in the 7th century BCE when the city came under the rule of the Lydian kings of western Anatolia. Lydian King Croesus, who reigned from 560-547 BCE, funded the Temple of Artemis's rebuilding in Ephesus, which has remained an important focal point of the settlement throughout the centuries. After being burned down in 356 BCE, the Temple of Artemis was rebuilt on an enormous scale (supposedly four times bigger than the Parthenon in Athens ) and known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The temple doesn't exist today (except in fragments at the British Museum in London).

Over the centuries, Ephesus came under the rule of the Persians, Alexander the Great, the Egyptians, the Seleucid Kings, and the Romans. Most of what can be seen today at Ephesus are remnants of the Roman era, which spanned from 129 BCE until the 3rd century CE. Under Emperor Tiberius, Ephesus flourished as a port city and is believed to have been second only to Rome within the Roman Empire as a cultural and commercial hub.

Ephesus has also long been important to Christianity in the region and remains a Christian pilgrimage site. Early Christians of prominence, such as St. Paul and St. John, visited Ephesus and converted residents to Christianity, encouraging them to turn away from the cult of Artemis. Jesus Christ's mother, Mary, is thought to have spent her last years near Ephesus. Her house, and St. John's tomb, can be visited, not far from the main ruins. Ephesus is mentioned throughout the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Ephesians.

The decline of Ephesus began in 262 CE when Goths attacked it. Some parts were rebuilt, but not to the same scale as before. The Byzantine Roman emperors increasingly adopted Christianity, so the worship of Artemis at Ephesus was not viewed sympathetically. The harbor at Ephesus also began to silt up, causing problems for trade. All of these factors left the remaining inhabitants of Ephesus largely to fend for themselves without the great empires' support. Destructive earthquakes in the 6th and 7th centuries, and Arab invasions, further led to Ephesus' decline. It was finally abandoned in the 15th century under Ottoman rule.

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How to Visit Ephesus

Although parts of Ephesus were destroyed over the centuries, the many layers of history can still be seen today at what is one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean. Archeological excavation remains ongoing: at its heyday, Ephesus had a population of up to 55,000 people (double the size of modern-day Selcuk nearby), but only 20 percent of the city has been excavated, so far.

The ruins at Ephesus are spread out over a large area and are mostly unshaded. So, arrive early in the day (especially in the hotter summer months), wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat, bring plenty of water (that available on site is very expensive), and be prepared to walk.

Entrance to Ephesus is ticketed, with separate entry fees for the main site and the House of Mary and the Terraced Houses. Opening hours vary depending on the season and daylight. If you're very interested in ancient history you could spend the whole day here; otherwise, two-three hours is sufficient. If you're short on time, plan your route in advance, so you don't miss the highlights. Simply wandering through the city without a plan can take hours, and you may get hot and tired before you've seen everything you want to see.

It's worth having some kind of guide to Ephesus, whether an in-person tour guide, an audio guide, or a dedicated guidebook. While simply looking at the ruins is still impressive and interesting, you'll learn so much more about what you're seeing with a proper guide.

Highlights to look out for as you walk through the ancient city include:

• The famous colonnaded facade of the Library of Celsus. Originally built in 125 CE, it once contained 12,000 scrolls. It was reconstructed in the 1970s from pieces found onsite and in museums elsewhere.
• The Ephesus Amphitheater, which once had a seating capacity of 25,000, making it the largest in the ancient world.
• The Odeon theater, where plays were performed for "small" audiences of up to 1500 people.
• Bath complexes were built under Roman rule.
• The aqueduct systems, among the most advanced in the ancient world.
• The Temples of Hadrian and Sebastoi.
• The Terrace Houses, with mosaic floors and frescoed walls.

Not everything worth seeing at Ephesus is within the perimeters of the ancient city. Selcuk town itself is an interesting place. The remains of the ancient Temple of Artemis (although with just one lonely column remaining, it is a mere shadow of what it once was) are not far from the center of town. Turreted Ayasoluk Castle looks over Selcuk from atop its hill and offers great views of the surrounding countryside, as well as the burial site of St. John the Apostle. There are also the remains of ancient aqueducts in the middle of town.

The nearby town of Sirince is highly worth visiting for half a day. Located 5 miles east of Selcuk, in the hills, the red-roofed houses are surrounded by grapevines and orchards of apples and peaches. It was historically inhabited by Orthodox Christian Greeks, distinct from Turkish-speaking Muslims, and is a wine production center.

The nearest beach to Selcuk and Ephesus is Pamucak Beach. While there are more picturesque beaches elsewhere along the Anatolian Coast, Pamucak offers a wide strip of sand where you can sit for free or hire a lounger and umbrella.

Ephesus is less than two miles from the modern town of Selcuk (population 28,000). While some visitors on tight schedules pass through on the way to or from Izmir and places on the Anatolian coast, those who stay a bit longer largely stay in and around Selcuk. As a small town, the best accommodation options are boutique, independent, family-run, and just outside the more touristy town center.

The nearest major city to Ephesus is Izmir, Turkey's third-largest city, 50 miles to the north. Flights from elsewhere in Turkey (such as Istanbul) frequently fly to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport. Some airlines put on shuttles to Selcuk, the gateway to Ephesus, for passengers, and some accommodations may arrange a shared or private transfer. Alternatively, it's easy to catch regular trains to Selcuk from the railway station attached to Izmir airport. Trains and buses take about an hour and are low-cost.

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10 tips for visiting Ephesus, Turkey (Türkiye)

Read our tips for visiting Ephesus, the best-preserved of Turkey’s remarkable array of ancient cities and classical ruins

Visiting Ephesus should be on every traveller’s Turkey itinerary. After more than 150 years of excavation, the city’s reclaimed and restored structures have made Ephesus Europe’s most complete ancient city.

The great city was built in the 10th century BC during the Classical Greek era and began to flourish after it came under the control of the Roman Republic in 129 BC. It’s estimated that the population of the city was at one point between 33,000 and 56,000 people.

So prosperous was Ephesus that its centrepiece, the marble Temple of Artemis, one of the original Seven Wonders of the World and once the largest temple on Earth. Today, the temple is a shadow of its former glory after being completely rebuilt three times before its eventual destruction during a raid by the Goths, an East Germanic tribe, in 401 AD.

Most of the remaining parts of the temple that were excavated were “transported” to the Ephesus Room at the British Museum following work by British archaeologists John Turtle Wood in 1869-1874 and David George Hogarth in 1904-1906.

Despite the loss of the Temple of Artemis, the UNESCO-listed site remains the best-preserved Roman city in the Mediterranean region, and one of Turkey’s top sights.

Below, we share our best tips for visiting Ephesus so you can make the most of your time at this remarkable site.

1. Check travel advice and if you need a visa

Turkey has had a tumultuous few years politically and only this week, was struck by two huge earthquakes killing thousands of people. However, that should not put you off visiting. We adored our time there and would encourage others to visit Turkey in a heartbeat.

That said, you should always check the latest advice from your country’s foreign office. Currently, the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not have any travel alerts for the vast majority of the country.

When it comes to visas, not every traveller requires a visa to enter Turkey . Passport holders from selected countries, including the UK and several EU nations, can enter Turkey visa-free, usually for up to 90 days. However, citizens of several nations will need to arrange a visa prior to travel. The easiest way to do this is via an online eVisa .

eVisas are available for citizens of over 50 nations. Applications are straightforward, only take a few minutes and the only document required is a passport. The processing time is within 48 hours although a one-hour priority service is available. If for any reason the visa is denied, a full refund is issued. You can check fees and apply with Türkiye e-Visa .

2. PLAN YOUR VISIT

According to most estimates, Ephesus once had a population of between 33,000 and 56,000 during the Roman period. As it stands, only 20% of the city has been excavated. The uncovered section lies within an area of 4 sq km (1.5 sq mi) but still contains one of the largest collections of Roman ruins in the world.

To get the most out of visiting Ephesus, plan your approximate route before you arrive. If you just ‘turn up and see’, you could easily miss out on some of the best sights.

Consider taking an Ephesus travel guide with you on the day. We opted for our trusted companion, the Lonely Planet guide to Turkey .

3. GET THERE EARLY (OR LATE)

The best time for visiting Ephesus is the morning before most of the crowds arrive, including all the cruise day-trippers coming up from the coast. The other option is to arrive mid-afternoon as the crowds are thinning out. Even if you arrive in the afternoon there should be enough time to get around as long as you’ve planned your route.

Another advantage of arriving earlier or later is that you can avoid the searing heat of the day between 12.00 and 15.00. Current opening times are 08:30-18:00 every day of the year. Check the official site for the latest updates and entrance fees.

4. Go straight to the main sights

As soon as you get in, make a beeline for the main sights. For us, the principal sights were the main façade of the Library of Celsus, the Ephesus amphitheatre and the main harbour street.

By heading straight to the main sights, we practically had them to ourselves, eluding the crowds and getting the photographs we wanted.

5. Start at the lower gate

We made the mistake of starting at the main Upper Gate and working our way to the Lower Gate and back again. We doubled back to make sure we hadn’t missed anything along the way as we had headed straight to the main sights first.

We suggest starting at the Lower Gate and looping back to it at the end of your visit. It is closer to Selçuk and therefore easier to reach if you want to walk in from town. The Lower Gate is also closer to the other sights outside of the walled ruins including the Isa Bey Mosque, Ayasoluk Castle, Ephesus Archaeological Museum and Temple of Artemis. It’s also cheaper if you’re travelling by public transport, as it’s closer to town.

6. TAKE PLENTY OF WATER

Ephesus is very hot, very dry and has little in the way of shade. To make matters worse, the heat reflects up off the white stone making it almost unbearable at times.

You will need plenty of water so take it with you. If (when!) you run out, you can buy some inside. It’s more expensive but this is not the time to skimp! There are small cafes and juice bars at each entrance along with toilets, information centres and friendly staff.

7. DRESS APPROPRIATELY

A sun hat, sunglasses and appropriate shoes are a must. The heat and sun are unrelenting so make sure you’re properly prepared. You’ll likely be doing a fair bit of walking and the stone floors are often slippery so flip-flops and sandals are far from ideal.

Even though Turkey is predominantly a Muslim country, Selçuk is not as traditional or strict as other Middle East countries or other sights in Turkey such as the Blue Mosque . With this in mind, it is acceptable to show your legs. Just make sure you pack plenty of sunscreen.

8. Pay extra to see the Terraced Houses

There is always a danger when visiting sites like these that one can get “templed out”. After a while, one very old temple can start to look like another very old temple, at least to the untrained eye. When we were first offered the additional ticket to the Terraced Houses I handed over the fee apprehensively. Was I just paying extra for access to another temple I may not remember afterwards?

Well, no. First of all the Terraced Houses are covered with protective roofing offering a welcome respite from the unrelenting heat. More importantly, they offer an insight into what ancient life was like for the residents of this once great city as well as a working demonstration of the archaeology and restoration still ongoing at Ephesus. The site offers a fascinating insight into some of the painstaking work that has taken place and continues today. 

Entrance to the Terrace Houses costs 85 TL ($5 USD) and the opening hours (09.00-17.00) are shorter than the main site so make sure you give yourself time.

9. See the sights outside the city walls

There are several sights around Selçuk – outside of the Ephesus city walls – that are well worth a visit. The grand Ayasoluk Castle on Ayasoluk Hill is perhaps the most dramatic and rewarding. It offers unrivalled views across the city and countryside. The entrance ticket also includes access to the Basilica of St. John where the burial site of John the Apostle is believed to be located. Nearby is the calm and tranquil Isa Bey Mosque with its lush gardens and fountain court.

Additionally, there is the original wonder of the world, the Temple of Artemis . Just one lonely column (topped by a stork’s nest) remains of the original temple as most of the artefacts now reside in the British Museum in London. However, the original site is still worth visiting even if to just visualise the structure in its former glory.

Other nearby sights include the House of the Virgin Mary , the Ephesus Archaeological Museum and the Çamlık Railway Museum .

10. Don’t stay in the town centre

We chose not to stay in the Selçuk town centre, instead opting for a quiet hotel called Akay  just a short walk up the hillside out of town. Not only was the area quieter and calmer than the touristy (and slightly tacky) town centre, but it also meant we were just moments from the other places of interest around Selçuk.

The aforementioned Ayasoluk Castle, Basilica of St. John and Isa Bey Mosque are all just a few minutes from the hotel by foot. There are some restaurants in the area and the main town is only a 10-minute walk away.

Tips for visiting Ephesus: the essentials

What:  Tips for visiting Ephesus is to start at the Lower Gate in Turkey.

Where: We chose to stay at Akay Hotel , which is situated perfectly for visiting Ephesus as well as the other points of interest around Selçuk. It is close to Ayasoluk Castle, Basilica of St. John and Isa Bey Mosque, and just a 10-minute walk from the town centre and railway station.

The hotel has a welcoming swimming pool, a small bar offering cold drinks, snacks and beer, and even a pair of tortoises roaming the garden. The real draw, however, is the sweeping view of the surrounding town and countryside. Breakfast is served outside your room overlooking the view, so ask for a room on the upper floor.

Some staff have limited English but will go out of their way to assist with anything you need. Şükran had a dictionary close by and diligently wrote out phrases to make sure we understood each other properly.

Akay Hotel near Ephesus

When:  The best time to visit Ephesus is spring (March to mid-June) when the weather is moderate and the days are long. Do note that you may get a day or two of rain, particularly in April. Despite it being milder than summer, do not underestimate the sun. Summer will definitely be hot and likely crowded, while winter can be cold and rainy.

How:  Take a taxi from your hotel to either of the entrance gates. The Upper Gate should cost no more than 50 TL ($3 USD) and the Lower Gate 40 TL ($2.5 USD). The Ephesus entrance fee itself is 200 TL ($12 USD) with entrance to the Terraced Houses costing 85 TL ($5 USD).

If you want to visit the Ayasoluk Castle and Basilica of St. John (and you really should), then entrance costs 50 TL ($3 USD) and gets you into both sites. For more information, check the official website .

We arrived in Turkey at Istanbul’s Ataturk international airport and spent a few days in Istanbul before moving onto Selçuk. We took a domestic flight to Izmir (1hr) and then boarded a train to Selçuk (1hr 20mins).

The airport is international and has connections to a number of domestic destinations throughout Turkey.  Book via Skyscanner  for the best prices. 

The trains proved very reliable and easy to use. For more information and booking options visit the Turkish State Railways website . We also used the train to continue on to Denizli to visit Pamukkale.

Enjoyed this post? pin it for later…

Lonely Planet Turkey is a comprehensive guide to the country and includes lots of tips for visiting Ephesus and Turkey in general.

Lead image: Atlas & Boots

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The Complete Guide To The Ephesus Ruins in Turkiye: Everything You Need To Know To Have An Unforgettable Visit

Home to monumental statues and one of the largest archaeological sites in Turkiye, the Ephesus ruins are a wonder to explore. See it all with our complete guide to visiting Ephesus, Turkiye.

Visiting the Ephesus ruins was one of the wildest experiences from our travels through Turkiye . Ranked among the most visited places in the country, Ephesus can see up to 10,000 tourists per day strolling through its marble streets.

Whether you’re planning on visiting Turkiye on a cruise ship or touring through the country by land or air, there’s a good chance that, at some point, you’re going to end up visiting Ephesus. And with good reason.

Considered among the most well-preserved Greek ruins in Turkiye and situated within easy reach of the Aegean Sea, where countless cruise ships dock each day, Ephesus draws visitors with visions of the towering facade of the Library of Celsus, the most stunning building in the city.

But the story of the Ephesus ruins is far grander than one building. In fact, Ephesus is one of the largest archaeological sites in the country and one of the best places to visit in Turkiye . And because of that, coming to the site armed with a little knowledge will go a long way towards making your visit to Ephesus a memorable one. After all, Ephesus is more than just a beautiful Greek ruin.

There is an absurd amount of history that runs through its streets.

About Ephesus, Turkiye

Table of Contents

The history of Ephesus dates back to over 1,200 BCE. Its early years were fraught with trouble, including natural disasters and war. But after nearly complete destruction during a Cimmerian invasion in 700 BCE, Ephesus rebounded to become one of the wealthiest cities in the Greek empire.

The city was a center of learning and was key to the growth of philosophy. Artists and scholars filled the squares, and the city was filled with architectural wonders. One of those architectural marvels grew to fame as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The Temple of Artemis, located in the nearby town of Selcuk , with its 127 columns and masterful art and sculpture work, was one of the most stunning buildings in the world before its destruction by arson in 356 BCE.

Even after the fall of the Greek Empire caused by the Persian invasion, Ephesus continued to prosper as a vital trade hub. The city was liberated by Alexander the Great in 334 BCE. It was abandoned briefly when General Lysimachus, who ruled the region after the death of Alexander the Great, blocked the city’s sewage system after Ephesians refused to leave when he ordered the town to be moved two miles southwest.

By 281 BCE, Ephesus had been re-founded and once again grew to be one of the most important commercial ports in the Mediterranean. By 129 BCE, the city fell under Roman rule. Over the coming century, Ephesus became a cultural center for the Christian community. Saint Paul was notoriously “booed” while preaching at one of the city’s theatres, and the city became the final home for both Saint John the Baptist and Mary, mother of Jesus. Both the Gospel according to John and the Book of Ephesians from the Christian Bible are said to have been written in and around the city.

It was the rise of Christianity that ultimately led to the decline of Ephesus. Emperor Theodosius I ordered all pagan temples and schools closed. Women, who thrived through Roman and Greek times, were reduced to second-class citizens, and the worship of the Goddess Artemis was outlawed. This, combined with a series of natural disasters and attacks by outside forces, contributed to the downfall of one of the greatest cities in the Eastern Roman Empire.

The reconstruction of the Temple of Artemis was destroyed by a Christian mob, and the city fell into decay, eventually resulting in its desertion.

How To Plan Your Visit To The Ephesus Ruins

The ruins of Ephesus, or Efes, as it’s known in Turkish, are vast. There are two entrances to the archaeological site: the upper entrance and the lower entrance. While you can visit the ruins from either entrance, I recommend starting at the upper entrance and working your way down. That way, you’ll be walking downhill for most of the visit. The downhill route will also give you the best views of the Library of Celsus.

Map of Ephesus

I put this map of the Ephesus ruins together to help you plan your visit to the site. It outlines most of the key areas within the ruins.

Top Things To See At Ephesus

Bath of varius.

Entering from the top gate, the first of the Ephesus ruins that you’re likely to encounter is the Bath of Varius. Like many Roman baths, the Varius Baths were situated at the main entrances to many ancient cities. They allowed visitors to wash before entering and mingling among the local citizens.

The Bath of Varius dates back to the 2nd century near the Magnesian gate and was erected under the direction of Emperor Vespasian. Along with welcoming visitors, they were an important social hub where residents would visit for massages and bathing.

State Agora

The State Agora is one of two agora’s within Ephesus. This agora, located in the southern part of the Basilica, was built around the first century B.C. Unlike most agoras, this was not used for commerce but rather as a meeting place for government debates and discussions.

The agora’s northeast corner contained many burial sites that date back to the 7th and 6th centuries BCE. In this corner is a water reservoir that gathered much of the water used in the city as it entered from the Pollio Aqueduct, the remains of which lie about 5 kilometers from the city along the Selcuk-Aydin Highway.

Opposite the State Agora is the Odeion, the smaller of the two amphitheatres in Ephesus. The Odeion could hold up to 1,500 patrons and would have had a wooden roof originally. It was financed by a wealthy Ephesian named Vedius Antonius.

The Odeion was used for political meetings, social events, concerts, and theatrical performances. It contains a stage, an orchestra, and a podium.

Memmius Monument

Walking downhill to the end of the Curetes Road bordering the State Agora, look to your right, and you’ll find one of the most stunning monuments among the Ephesus ruins. The Memmius Monument was erected in the 1st century CE by Memmius, one of the sons of Caius and the grandson of dictator Sulla of Roma.

Dictator Sulla was celebrated as a Roman hero. He was hailed for the emancipation of Ephesus from the occupation of the Pontic armies, who killed more than 80,000 Romans in one day to protest the empire’s high taxes.

The four-sided victory arch celebrates the liberation of Ephesus. While many of the inscriptions have been lost throughout the years, Memmius’ father and grandfather figures are still in excellent condition.

Pollio Fountain

As you reach the bottom of Curetes Road and the Memmius Monument, most visitors hang a right to continue on downhill toward the Library of Celsus. Instead, take a detour to your left. Don’t get distracted by the prominent arch showcasing the Temple of Domitian. Instead, look immediately to your left after turning the corner. Here, you’ll find the Pollio Fountain.

The Pollio Fountain was built in 97 CE by the rich Ephesian C.S.Pollio and his family. The water from the fountain came from a network of baked clay pipes, and the water from the fountain was free for all to use. The towering arch facing the Temple of Domitian was decorated with many statues, including the head of Zeus, which can now be found at the Ephesus Museum in Selcuk .

Temple of Domitian

Facing the Pollio fountain is a tribute to one of Rome’s most brutal emperors, Domitian, although it may have been built for Emperor Titus. Either way, the Temple would have been considered a great honor for the city.

The stairs that used to reach the second floor of the temple are still in existence and can be seen in the back of the temple. The U-shaped altar that once stood at the northern side of the temple is on display at the Izmir Museum.

If you stroll down the lane running West from the Temple of Domitian, you’ll find a number of caves. Some of these have stone plaques with writing from contracts and business dealings of the age.

Heracles Gate

Head back to Curetes Road and begin walking downhill. On your right, pay attention to the large pillars that hold two reliefs of Hercules. This is the Heracles Gate.

An inscription that can still be made out dates the pillars to the 2nd century CE, although it’s believed that the pillars were actually moved from another building sometime around the 4th century CE.

Hercules was celebrated as the greatest of the Greek heroes. In the reliefs, he is shown wearing the skin of the Nemean Lion, whom he was charged with defeating. The lion was said to have skin so thick that it couldn’t be killed. Eventually, Hercules beat the beast by wrestling it and choking it.

Hillside Houses

The Hillside Houses, also known as the Terraced Houses, may have an additional cost for visiting, but the admission fee is well worth it. Not only do they offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of Ephesus’ most elite residents, but it’s also one of the few places amongst the Ephesus ruins where you’ll find ample shade.

The Hillside Houses is a series of luxurious residential villas on the northern slope of Bulbuldagi Hill across from Curetes Street. Two housing complexes have been excavated so far, but more are being uncovered. The excavation work began in 1960, and some of the most beautiful tilework in the city can be found here.

At the base of the Terrace Houses is the only concession stand in the city of Ephesus. If you need to grab water, snacks, or a slushie, this is the spot to do it.

Library of Celsus

If you’ve ever looked up Ephesus, chances are that you’ve seen images of the Library of Celsus. This is the most grand structure in all of the ruins of Ephesus, and it’s not something that is easy to miss.

The Library of Celsus once held over 12,000 scrolls and was one of the most beautiful buildings in the Roman Empire. It was built in the 2nd century CE. Only the stunning facade of the building remains, but it is still an impressive site and easily one of the most outstanding ruins I’ve seen in all of my travels outside of the temples of Luxor and Abu Simbel in Egypt and the ruins of Petra in Jordan .

Lower Agora

Lying right next to the Library of Celsus is one of the oldest sections of the Ephesus ruins. The Lower Agora, also known as the Commercial Agora, was the center of commerce in the city. It was originally linked to the harbor by the Arcadiane or Harbor Road.

The Lower Agora had three main gates, the best-preserved of which lies on the south-eastern side close to the Library of Celsus. This gate is called the Mazeu-Mithridates Gate.

This agora was established in the 3rd century BCE, but its actual age pre-dates that by quite a bit. Excavations have uncovered layer-upon-layers of construction dating as far back as the 8th century BCE. In later years it was used as a graveyard and currently, much of the Lower Agora is littered with tombs.

Marble Road

Connecting the Terraced Houses and the Library of Celsus to the Grand Theater is the beautiful Marble Road. Originally, this road would have connected to the Temple of Artemis, but much of it has yet to be excavated.’

The Ephesus Marble Road dates back to the 1st century AD, although it was rebuilt in the 5th century. The road ran along the Commercial Agora and was the main thoroughfare in the lower part of the city.

On your right-hand side, you’ll find many fascinating things to see in Ephesus, such as the brothels and the public toilets. It’s a unique glimpse into everyday life in the city.

Grand Theater

One of the final stops in our guide to the Ephesus ruins is the Grand Theater. This impressively preserved building at the base of the Marble Road held an audience of up to 24,000 people. The construction began under Emperor Claudius around 41-54 CE and was expanded to include a second for by Emperor Nero a few decades later. An impressive third story was later added about 100 years later.

The Great Theater was never covered by a roof, although an awning was used after the mid-2nd century as a protection from the elements. The steep seating meant that all of the spectators had an excellent view of the show.

The great theater of Ephesus is a splendidly preserved and very impressive building. This structure, built of marble, has a width of 145 meters, and its audience once reached up to 30 meters. In its heyday, it could accommodate up to 24,000 spectators.

Harbor (Arcadiane) Street

As you make your way past the Grand Theater towards the lower entrance of the Ephesus ruins, you’ll be walking along Harbor Street, also known as Arcadiane Street.

This colonnaded road was named for Emperor Arcadius, who ruled between 395 and 408 CE. It’s believed that the street was renamed, as the existence of the road dates back to the 1st century CE, long before Emperor Arcadius was born.

The street is well-preserved and sometimes hosts skits and plays that greet visitors entering via the lower gate. It was the showcase of Ephesus for newly arrived guests and was the grandest street in the city. Originally, the tall walls of the surrounding buildings would have blocked the view of anything outside of the street itself.

This street would have seen parades of wealthy elites, emperors, and celebrities making their way between the city center and the harbor.

Church of the Virgin Mary

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is believed to have spent her final days in and around the city of Ephesus. The House of the Virgin Mary is located just a few miles away and is believed to be her final resting place.

Within the ruins of Ephesus itself lies the Church of the Virgin Mary, one of the first churches to be dedicated to the mother of Christianity. The church was erected in the 3rd century BCE as a basilica with a nave and two aisles. The best-preserved section is the cylindrical baptistery located in the north part of the atrium.

The church of the Virgin Mary lies on a side road away from the lower Ephesus gate and can easily be missed. As you’re heading towards the exit, hang a left instead of going straight and follow the road. The church will be on your left-hand side.

Ephesus Archaeological Museum

The Ephesus Archaeological Museum is not within Ephesus itself. Instead, it’s located in the town of Selcuk, about a 10-minute drive away. Most visitors to Ephesus don’t ever get the chance to visit, so if you make it to the museum, consider yourself lucky.

The Ephesus Museum is packed with relics, sculptures, and artwork from the city of Ephesus as well as from the Temple of Artemis, which is just a 10-minute walk from the museum.

Temple of Artemis

A visit to the Temple of Artemis, or Artemesia, is located in the nearby town of Selcuk, but it was once a part of the ancient city of Ephesus.

Once a grand temple to the Greek Goddess Artemis, little remains of the temple’s original majestic halls. But the Temple of Artemis was once considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and for that alone, it’s worth the visit.

Of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, only the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt remain standing. Of the remaining six, Selcuk and the Temple of Artemis is one of the few places where you can still see remnants of the original building.

In its prime, the Artemesia was a stunning monument to Artemis, who in Roman times was referred to as Diana. She was the Goddess of Fertility, and her influence continues in the region, as you’ll find egg statues and references throughout the ruins of Ephesus.

The Temple was commissioned by Croesus, the King of Lydia, before 550 BCE and was infamously burnt to the ground in 356 BC. The temple was rebuilt but eventually destroyed by Goth invaders in 262 CE. The temple was made entirely of marble and covered a massive 350 by 180 feet (about 110 by 55 meters). It featured 127 columns.

Of those columns, only one remains standing at the site, while half of another remains. There are fragments that sit in the British Museum in London. However, the site itself was looted thoroughly to build nearby temples and mosques.

Make sure to include a visit to the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, which includes scale models of what the original Temple of Artemis looked like at its height.

How To Get To Ephesus, Turkiye

Getting to Ephesus from Kusadasi

Most visitors come to Ephesus from their cruise stop in Kusadasi. While many cruisers will book directly from their cruise ship, they can save a lot of money by booking a group or private tour of Ephesus.

Cruise tours often only see Ephesus itself, while smaller tours offer the chance to see more of the attractions surrounding Selcuk , such as the Cave of the Seven Sleepers, the House of Virgin Mary, and the Ephesus Archaeological Museum. This Ephesus tour from Kusadasi is a great place to start.

Some multi-day tours from places like Istanbul and Fethiye will combine Ephesus tours with other stops such as Pamukkale, Turkiye where you’ll find the stunning terraces of the Cotton Castle.

You can read all about our Aegean Sea cruise with Celestyal Cruises here.

Getting To Kusadasi from Selcuk

If you’re taking some time to explore Selcuk, good for you. This tiny town punches far above its weight when it comes to attractions. Most visitors to Selcuk will take a taxi to Ephesus. The ride takes about 10 minutes. I recommend asking to be dropped off at the upper gate.

Another option is to take the public minibus. These small buses might be a bit cramped, but they’ll get you from Selcuk to Ephesus for just 30 Lira. The busses depart from in front of the Ephesus Archaeological Museum.

Getting to Ephesus from Istanbul

If you’re based in Istanbul and are looking to explore Ephesus as a day trip, it’s possible. One option is to book an Ephesus day trip that includes flights. These tours leave right from Istanbul and will have you back in the city before bedtime.

If you want to make the journey yourself, I’d recommend departing from the Istanbul airport first thing and flying directly to Izmir. From Izmir Airport, it’s a 45-minute drive or taxi ride to the entrance to the Ephesus ruins.

Some visitors opt for the bus but keep in mind that the drive from Istanbul to Izmir is around 9 hours, and it’s an additional 45 minutes to Ephesus.

Most Popular Ephesus Tours

If you’re interested in joining an Ephesus tour you’ll gain the benefit of seeing the ruins through a unique lens. You’ll also have access to a well-trained guide who can go far deeper into the stories and history of the Ephesus ruins than you can read here.

Some of the most popular Ephesus tours include:

• Skip the lines and discover all of the highlights of Ephesus with the help of an experienced guide on this tour.
• See almost everything on this 8-hour tour that includes the Terraced Houses, the House of Virgin Mary, and St. John’s Tomb and Basilica.
• This full-day tour takes a different approach to Ephesus. You’ll get a tour of the ruins, but also head off the beaten path to visit the old village of Sirince and enjoy a private wine tasting.
• Exploring the Ephesus ruins builds up an appetite. This full-day tour takes you through the city’s most important sites and ends with a cooking class.
• Experience the breathtaking Turkish countryside on this eBike tour that takes you to Ephesus and also stops for treats such as Turkish pancakes and Turkish tea along the way.

Tips For Visiting Ephesus, Turkiye

Ephesus is a big archaeological complex, and it’s important to have an understanding of what you’re in for before you go. Here are my top tips for visiting Ephesus.

• Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing, especially shoes. You’re in for a lot of walking, and you won’t want to be strolling around in shoes that might lead to blisters or sore feet. Have a look at our favorite hiking shoes for men , women , and children for some suggestions. Make sure that you wear a hat and apply lots of sunscreen. Outside of the Terraced Houses there is little shade.
• When to Visit Ephesus: If you can avoid the summer months, do it. During peak season, Ephesus sees upwards of 10,000 visitors a day, all strolling the wide streets in the blistering sun. Most people don’t have options as to when they visit Ephesus, but that’s my suggestion. I also recommend going first thing in the morning when the weather is cooler, and the crowds are thinner.
• How Long To Spend at Ephesus: The ruins of Ephesus are vast. You’re going to spend at least two to three hours exploring. If you really love to get into the place, that visit time could stretch to four to five hours.
• Audio Guides: There are audio guides available at the entrance to Ephesus.

Where To Stay Near Ephesus

If you’re planning on spending a few days around Ephesus and Selcuk, there are plenty of attractions to keep you busy. It’s a lovely area to spend a few nights in, and there are accommodations for every budget.

We stayed at the Celsus Boutique Hotel , a lovely spot just a five-minute walk from Ayasuluk Castle in Selcuk and the Ephesus Archaeological Museum. The rooms were spacious and overlooked a courtyard with a lovely pool.

Another highly-rated Selcuk accommodations include the Nicea Hotel , a more traditional hotel-style accommodation with a continental breakfast and helpful staff.

Hotel Mary’s House is another great family-friendly hotel with a pool located right in the center of town. They feature family rooms and beautiful decor in large rooms. It’s one of the highest-rated hotels in Selcuk.

Tips For Family Travel In Turkiye

Family travel in Turkiye, especially in places like Sanliurfa and the Southeast, requires some planning and a little bit of luck. Some areas of this country can be closed due to political unrest, so it’s always a good idea to check out current travel advisories and stay informed of the current travel status.

Check out our Turkiye Family Travel Blog for everything that you need to know about family travel in Turkiye and watch ouf Tips for Family Travel in Turkiye video below to help you plan an unforgettable visit to this mesmerizing and wonderful country.

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Enjoy Your Time Exploring Ephesus, Turkiye

Ephesus is a stunning ruin and one of the best places to visit in Turkiye. I hope that our complete guide to visiting Ephesus has helped you to plan your visit. Don’t hesitate to drop a comment or reach out if there’s something that we missed.

If you love family travel as much as we do, please join our  Family Travel Support Group on Facebook . You can connect with more family travelers just like you who love to explore the world.

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Monday 4th of December 2023

"It was the rise of Christianity that ultimately led to the decline of Ephesus." Not true. Not one community of people is to blame. The decline was due to: 1. Environmental factors: The harbour repeatedly silted up, rendering the port difficult to access. In 6th and 7th centuries, earthquakes caused much destruction, from which the city never recovered. 2. In AD 262, the Goths destroyed the city and temple. In fact, emperor Constantine built a new bath for the public, and emperor Justinian built the St John basilica. Both were advocates of Christianity. sources: https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-greece/ephesus#section_6 https://www.britannica.com/place/Ephesus

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Home > Visiting Ephesus Turkey – Ancient City & Ruins Guide

Visiting Ephesus Turkey – Ancient City & Ruins Guide

Written by our local expert SJ

Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.

Home to ancient ruins, temples, roads & statues is one of Turkey’s top attractions, Ephesus. A UNESCO World Heritage Site that delighted me and my family this year. Here is what to see and do in Ephesus – and what not to miss at the Ephesus archaeological site.

Is the archaeological site of Ephesus worth visiting? A resounding YES! My family and I are big fans. My two little boys (aged 5 & 10) had a blast visiting this ancient site as a part of our Turkish road trip – we roamed free in the winter of 2023 and had a blast and had the ruins almost all to ourselves.

Few places in the world feel as immersive as Ephesus Türkiye. In 2015, ancient Ephesus was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List – an impressive list to be on!

As lovely as visiting a museum or even walking through a regular open-air museum might be, not many of them allow you to immerse yourself entirely in history. When you visit Ephesus, you get just this and more.

At this ancient site, you might feel like ghosts from the past are watching you or that the wind, which occasionally and very randomly whips up out of nowhere, really is the past, reminding you that this place is still very important, even today.

Located near Izmir , just outside of the town of Selcuk, Ephesus used to be an ancient port city. You might hear the word ‘ancient’ and assume it’s in bad condition, but upon walking into the excavation zone, I challenge you not to let your jaw drop.

The vast theater is easy to walk around and explore. You can look down at the central “stage” and imagine gladiator fights happening right before you.

This remarkably preserved site is still being discovered and unearthed , showing you a full-scale city that once was the most important in the Greek Empire. Throughout the entire Mediterranean area, Ephesus was the epicenter of everything, and even though many tried to conquer it, the city remained standing.

These days, Ephesus is not only an essential open-air museum, but it’s also a pilgrimage destination for Christians. Ephesus is mentioned several times in the Bible, and additionally, it’s also the last resting place of St. John.

Here are excellent guided tours that you can join to explore the ancient city better and get up close to the original pieces!

The most popular tours in Ephesus:

• Discover all the highlights of Ephesus with a well-educated professional local tour guide on this tour
• Combine visits to some of Turkey’s most important highlights in this 8-hour guided shore excursion from Kusadasi
• This full-day tour from Izmir takes in all the highlights of the archeological site and includes a delicious Turkish lunch and wine tasting in Sirince village
• Walk along the streets in Ephesus and then visit a village around Ephesus to take a cooking class with locals
• Travel back in time to explore the remarkable Ephesus ancient city on this Bike Tour

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Where Is Ephesus Türkiye On A Map

The History Of Ephesus

Before you visit Ephesus, it pays to read up on the history so you can truly appreciate what you see. You’ll find signposts everywhere and informational stands where you can find out more, but having some knowledge beforehand will take your visit to the next level.

Although Ephesus is in modern-day Turkey, it was originally an ancient Greek city of enormous importance. The city was founded in the 10th century B.C., and later, the Roman Empire took control of it in 129 BC.

This is when Ephesus’ time really came to fruition as the city grew, becoming a bustling and massive place with strategic importance close to the Aegean Sea. At its peak, it is thought that around 50,000 people lived in Ephesus.

Much of the architecture you’ll see today was built during Roman rule, including the famous Temple of Artemis and the vast Ephesos theater, which is in perfect shape, considering its age! In its heyday, the amphitheater could hold around 25,000 people, and many gladiator battles took place there and drama shows. The Temple of Hadrian and the Library of Celsus were also prominent buildings constructed by the Romans.

The city moved into Ottoman Rule between 1304 and 1425, and the city slowly declined during this time.

The history of Ephesus is rich and diverse, and there is a lot of religious significance, too. Many important figures in religious history are said to have visited Ephesus , and the House of the Virgin Mary – Mother of Jesus – is said to be where the Virgin Mary spent her last days.

What To See At The Ephesus Archaeological Site

You’ll see old temples, libraries, statues, houses, and the vast amphitheater.

The Library of Celsus is probably the most iconic picture of Ephesus you’ll see when you Google it. It would be best to spend a good portion of time at this place, looking closely at the intricate decorations, the Roman and Greek inscriptions on the walls, and the sculptures. Words really do not do this place justice.

The Hadrian temple is another highlight, as is the Temple of Artemis, which draws enormous crowds.

Additionally, there’s also a less “serious” side to Ephesus. For example, you can see the old toilets, which are undoubtedly eye-opening given that they’re in public view and a brothel that dates back to the 4th century B.C.

Now protected and preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site , Ephesus served as a prominent and prosperous city in the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine Eras before falling into disrepair under Ottoman rule.

This is undoubtedly a city that has many stories to tell. We’ve already mentioned that it’s an important site in Christianity, and that is not only because of the Basilica of St. John. The House of the Virgin Mary is also situated in Ephesus, although you will need to pay an extra supplement on top of the regular entry price if you want to visit.

It’s said that the Virgin Mary lived in this small stone house until she died aged 101. She was taken here by St. John himself.

Top 11 Sights When Visiting Ephesus

What to see in ephesus if you only have one day.

There are more than these, but we recommend these top ones if you are short on time.

• Various Baths of Ephesus
• Ephesus Great Theater
• Library of Celsus
• Temple of Hadrian
• Temple of Artemis
• Terraced Houses
• Hercules Gate
• Winged Nike
• Ephesus Museum

1. Varius Bath Of Ephesus

The magnificent marble Baths of Varius are located north of the State Agora and east of the Basilica. The bath was initially constructed in the Hellenistic period, roughly in the second century A.D., and has since undergone numerous restorations. Those renovations are the reason for the building’s distinctive appearance today.

Legendary sophist Flavius Damianus constructed the bath. Damianus and his wife had a private room built for them. Later, a room was also added to the Varius Baths by Vedia Faedrina and Ephesus Vedius Antonius, a wealthy citizen’s daughter. Romans cared about personal hygiene, so they used this bath regularly. It was considered a symbol of prestige.

Over the 2nd century, a few more rooms were added to the baths. As time passed, more and more rooms were being added, one after another. During the 4th century, Scholastica, a wealthy Christian woman, provided the money for the restorations.

The structure received significant renovations in the 5th century to depict the Byzantine Era and its influence on interior decoration. The 40-meter passageway decorated in mosaics is the most evident indication of these alterations. The caldarium (hot portion), tepidarium (warm section), and frigidarium are all features of the bath’s ultimate classical Roman design (cold section).

Today, baths are not in great shape. Some parts of the baths are collapsed, and it is hard to visualize how it looked hundreds of years ago. The baths’ excavations have not yet been finished, so there might be new rooms and chambers in the future. In order to understand what you see beyond the vault area of the building, you may need some background knowledge of Roman bathhouses

2. Ephesus Great Theatre

Although there is no archaeological evidence for the Great Theatre’s existence before 100 BC, it is thought to have been constructed during the Hellenistic eras. It was assigned to Lysimachus, the marshal of Alexander the Great. It was Lysimachus who chose this location for the theatre.

 Preparing the mountainside for the building’s construction and potential extension took almost 60 years of digging. By the 8th century A.D., the theater had joined the city’s defense system after earthquakes severely damaged it in the 4th century A.D. After those earthquakes, the Great Theatre was never fully renovated.

 The theater has a 145-meter diameter and rises 30 meters in height. The capacity of the theatre is 25,000 spectators. It was designed with the stage facing the audience and the harbor in the background.

The theater initially had just one floor. The Roman emperor Neron constructed the stage’s first two stories, and a third floor was later built in the 2nd century. The size of the theatre stage is 25 by 40 meters. The stage is decorated with pillars and sculptures of the gods, goddesses, and emperors. The podium entrance and a secret passageway to an underground tunnel leading to the orchestra pit were both on the ground floor. On all other floors, there are eight rooms and a hallway.

 On feast days, offerings would have been made at the altar that was in the center of the stage. The audience in the Roman period paid an admission fee to be entertained, although performances typically began early in the day and continued until late at night.

Gladiator battles would have also taken place in the theater during this period. The theater frequently appears on lists of regional holy places due to its biblical relevance. It is the location where the apostle Saint Paul began anti-pagan preaching. The interesting fact is that the theatre is still being used for concerts. Elton John had one just a few years ago.

3. Library Of Celsus 

Of everything to do in Ephesus, Turkey, the Celsus Library, one of Ephesus’ most impressive structures, was the third-largest library in the ancient world.

As a tribute to his father, Julius Celsus Polemeanus, Council Gaius Julius Aquila constructed it in the 1st century A.D. Before his passing, Celsus, a councilman and governor, left money to finish and maintain the enormous library.

A special compartment below the ground level that could be reached via a passageway leading to a gate hidden behind the library’s north wall contained the governor’s marble tomb. So, the library was a heron (shrine) as well.

The Library had two stories and a door off Curetes Street that led inside. The four twin pillars that supported the building are reached after nine stone stairs. Large windows provide enough light for reading within the library. The building was constructed explicitly with an additional set of walls surrounding it to maintain a constant temperature and humidity.

 The library was destroyed in the 3rd century A.D. and rebuilt in the fourth. In the first millennium A.D., an earthquake completely destroyed it. An earthquake in the 10th century A.D. once again destroyed it

4. Prytaneion

The Prytaneion is located directly behind the market basilica. The building was constructed in the 3rd century B.C. under Lysimachos’ administration. The structure was destroyed during the Augustan era, and some of the Prytaneion’s columns and other elements were utilized in constructing the Scholastica Baths in the fourth century.

Prytaneion served as the city hall or the official administrative structure. Here were held official gatherings, religious rituals, and feasts. The sacred flame, which would have been kept in a four-cornered pit, set a prytaneion construction apart from a bouleterion.

The Curetes, Hestia’s priestesses, would have maintained this sacred hearth burning in honor of Hestia, the goddess of hearth and fire.

Architecturally speaking, the Prytaneion would have been built similarly to a private home. It contained a dining room to host guests from abroad, administrative offices, the state archives, and a conference hall. Only two of the eight columns that once stood in front of the structure may be visible now. These columns lead to an enclosed garden. The garden floor was covered with an Amazonian shield-themed mosaic.

Archaeologists discovered two statues of the goddess Artemis during excavations of Prytaneion. One of these was neatly buried in the shrine, while the larger one was found in the ceremonial hall. These statues are now in the Ephesus Museum.

5. Temple of Hadrian 

I totally loved my time at Ephesus with no one there. On Curetes Street, this temple honoring Emperor Hadrian is considered one of the most stunning and well-preserved buildings.

To commemorate Hadrian’s visit to the city from Athens, P. Quintilius built it during the start of the second century A.D. Emperor Hadrian was viewed as one of the Five Good Emperors. Those five (considered) good emperors are Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius. These men successfully gained the senate’s support and cooperation, something other emperors had failed to do.

 But the name “Temple of Hadrian” is a little misleading. It is not really a temple but actually a monument. And that monument was also dedicated to the goddess Artemis and the people of Ephesus.

The central area of the temple is called Nao. This would have been a tiny space with a big entrance door constructed of small stones. This door’s beams were elegantly ornamented with representations of eggs and pearls.

 Recent renovations have been made to the Hadrian’s Temple. Replicas of the ancient statues have been installed in their places. The originals have been taken out and are now on view in the museum in Ephesus.

6. Temple of Artemis 

The Temple of Artemis, often called the Temple of Diana, is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the first temple made of marble. The Temple was created in the sixth century B.C. Croesus, the wealthy king of Lydia, paid for the early building. One hundred twenty-seven marble columns made up the temple.

 In the act of arson on July 21, 356 BC, Herostratus destroyed the Artemis temple in Ephesus. His goal, according to the narrative, was fame at any cost. That same day, Alexander the Great was born. Artemis was reportedly preoccupied with delivering Alexander when her temple caught fire.

Alexander offered to pay for Temple’s reconstruction, but Ephesians rejected Alexander’s offer. The temple was eventually repaired following Alexander’s passing in 323 BC. The Ephesian people reconstructed the temple after the original was destroyed in a Goth assault in 262. The temple was finally demolished in 401. The bulk of Ephesians converted to Christianity during the course of the following two centuries.

Today, the Turkish government is currently considering renovating the Temple of Artemis. The temple is not surrounded by any barriers. All that is visible to visitors is a column that Austrian archaeologists rebuilt. It is a significant spiritual location. Three religions would meet in the same block: an ancient pagan temple, a basilica dedicated to St. John, and a mosque.

7. Terraced Houses

On the northern slope of Bülbülda Hill, close to Curetes Street and across from the Temple of Hadrian, is the magnificent residential complex known as Terrace Houses in Ephesus.

Two housing complexes have already been dug up: Eastern and Western. Beginning in 1960, excavation work on the Terrace Houses began. The houses are still being restored, so there is always something fresh to marvel at there.

The villas are still being restored at this time. Visitors can now observe the meticulous labor of archaeologists thanks to this fact. A substantial roof covers the entire area, shielding the interiors’ priceless contents from the weather’s damaging effects.

Private homes built on three terraces make up the Eastern Complex, which has an area of around 2500 square meters. Domus, a villa occupied by wealthier people and several houses belonging to middle-class people, is the most notable structure.

The complex’s construction began in the first century A.D., and people lived there until the seventh. Naturally, they underwent substantial repairs and renovations in the meantime. There was running water in each home, and each had its own entrance from the street.

At least five luxurious houses with inner gardens made up the Western Complex, which has been flawlessly preserved to the present day. Frescoes and other artwork uncovered during an archaeological investigation are still used to decorate many of the rooms. All the homes in this neighborhood had running water, and the remains of bathtub-equipped bathrooms have been discovered.

Visitor Tip: To see Ephesus’ Terrace Houses, you must pay a fee of 2€. The complex is open every day from 8 a.m…. to 6:30 p.m. from April through October and from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from November through March.

8. Hercules Gate

The monumental Hercules Gate is believed to have been built in the 5th century on the street close to the Memmius Monument. In Ephesus, only two of the gate’s lintels have been remounted since it collapsed in an earthquake. This gate was named after two reliefs that depicted Hercules draped in lion skins. It was constructed with two tiers of columns. On the second story, it is thought that a plaque of Goddess Nike with a wreath in her hand was mounted at the top.

Locals told us that if you can stand at the gate and touch both sides, you’ll absorb some power from Hercules

9. Winged Nike

On Domitian Square, located on the western side of Kuretes Street, stands a marble relief of the Greek goddess Nike. Dating back to the 1st – 2nd century A.D., it decorated one of the spandrels of Hercules Gate.

Believed to have been mirrored by a similar relief on the opposite spandrel, it is thought to have been moved from another monument in the 4th century A.D. The goddess holds a laurel wreath for victory in her left hand and a palm branch in her right.

I had seen photos on I.G. of this before going. I assumed you could get up close and touch it – as I had seen photos of people’s heads popping up in the space under Nike or sitting on the edge – but the area is dropped off, and my guide told me that people continue to touch the marble which is not good.

While visitors may delight in seeing this sculpture, it may one day be moved to the Ephesus Archaeological Museum with other vital artifacts found on site to keep it safe – so please do not touch her

The Odeon in Ephuses is one of the most interesting and well-preserved Roman ruins in the world. The Odeon was built in the 2nd century A.D. and could seat up to 1,500 people.

It was used for music concerts and poetry readings. The Odeon has a unique design with a half-circle of seats on one side and a stage on the other. The stage is still in remarkably good condition, and you can imagine what it would have been like to see a performance here centuries ago.

11. Ephesus Museum 

The ideal addition to a tour of the Ephesus ruins is a trip to the Ephesus Archaeological Museum in Selçuk. There are several artifacts from the ancient city, the Temple of Artemis, the Basilica of St. John, and the fortress on the Ayasuluk Hill in the collections of this modest but intriguing museum.

Other neighboring archaeological sites are also featured, including the Belevi Mausoleum and the ukuriçi Mound, where the oldest object in the museum’s collection—a stamp from 6200 BCE—was discovered.

 The museum’s collection includes artifacts from many historic and prehistoric eras, such as the Mycenaean, Classical, Roman, Geometric, Archaic, Hellenistic, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods.

The archaeological section’s eight main rooms are divided into sections on the cult of Kybele, the finds from the Artemision, the terrace houses of Ephesus, ancient coins, the presentation of Ephesus through the ages, and stone artifacts in the garden. The museum’s garden and designated exhibition spaces are areas where the exhibits are displayed geographically rather than chronologically.

Museum Visitor Info

The Ephesus Archaeological Museum in Selçuk is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the summer (April through October) and from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the winter (November through March). The cost of the ticket is around 1€. The ticket office closes 30 minutes earlier.

There is a small cafeteria and a gift shop at the museum. Near the entrance, there are restrooms as well.

The Ephesus Archaeological Museum is located in Selçuk’s town center, next to the bus station and only a 30-minute walk from the ancient city ruins of Ephesus.

What Else To See At Efes

There are other historical sites to see at Efes, so if you have extra time or an additional day, add some of these stops; here is a helpful map showing you all 28!

Brands We Use And Trust

Practical ephesus information (hours, fees, entry points) .

First things first, do not be fooled into thinking this is a small site. You will need comfortable shoes, light clothing , sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water . Ephesus is HUGE – you can spend all day here.

You could easily wander around the area all day and not get bored. When you turn one corner, you think you’ve seen it all, only to see another Roman road heading in another direction.

Ephesus Entrance Fee

The cost of visiting Ephesus Archaeological is 200 Lira . An audio guide or tour will cost extra. You can book guided tours online independently, or you can also arrange a guide at the entrance.

My Recommendation

I recommend you consider getting a Türkiye Museum Pass if you plan to visit Turkey and see more than two or three museums. The pass is valid for 15 days and covers several museums nationwide for just 1000 Lira. Or you could purchase the Aegean Museum Pass, which covers many attractions in the Aegean area, to not only save you a lot of money but it can also save valuable time.

Opening Hours Of Ephesus Archeological Site

Efes or Ephesos is also known as open daily. The last entry is 60 minutes before closing each day, but you need at least two hours, and that would be racing around each of the big sites.

In summer, you can enter Ephesus from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. While in winter, the site stays open till 6:00 p.m. and opens at 8:30 a.m. 

Address: Ephesus Ruins, 35920 Selçuk

E-mail: [email protected]

Tel: 02328926010

Which Entry To Use At Ephesus

Ephesus has two entrances: one at the northwest end near the Grand Theatre and the other at the southeast end near the Odeon.

The Southeast entrance near the Odeon is higher in elevation than the other entrance, so if you entered this way, it would be a downhill walk to see the sights.

It is possible to purchase tickets at both entrances, and they both have toilets to use before you start.

Most visitors and tours enter through the south entrance and leave through the north entrance as that is how tour companies plan things – so people walk downhill and get collected at the second entrance.

There is parking at both entrances for a small fee. We parked our rental car at the southwest entrance, walked uphill, saw the sights, and came back downhill slowly to see the magical Library of Celcius a second time. I totally recommend that if you drive yourself. There are also souvenir shops , a cafe, and seats at this entrance.

You can walk the 3 km from Selçuk to the lower entrance, which my guide told me can take 30 mins to an hour, depending on your fitness level.

Best Time To Visit Ephesus

When visiting Ephesus, it’s a good idea to try to avoid the peak summer months if possible. Ephesus is one of Türkiye’s most popular sites, and its close proximity to many beach resorts means that day trips are totally doable.

This means large crowds of summer day-trippers. And groups and heat do not make for the most enjoyable day !

May, June, late September, and October are ideal, and if you’re visiting during the winter months, head over on a sunny day to enjoy a far quieter experience in this stunning ancient city.

Top Insider Tips For Visiting The City Of Ephesus

With the list of things to do in Ephesus covered, you should know that this once-ancient Greek city of Ephesus is not a place you can visit in just a few hours. Here are our top tips to get the most out of this UNESCO-listed site in Turkey .

• Visit outside of the peak season months if you can. Fewer people make the experience better – we loved having most of the place to enjoy without anyone around. My guide told me 1000 of people are here daily in summer
• Wear comfortable shoes and avoid flip-flops. Flip-flops are a recipe for a slip and fall! A lot of Ephesus consists of marble pathways that go up and downhill, and they are slippery 
• Wear a hat and sunscreen during the summer months. There isn’t a lot of shade in Ephesus, and the Turkish summer sun can be unforgiving. Even in February, we needed our sunglasses
• Take your time , make sure to sit down, and have a drink of water every so often. It’s surprising how many people try and motor their way around only to become tired and run out of steam to see the whole complex
• Budget appropriately. Ephesus isn’t the cheapest museum to visit, but it’s certainly worth it. You will need to pay extra if you want to see the House of Virgin Mary, so bear this in mind when budgeting
• Ensure you don’t miss the last train or bus back to your accommodation. If you did not arrive on tour or drive yourself, be sure to leave enough time to walk to your bus or train stop
• Stop for breakfast as you enter Selcuk. There are some fantastic roadside restaurants in town, many of which offer a stunning view of the mountainside and serve a delicious, traditional Turkish breakfast
• Clear out your camera memory card. You’re going to need the space!
• Arrive early to make the most of the whole day. In summer, the place is scorching; arriving early helps you beat the midday heat.
• Photograph the Celsus Library early in the morning to have the best lighting.

Book A Tour Of Ephesus

How to get to ephesus.

Now that you know how to visit Ephesus, there are a few ways to get to Ephesus, and because it’s close to a major city, that makes logistics much easier!

From Istanbul

If you’re heading to Türkiye and landing in Istanbul , you can take a domestic flight to Izmir. From there, you can take the bus ( Pamukkale and Kamil Koc are two bus services that run around Turkey and are high-quality options), or you can arrange a tour that will take you directly to Ephesus. The journey time is only around one hour either way. It only takes just over an hour and several daily flights from both of Istanbul’s airports .

From Selcuk

Alternatively, you can spend some time in Selcuk, which is around 45 minutes away from Izmir . To get to Ephesus from there, you can take the minibus, which runs several times daily and takes only 5 minutes. A taxi is another option.

From Kusadasi

Finally, if you’re staying in Kusadasi, you can take a taxi or head to Selcuk via the local bus network and then take the quick minibus from there.

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Where To Stay Near Ephesus

Izmir is a large area , and choosing where to stay near Ephesus can be tricky because there are thousands of choices. The closest place to stay when visiting Ephesus is Selcuk; that said, if you want to explore the region of Izmir further, we might suggest one of these districts instead.

• Selçuk 

Find a complete guide to the accommodation in Izmir here.  

Ephesus experience museum – efes deneyim müzesi.

If you’re planning a trip to Ephesus and looking to dive deeper into its rich history, the Ephesus Experience Museum offers a unique and engaging way to do just that.

Think of it as a high-tech bridge to the past. This museum isn’t your typical walk-and-observe type; it’s an interactive journey that uses state-of-the-art visuals and sound to literally transport you back to ancient Ephesus. Imagine strolling through the streets of a city that thrived 8,000 years ago, experiencing the daily life of the Roman Empire, and marveling at wonders like the Temple of Artemis and the Celsus Library, all without the constraints of time.

The museum’s immersive approach makes you feel like a part of history, not just a bystander. It’s a fantastic addition to your Ephesus itinerary, especially if you’re keen on understanding the full story behind these ancient stones. Plus, it’s a great option if you’re traveling with kids or anyone who loves a bit of tech with their history. 

Address:  Acarlar, Efes Antik Kenti, Antik Tiyatro Karşısı, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Türkiye

Important Cities Close To Ephesus To Explore

When visiting Ephesus, you could easily add in a few other spots. While Ephesus is surrounded by countryside, it’s relatively close to Izmir , Kusadasi, Aydin, and Selcuk.

Selcuk Turkey

Selcuk is the closest place to Ephesus, at just one mile away. This large town is quite touristy, so you can easily find somewhere to stay and plenty of fantastic restaurants to try local food and excellent Turkish breakfasts . While in Selcuk, visit the Grand Fortress of Selcuk, which sits on top of a hill and has amazing views

Izmir Türkiye

The bustling coastal city of Izmir. Izmir is a fantastic , young, vibrant, and hip city with history lurking behind every corner. Located on the Aegean coastline , this bustling coastal city is also super-pretty, with a beautiful blend of old and new. The nightlife is vibrant and varied, the gastronomy is seriously on point, and there is plenty of history to explore simultaneously.

How far from Izmir to Ephesus:  It is a little over 80 km (50 miles), which takes around an hour by car.

Kusadasi Türkiye

If you want to kick back and relax, get a tan, and enjoy the summer temperatures (although warned, they’re hot), you should head to this tourist resort on the south coast with plenty to see and do. Lapped by the Aegean and Mediterranean, Kusadasi is close to Izmir and ideal for a city and beach break.

Photos Of Efes, Turkiye To Inspire You To Visit

Ephesus FAQ

How much time is needed to visit.

You will need at least one day to see the top sites, but if you want a little more time to explore, especially in the museum and the Isa Bey Mosque, we’d recommend two days.

Is Ephesus a Wonder of the World or a UNESCO Site?

Ephesus is a UNESCO site and is also home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the original 7 Wonders of the World.

What should I wear in Ephesus?

It’s always sunny and hot at the sight, so lightweight clothing, sun hats , sunscreen, and sunglasses are all a must. Good walking shoes are also key when spending the day on your feet.

Can I tour Ephesus without a guide?

While guides offer great historical context and knowledge as you explore, it is entirely okay to tour the site on your own.

Is there an audio guide option?

At the gate, you can choose an audio guide for your self-tour, offered in 10 different languages, including English, Spanish, French, and German.

Where should I stay when visiting Ephesus?

Find a hotel or hostel in Izmir, Selcuk, or Kusadasi

When is the best time to visit Ephesus?

Visit during the shoulder months of the year – May, June, late September, and October are ideal.

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Comments (3)

Ephesus is one of the most beautiful area in Izmir, even in Turkey.. You can visit our blog about destinations from Turkey if you want

Ephesus, Turkey 2024 Official Ephesus Archaeological Site Entrance Fees and Opening Hours

Ephesus — Ephesus Terrace Houses — Ephesus Museum — Temple of Artemis — St. John Basilica — House of Virgin Mary.

Combo Ticket: Ephesus + Terrace Houses 52.00 €

Combo Ticket: Ephesus + Ephesus Terrace Houses + Ephesus Museum + Basilica of St. John — 65.00 €

Tickets are available at the entry gates.

Ephesus — 40.00 € Terrace Houses — 15.00 € Ephesus Museum — 10.00 €

Basilica of St. John — 6.00 € House of Virgin Mary — 400.00 TL – ( ≈ 11.00 € )

Euro pricing is valid as of March 1, 2024

01.03.2024 exchange rate

Opening Hours:

Ephesus Ancient City—Basilica of St. John–Archaeological Museum of Ephesus

April — October Opening Time: 8.00 Closing Time: 19.00 November — March Opening Time: 8.00 Closing Time: 17.00

Ephesus Terrace Houses

April — October Opening Time: 8.00 Closing Time: 18.30 November — March Opening Time: 8.00 Closing Time: 16.30

House of Virgin Mary

April — October Opening Time: 8.00 Closing Time: 17.00 November — March Opening Time: 8.00 Closing Time: 17.00

Wow, thanks so much for that great updated info.

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The Greco-Roman world truly comes alive at Ephesus. After more than a century and a half of excavation, the city's recovered and renovated structures have made Ephesus Europe's most complete classical metropolis – and that's with 80% of the city yet to be unearthed!

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Of Turkey's hundreds of ancient cities and classical ruins, Ephesus is the grandest and best preserved. A Unesco-listed World Heritage Site, it's the best…

Library of Celsus

This magnificent library dating from the early 2nd century AD, the best-known monument in Ephesus, has been extensively restored. Originally built as part…

Terraced Houses

The roofed complex here contains seven well-preserved Roman homes built on three terraces, which are well worth the extra visiting fee. As you ascend the…

Great Theatre

Originally built under Hellenistic King Lysimachus, the Great Theatre was reconstructed by the Romans between AD 41 and 117 and it is thought St Paul…

Curetes Way

Named for the demigods who helped Lena give birth to Artemis and Apollo, the Curetes Way was Ephesus' main thoroughfare, 210m long and lined with statuary…

This square structure has toilet 'seats' along the back walls with a roof above. Although some wealthy citizens had private home bathrooms, they also used…

Temple of Hadrian

One of Ephesus' star attractions and second only to the Library of Celsus, this ornate, Corinthian-style temple honours Trajan's successor and originally…

Mary's House

Atop the foundations of a ruined house on the slopes of Bülbül Dağı (Mt Coressos), said by some to be where the Virgin Mary lived, a chapel now receives…

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A Guide to Visiting the Ancient City of Ephesus in Turkey (Türkiye)

One of the most popular places to visit in Turkey (Türkiye) is the ancient city of Ephesus. Located just outside of Selcuk (Selçuk) , this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most complete ancient cities in Europe. In this guide, you can read about everything you’ll possibly need to know before visiting Ephesus in Turkey (Türkiye).

We’ve included information on opening times, entry fees, and the benefits of having a Museum Pass. You can also read about how to get to the site, where to stay, the best times to visit and what to wear. In addition, we’ve also listed some of the highlights of Ephesus that you shouldn’t miss when walking around.

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Table of Contents

About the Ancient City of Ephesus

Located about 3 km to the west of Selcuk, Ephesus is probably the most complete ancient city in Europe . It is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the Temple of Artemis. In addition, Ephesus has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015. So it’s no wonder millions of tourists come here every year.

Ephesus was one of the most important ancient Greek cities, and also a major trading center in the Mediterranean. The city survived multiple natural disasters and attacks, changing hands many times over the centuries. For example, it was the second biggest city in the Roman Empire.

Ephesus also played an important role in the spread of Christianity, and today it is a pilgrimage destination. Both Saint Paul and Saint John visited the ancient city, and Mary apparently spent her final years in Ephesus with Saint John.

According to some sources, only about 20% of the site is fully excavated.

Read Next: 2 Days in Selcuk Itinerary, Turkey (Türkiye)

Our Top Travel Resources to Visit Ephesus

• 🛏️ Find your accommodations with Booking.com
• 🎫 Book an organised tour from Selcuk with GetYourGuide
• 🛡️Don’t forget to buy travel insurance via SafetyWing

Things to Know Before Visiting Ephesus in Turkey (Türkiye)

Ephesus guided tour or independent visit.

You can visit Ephesus with or without a guide. If you just want to take a day trip there because you’re on a cruise or short on time, then we recommend joining a guided tour. That way, you don’t need to worry about your transport and you can also learn more about the site.

However, you can totally visit the ancient city on your own. The best way to visit without a guide is to stay at least 2 days in Selcuk , the closest city to Ephesus. From there, you can get to the site for either opening time or later in the afternoon, and enjoy it before the bigger tour groups arrive, or after they’ve already left. Visiting on your own will also allow you to wander around at your own pace, and spend as long or little as you like in certain parts. You can always use the audio guide included with your ticket, which will allow you to learn more about the site without a guide.

Ephesus Entry Fee and Opening Hours

The site is open every day between 8AM and 6:30PM during the summer months, with slightly shorter opening times in winter.

One single entry to Ephesus is currently 40 EUR. There’s a separate entry fee of 15 EUR for the Terrace Houses. However, you can buy a combined entry ticket to the site and the Terrace Houses for 52 EUR, which we personally recommend. For 65 EUR you can also visit Ephesus Museum and the Basilica of St John in Selcuk. Note that prices are prone to change so always check the official website for more up-to-date information.

Top Tip. If you’re staying in Türkiye for longer, then we recommend getting either the Aegean Museum Pass for 95 EUR or the Türkiye Museum Pass for 165 EUR. It might seem like a lot, but when you add up the individual entry fees from each place you want to visit, it may work out cheaper in the end. You can check out what’s included in these passes here .

When is the Best Time to Visit Ephesus

You can basically visit Ephesus all year round, however there are better and worse times during the year. The colder months are January and February, whereas the hottest months will be July and August. The latter also coincide with the summer school holidays, which means that the site can get pretty crowded with large tour groups.

If you’d like to have a more pleasant experience, both with the temperature and the crowds, then we recommend visiting in the shoulder season; so either in spring or autumn.

If you’re visiting Ephesus in Turkey during the high-season, then we recommend getting to the site for opening time. That way you can avoid both the crowds and the heat as much as possible. Alternatively, you can also visit later in the afternoon, when a lot of people have left and the temperatures are more bearable.

How to Get to Ephesus

The easiest way to reach Ephesus is from the town of Selcuk. The ancient city is located about 3 km to the west of the town, so you can even walk there if you wish. Alternatively, you can just take a taxi there.

If you’re coming from further afield, then you can get to Izmir by either plane, bus or train first. From there, you can travel to Selcuk by train or bus. If you’re coming from Istanbul, then you can take a direct bus to Selcuk. It’s worth noting that visiting Ephesus independently on a day trip from Istanbul wouldn’t really be possible, so we recommend calculating in at least a nights stay in Selcuk.

Where to Stay When Visiting Ephesus in Turkey (Türkiye)

The ancient city of Ephesus is relatively far from other main tourist destinations in the Aegean region of Türkiye, or along the Turkish Riviera. Therefore, unless you’re visiting via a cruise or are on a day trip from somewhere nearby, we recommend spending around 2 nights in Selcuk .

Although Selcuk is a small town, it offers a good number of accommodation options. It is very walkable, but we suggest staying somewhere close to the centre where most of the attractions are. Plus, that way you won’t need to walk too far to the bus and train stations.

We stayed in Amazon Antique , which is a renovated farm house with a leafy courtyard that also included a great breakfast. The hotel was also very close to the top attractions in Selcuk. You could also check out Anz Guest House , which has a colourful interior, a rooftop terrace with lovely views of the area, and also includes breakfast. There are also many hotels with pools, such as Akanthus Hotel Ephesus , which is a great option if you’re visiting in the hotter months.

What to Wear When Visiting Ephesus in Turkey (Türkiye)

Depending on which season you’re visiting in, we generally recommend wearing something weather appropriate. Note that there won’t be any shade really, so if you’re there during the height of the summer then you’ll want to make sure you’re wearing sufficient sun protection. Wear something loose-fitting and light to keep you cool, and enough SPF on any exposed skin. Bring a hat and sunglasses for additional protection.

Regardless of when you’re visiting, we highly recommend wearing comfortable shoes. The site is pretty big and you don’t want your feet to be hurting as you explore. The rocks can get pretty slippery too, which is another reason you’d want something with good grip. We saw quite a few people slipping in their flip-flops.

Whilst there are a few food stalls near the entrances, there won’t be much once you’re inside. Therefore, bring plenty of water with you to stay hydrated during your visit. Bringing some snacks might also be a good idea in case you get a bit peckish.

What Not to Miss When Visiting Ephesus in Turkey (Türkiye)

Below we’ve listed some of the main points of interest you shouldn’t miss during your visit to the ancient city of Ephesus. If you’re visiting during the high season, you might want to get to some of these spots early on to beat the crowds. They’re popular for a reason.

Note. There are two gates you can enter the site from. We believe that tour groups normally enter through one and get picked up at the other.

1. Library of Celsus

The most popular, and photographed, spot in Ephesus is the Library of Celsus. This isn’t surprising, since it’s possibly the most stunning structure in the ancient city.

The library was built in the 1st century AD as a tribute to Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus by his son, Tiberius Julius Aquila. It was the third largest library in the ancient world. The facade has some beautiful carvings and Corinthian columns. You can also see some statues in the niches between the columns symbolizing wisdom (Sophia), knowledge (Episteme), intelligence (Ennoia) and valor (Arete).

Top Tip. If you’re visiting independently, and want to see the library without the crowds, then definitely head here first.

2. Terrace Houses

A must visit area of Ephesus is the Terrace Houses. They were luxurious residential buildings used by the societal elite between the 1st and 7th century AD.

When they were abandoned, a large portion was buried beneath soil. Thanks to this, they have been preserved in remarkable detail, giving us a glimpse into how the wealthy people of Ephesus once lived. As you walk around, you’ll see plenty of beautiful frescoes on the walls and stunning mosaics on the floors.

Note. You can’t visit the Terrace Houses with an Ephesus only ticket. You can buy the combined ticket for 950 TL (28 EUR), or use your Museum Pass.

3. The Great Theater and the Odeon

Another iconic area within Ephesus is the Great Theater . It was built in the 4th century BC as a Greek Theater, which was later converted into a Roman Theatre.

You’ll see that it is massive! It had a capacity of 24,000 people, making it the largest ancient theater in the country. Apparently famous singers such as Elton John, Sting and Madonna have held concerts at this theater. Imagine how cool that would’ve been to attend!

There’s also a much smaller one constructed by the Romans, called Odeon , in Upper Ephesus. It has a capacity of 1,400 people and served as a space for performances, concerts, political meetings, and other social events.

4. Agoras in Ephesus

There are two agoras in Ephesus. The bigger one, called Commercial Agora , is 11,000sqm and is located in Lower Ephesus. It was originally built in the Hellenistic period, and was then expanded in the Roman era. During Roman times, it was open every day.

State Agora is located within Upper Ephesus. The current structure was built in the Roman Period, although there was one here in the Hellenistic period too. It used to be a public area where they also held governmental discussions.

5. Main Streets of Ephesus

There are three main streets in Ephesus which you’ll most likely walk along. One of them is Harbor Street, or Arcadian Street , which starts from the Theater and ends in the harbour. It is about 530m long and 11m wide, and there used to be shops on either side.

The other notable street is called Marble Street . It starts in front of the Library of Celsus, passes the Theatre and goes all the way to the Temple of Artemis. The third street you’ll stroll down is Curetes Street , which connects Upper and Lower Ephesus.

Don’t forget to check out the beautiful mosaic-paved sidewalk located next to the Terrace Houses.

6. Gates in Ephesus

There are a few notable gates you should stop by when walking around. Located right next to Celsus Library is the Gate of Mazeus and Mithridates . This triumphal arch was built in 40 AD by two slaves, Mazeus and Mythridates, in honour of Emperor Augustus, who gave them their freedom.

Another gate you should see is the Hercules Gate , located along Curetes street, which divides the upper city of Ephesus. Its name comes from the reliefs of Hercules that decorate the columns.

Another triumphal arch in Ephesus is Hadrian’s Gate . As you’ve probably guessed, this gate got its name from Emperor Hadrian, who is well-known for building impressive structures such as the Theatre in Hierapolis in Pamukkale , and Hadrian’s Wall in the north of England in the UK .

7. Temples of Ephesus

There are also a few temples within Ephesus you should try to see. One of the best preserved is Hadrian’s Temple , built in honour of Emperor Hadrian. Another is the Temple of Domitian , which was constructed in the 1st century AD. It was apparently the biggest temple in the city, however not much of it is left today. There’s also the Temple of Isis , which is an Egyptian temple.

You can see Temenos , located between the Odeon and the Prythaneion, and the Temple of Serapis , which is located in the Commercial Agora.

8. Fountains of Ephesus

As you wander around the site, you’ll notice quite a few remains of beautiful fountains too.

• Trajan Fountain is located next to Hadrian’s Temple, and is one of the most impressive fountains in Ephesus. It is dedicated to Emperor Trajan.
• Fountain of Pollio , located opposite the Temple of Domitian, is dedicated to Pollios Sextiliues, who built the aqueduct that carried water to the fountains of the city.
• Hydreon Fountain is located around Hercules’ Gate. They probably used the water in this fountain to keep the streets clean.

Fancy visiting other ancient cities in Türkiye?  If so, then check out some of our other blog posts:

• One Day in the Ancient City of Hierapolis in Pamukkale
• How to Visit the Ancient City of Perge from Antalya

Final Thoughts on Visiting Ephesus in Turkey (Türkiye)

Visiting Ephesus in Turkey (Türkiye) independently, and staying in Selcuk for a few nights, was a great decision. We were so glad that we could enjoy the site later in the afternoon when some of the big tour groups were already leaving. Since we were there at the start of September, the temperatures were still pretty high, so getting there later was a great way to avoid the hottest part of the day. The site itself was very impressive, and it sometimes felt like we’d been transported back in time, especially in the Terrace Houses.

Have you ever been to the ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey before? If so, did you visit on your own or as part of an organised tour? If not, would you visit Ephesus independently? Let us know in the comments below.

Now, let your adventure begin,

Our Top Travel Resources

Accommodation:  For hotels we always use  Booking.com  and  Hostelworld  for hostels. We also book longer stays on Airbnb or  Vrbo.

Flights:  To find the best flight prices we always check  Skyscanner ,  Google Flights  or  WayAway.  Then we also check the airlines’ websites too for comparison.

Car Rentals:  We use  Discover Cars  when we want to rent a car as it compares local, national and international companies.

Activities:  If we book organised tours we always check either  GetYourGuide  or  Viator.

Foreign Currency:  Whenever we can we prefer to pay in local currency and for that we always use our  Wise card.   We can easily withdraw money from the ATM or pay by card at most shops and restaurants.

Travel Insurance: We never go anywhere without travel insurance. You never know what will happen on your trip, so good travel insurance like SafetyWing can protect you in case of injury, illness, theft and cancellations.

eSIM and VPN: To get data abroad we use  Airalo which is an app that allows you to download a prepaid eSIM to your phone in over 190 countries. Make sure to have a VPN to avoid hackers accessing your personal data when using public WIFI. We use  Surfshark  which is the only VPN that offers one account on unlimited devices. 

Remember…It all starts with a Pin…

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Visiting Ephesus in One Day: Exploring a Biblical City’s Ruins

By: Author Christine Wheeler

Posted on Published: June 28, 2019  - Last updated: September 3, 2020

On our road trip through Turkey , we both wanted to stop and spend one day in Ephesus. We did not expect it to be much, but we wanted to see the ruins of the Biblical city where Paul once walked. The ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus surprised me. The ruins are impressive and worth the visit.

Exploring the ruins of Ephesus, located just outside of Selçuk in Turkey, did not take long. You can easily see them in a few hours without a tour. If you are visiting Ephesus for the first time, here is everything you need to know about the ancient city and its ruins.

*This post may contain affiliate links. Purchasing through these links earns us a small commission at no extra charge to you.

What to See in Ancient Ephesus

All in all, we spent about 3 – 4 hours exploring the ruins of ancient Ephesus. We would have spent less time, but they did not kick us out at closing time because of an evening event taking place. We felt that was a good amount of time to wander the city from the bottom of the hill to the top and back again. These were our favorite stops along the way.

Library of Celsus

The Library of Celsus is the highlight of the Ephesus ruins. It is a must see and you can’t miss it on the road through ancient Ephesus. The Library of Celsus is the third largest library in the ancient world. It was built to hold 12,000 scrolls and completed in 114 – 117 A.D. Built by his son to honor him, Senator Celsus is buried in a mausoleum underneath the library. The facade lay in ruins for years before being put back together again between 1970 and 1978.

After I saw pictures of it online, I knew I wanted to see it but that it would be crowded. Since we went in the afternoon, we decided to make it our last stop, hoping the tours would leave by then. It worked!

While we did make it our last stop, we also stumbled upon it earlier. As we wandered through the ruins on the main path, I noticed a decent amount of people around taking pictures of something. I looked over, and there it was. At first, it was smaller than I expected. From the road, you walk down a path to get to the bottom of the library. When we came back later and walked down, it looked more like the size I expected. At first, I thought that it must be a similar building instead of the real thing.

The first time we walked past the Library of Celsus

Because the Library of Celsus is the main stop in Ephesus, it is also one of the more crowded spots. If you want to get photos without anyone in them, get there when it opens and go straight to the Library. Do not stop anywhere along the way as you can go back later. If you are like us and visit in the afternoon, make it your last stop. There will probably still be a few other people there, but you can use creative angles to crop them out or take turns taking photos. We ended up waiting for the last family to finish their photos before we took our photos.

Because we were the only ones left, we set up the tripod to take a picture of us. It was right at closing time, and a security guard walking by came over to us. We assumed it would be to tell us to leave. It was not. He just let us know that we could not use the tripod to take pictures for security reasons and then left us alone. We respected the rule even though there was no one else around to take pictures of us. We ended up setting the camera on a rock instead. If you are traveling alone, have a plan to get pictures of yourself that does not involve a tripod.

Sunset at the Library of Celsus

Curetes Street

Curetes Street is one of the main streets through Ephesus. It connects the upper part of Ephesus to the lower part of Ephesus. Many of the main stops throughout the ruins are along Curetes Street. The street leads from the Library of Celsus up through a main street that was full of shops in ancient times.

This street is made of marble, and parts of it were a bit slick. While avoiding these areas and finding steady footing is not difficult, be aware of the slippery patches, especially if it is wet. You can see the parts of the street that have been smoothed out and have become slippery from years of use.

Terrace Houses

The Terrace Houses in Ephesus are an extra fee of 30 TL (about $5). It is worth the fee. If you visit in the summer like we did, it is worth it even more because you get a break in the air conditioning and shade for a while. The area opens at the same time as the ruins but closes 30 minutes beforehand.

The Terrace Houses are the homes where the wealthy lived in ancient Ephesus. The houses were used from the first to seventh century A.D. Inside the closed in area, you find six homes full of mosaics and walls that tell the stories of ancient myths.

While inside, you follow a walkway through the different levels of the homes. When we visited, we were the only ones inside. We took our time, enjoying the air conditioning and imagining what life was like for these families. The work that went into these homes is incredible. The mosaics and painted walls show the wealth these families had. There are signs along the way to point out things or explain things for visitors. If you are visiting with a tour, you will have to see if the tour includes the Terrace Houses or not.

The Great Theater & The Odeon Theater

These two theaters in Ephesus are at opposite ends of the ruins. If you enter from the lower entrance, the Great Theater is the first one you see. If you enter from the upper entrance, you first come across the Odeon Theater. The Great Theater is the more crowded of the two, at least when we went. It is also the bigger of the two by far.

The Great Theater of Ephesus

If you walk the main roads through the entire ruins, both theaters are on your route. Take time to explore the Great Theater, the biggest ancient theater in Turkey. It seats 24,000 people. Built back in the 4th century BC, it was a Greek theater that later became a Roman theater.

For Christians or those interested in history, the Great Theater is where the events of Acts 19:23 – 41 took place. A silversmith by the name of Demetrius started a riot against Paul for speaking out against Artemis (Diana). The Temple of Artemis is nearby and one of the Ancient Wonders of the World. Because Paul spoke out against worshiping her, the silversmiths worried they would lose income for their silver shrines sold to visitors. They took Paul’s companions into the theater, but the apostles pleaded with Paul not to go. Eventually, a city clerk dispelled the crowd, encouraging them to take their problems to the legal system instead of a public assembly as the men had committed no crime.

There was a concert in the Great Theater on the day we visited. It was a special event being held that night. Because off that, we were not asked to leave at closing time. I am not sure if they are as lax about closing time when there is not an event, but it worked out well for us.

The Odeon Theater

Unlike the Great Theater which began as a Greek theater, the Odeon Theater was built by the Romans. It seats 1,400 people, so it is much smaller than the Great Theater. Before it was excavated, the entire theater was underground. It is also less crowded than the Great Theater, making it a good photo spot.

Temple of Hadrian

The Temple of Hadrian sits across the street from the Terrace Houses. Built in the second century, the temple honors the Roman emperor Hadrian. Later it became a Christian church. This impressive structure was restored more recently and is along the main path. This makes it an easy stop as you wander through Ephesus.

Practical Information for Visiting Ephesus

Ephesus is popular for tours, but it is still easy to visit on your own. For our road trip through Turkey , we visited Ephesus after coming from Istanbul. From Ephesus, we continued our road trip to the thermal baths at Pamukkale and then to experience the fairy chimneys and hot air balloon sunrises of Cappadocia .

Opening Hours & Ticket Prices

The ruins of Ephesus open at 8 a.m. all year long. In the summer months, from April to October, the ruins close at 7 p.m. The rest of the year, from November to March, they close a little earlier at 5 p.m. The night we were there, there was a concert in the Great Theater. We ended up staying until 7:30 or 7:45, and no one asked us to leave. We planned to be out by 7, but since it was empty and no one was asking us to leave, we kept taking pictures as we slowly made our way out. There was a tour group there for the concert and security walking around, but that was it.

The cost to enter the ruins is 60 TL (Turkish Lira) or about $10. If you choose to visit the Terrace Houses, the price is an additional 30 TL or about $5. Children under 12 are free except in the Terrace Houses where only children under 6 are free. There is a Museum Pass if you are planning to visit multiple museums or historical sites in western Turkey. The cost is 185 TL (or about $32), and you purchase the pass at the entrance to the museums or historical sites.

Archway near the Odeon Theater

The Two Entrances & What To Avoid

There are two entrances to Ephesus. There is a lower entrance and upper entrance. The lower entrance has a huge parking lot that was mostly empty. There were a few tour buses. When we walked through the ancient streets to the top of the ruins, we found the second entrance. I’m not sure if cars can park up there or if it is just for tours as we did not walk all the way up to the actual exit to see. The entrance at the top does not have much going on around it. The lower entrance is the main entrance with shops, bathrooms and food available.

Because the lower entrance is more popular, the upper part of Ephesus is less crowded. The crowds mainly stay between the Great Theater and the Library of Celsus. They wander out from there a little bit, but the upper area of the ruins near the top entrance is not as crowded. This includes the area around the Odeon Theater.

View of Ancient Ephesus and the surrounding area

We parked at the lower entrance. As soon as we exited the car, a man approached us. He offered us a ride to the top in a buggy with a horse or donkey pulling it. The price was cheap, and his selling point was that it was 1600 meters. At first it sounded like it might be a tough walk, and he tried to convince us it was. He told us it was all uphill and kept telling us it was 1600 meters. Being American, I think he assumed we would not know how far 1600 meters was. Being a runner, I knew it was about a mile.

We opted not to take him up on his offer. We did not regret it one bit. The roads are flat in some areas and gradually slope upwards in others. You are not climbing a mountain. It has some sections that are more uphill than others, but it is not strenuous. Because it is not a race to the top, it makes it easy to stop and take breaks. Honestly, you will probably stop a lot along the way and take some detours to check out other things as well. Thanks to frequent stops and taking in the ruins, the uphill is not so bad (and we are flatlanders).

If you are worried about the walk to the top, know this is an option. If you take the ride to the top, you walk back down to the bottom and pass the sites once. We liked walking to the top and back because it gave us two chances to see everything.

Columns near the Library of Celsus

Tripods Not Allowed

We learned the hard way that tripods are not allowed. We set up once everyone left to get a picture together, and then a security guard came over to let us know about the rule. Since no one else was around, we ended up using a rock as a tripod to get a picture of us. If you are a solo traveler or a travel couple who wants pictures together, be aware that you will not be able to use your tripod. When other people were around, we took turns taking pictures for each other. If people were not around, we took selfies or set the camera on rocks.

How we found out that tripods are not allowed

When to Visit Ephesus & What to Wear

Ephesus gets quite hot in the summer. We went on a summer afternoon in June, and it was warm. The temperature was in the lower 80s (about 27C), but there was no shade and little breeze. In the winter, the temperature drops to the 40s and 50s (average of 9 – 12C).

For the summer, we wore shorts and t-shirts and were happy with our decision. In the winter, plan to bundle up more depending on your tolerance for the cold. No matter when you go, wear comfortable shoes. Wearing shoes with a good grip helps in areas where the marble is slippery. I wore my flip flops, and they were comfortable but had no traction on the marble.

The Grand Theater

How to Get to Ephesus & Where to Stay

We drove to Ephesus from Istanbul. The drive from Istanbul to Ephesus took about 5.5 hours, but we stopped partway and stayed at Onhann Hotel in Balikesir and enjoyed our room and breakfast there. This area was about 2.5 hours away from the ruins. There are quite a few hotel options much closer to Ephesus in nearby Selçuk  too.

From Ephesus, we continued on to the thermal pools in Pamukkale . The thermal pools are about 2.5 hours from Ephesus and are worth the visit. If you are staying near Pamukkale, a day trip to Ephesus would be perfect.

Many people who visit Ephesus come from Kusadasi . Kusadasi is a coastal city and cruise port, making it a popular tourist destination. Many day tours come from Kusadasi, and Ephesus makes for a popular cruise excursion. If you visit this way, I would hire a taxi for the day, but that is just because we try to avoid tours. If you enjoy tours, there are many available.

While you are in Ephesus, make sure to eat at Agora Restaurant . It is right next to the museum (not the ruins), and the food is delicious. We enjoyed sitting outside in the shade and relaxing there before exploring the ruins for the rest of the day.

Other Things to Do in Ephesus & Selçuk

Besides the ruins of Ephesus, there are several other options for a trip to the Ephesus and Selçuk area. There are museums to visit including the Ephesus Archaeological Museum which houses many of the items found in the excavation of Ephesus. Besides the ruins and museum, here are some of the other top stops in Ephesus.

Temple of Artemis

This was our first stop in Ephesus. While there is not much left, the Temple of Artemis is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. There was no one else there when we went except for an older gentleman selling postcards in the parking lot. Only one pillar out of the original 127 remains standing. It only takes a few minutes to see it, and it is not too far off the beaten path.

For Christians or history fans, this is the temple that Paul spoke out against in Acts. When he spoke out against this temple, some of the silversmiths started a little riot against him. They sold silver shrines to visitors from all over who came to worship Artemis (Diana) and worried it would hurt their bottom line.

The Temple of Artemis

The Basilica of St. John

The entry fee for the Basilica of St. John is 15 TL (about $2.50). It opens at 8 a.m. all year. It closes at 7 p.m. from April to October and at 5 p.m. from November to March. Built in the 6th century, it is believed to be built over the burial site of John the Apostle. We did not visit due to staying at Ephesus until it closed.

It is believed that John went to Ephesus in the later years of his life and took Mary, the mother of Jesus, with him. While there, he wrote the books of the Bible attributed to him other than Revelation. He lived here, was sentenced to exile on Patmos (where he wrote Revelation) and then returned when he was pardoned. He lived out the rest of his life preaching here according to early church sources and died here. There was a church built on this site before this to honor the apostle. However, it was torn down for the basilica to be built.

If you choose to visit the Selçuk Castle, you enter through the Basilica of St. John. We saw it from the Temple of Artemis, but there are mixed reviews on whether it is worth the climb or not.

The area near the Library of Celsus

Cave of the Seven Sleepers

This is a popular spot due to the story attached to it. According to the story, seven young men hid in a cave to escape religious prosecution. They fell asleep and emerged from the cave 300 years later. The story gained traction when an early bishop spread the tale. The story also appears in the Qur’an. Many tourists still visit this site, but we did not.

House of the Virgin Mary

We also skipped this one, but the house where Mary, the mother of Jesus, lived out the rest of her life is believed to be here as well. Because Jesus told John to take care of his mother, many believe he took her to Ephesus with him. It is now a Catholic shrine and a popular stop in Ephesus. The cost to visit is 35 TL ($6). The area opens at 8 a.m. all year. It closes at 6 p.m. from March to October and at 5 p.m. from November to February.

The area near the Odeon Theater

Near the lower entrance to the ruins in Ephesus

Visiting Ephesus for a day trip is a perfect stop for anyone who enjoys history and ancient ruins. The ruins only take a few hours to see, and then you can continue your trip through Turkey. What are some other ancient ruins outside of Rome and Athens that are must see ruins?

Looking for more Turkey tips? Check out our posts with our full road trip itinerary as well as our posts on visiting Cappadocia and spending a day in Pamukkale .

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Tuesday 14th of May 2024

Any tips on where to go upon arrival in a cruise ship? Not sure I want to buy an excursion. Thanks!

Christine Wheeler

Wednesday 5th of June 2024

I would suggest taking a taxi to the ruins and walking around there. You can explore on your own without doing a tour or excursion.

The Perfect Road Trip Through Turkey: A 6 Day Itinerary - Live.Love.Run.Travel.

Monday 16th of December 2019

[…] Once we arrived in Ephesus, finding food was our first order of business. We ate outside near the ruins at Agora Restaurant and enjoyed relaxing while we ate. Our next stop was the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Finally, we made it to the ruins of the Biblical city of Ephesus around 3:30 or 4:00 p.m. (find our full one day guide to Ephesus here). […]

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Pamukkale's Thermal Pools - Live.Love.Run.Travel.

Saturday 26th of October 2019

[…] rented a car for a road trip around Turkey, so we drove to Pamukkale. We started in Istanbul, then headed to Ephesus, made a quick stop in Pamukkale, and then finished out the trip in Cappadocia (see our guide here) […]

Cappadocia in 3 Days: All the Can't Miss Locations - www.liveloveruntravel.com

Wednesday 21st of August 2019

[…] and other cities, but we decided to do a road trip. We flew into Istanbul and then drove to Ephesus and Pamukkale on the way to Cappadocia. It paid off to have a rental car in Cappadocia to get to […]

Joe Wheeler

Wednesday 3rd of July 2019

What a great article. It sparks the desire to visit there. You're a great guide and appreciate your posts.

Ephesus, Turkey: Best Sites to Visit in the Ancient City

Without a doubt, the most impressive Ancient City to visit in all of Turkey is Ephesus. Built by the Greeks in the 10th century BC, it was once the trade and commercial center of the ancient world.

Located in modern-day Selcuk, Ephesus has been ruled by a succession of empires – Greek, Persian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. Second, only to Rome in its importance during the 1st and 2nd century AD, it had a booming population between 33 000-56 000.

What makes Ephesus so special is that it is one of the biggest and most well-preserved ruins in the world. Excavations started in 1869 and in 2015 Ephesus was added as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

When walking down the streets of this ancient city you will get a good sense of what it was like during its time. You literally will be walking in the footsteps of those who played an important role in world history.

Ephesus was visited by such notable people as Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Mark Anthony, Cleopatra and the home to St. Paul, St. John and the Virgin Mary.

Interestingly enough, although Ephesus is so huge most of the city still remains uncovered. Throughout the centuries both invasions and earthquakes have damaged the city leaving approximately 85% still underground. 

Don’t leave home without:  Lonely Planet Turkey (Travel Guide)

The Greek Legend of Ephesus

Table of Contents

There is a Greek legend that says that in the 11th century BC Androclos was searching for a new settlement. When he turned to the Delphi oracles for guidance they told him that a boar and a fish would show him the new location.

One day he was frying fish over a fire and the fish flipped out of the pan and landed in the nearby bushes. A spark ignited the bushes and at that moment a wild boar ran out.

Recalling the oracles wisdom, Androclos built his new settlement where the bushes once stood and called it Ephesus.

Exploring Ephesus, Turkey

There are so many extraordinary sites to discover when exploring this ancient city. Reflected on the monuments that are scattered around the site, Ephesus is an amazing reflection of Hellenistic, Roman Imperial and early Christian periods.

The public buildings are arranged in a rectangular street pattern. They include the theater, the marketplace that is surrounded by sheltered promenades, the library, and the many baths and gymnasiums.

The main road that runs through the city is called Curetes Street. Extravagantly lined with columns and paved with marble, this thoroughfare was used for ceremonies to honor the Greek Goddess Artemis and said to be walked on by Cleopatra and Mark Antony. 

Make sure to take notice of the ground because the marble surfaces were intentionally cut into to prevent them from being slippery during the rain. Some of the marble blocks are inscribed with green names which note that the work had been completed but still needed to be paid for.

Interestingly enough at the intersection of Curetes Street and Marble Road, you will also discover the world’s earliest recorded advertisement – a carving of a footprint, a purse, a woman and a library.

This was advertising the House of Love, or otherwise known as a brothel. 

Best Things to Do in Ephesus, Turkey

Temple of Hadrian

One of the highlights of Curetes Street is the Temple of Hadrian. It was built prior to 138 AD and dedicated to Emperor Hadrian who came to visit the city in 128 AD. On the outside of the temple, you will see four Corinthian columns that support a beautifully carved arch.

Inside the temple stands a human figure that is said to be Medusa. On both sides, there are friezes that tell the story about how Ephesus came to be, from Androklos shooting the boar, Dionysus in a ceremonial procession and the Amazons.

The fourth frieze depicts Apollo and another male figure. The friezes that are seen on site today are only copies and the originals are displayed in the Ephesus Museum. 

Venture back in time and experience Christian history during a guided sightseeing tour of Ephesus from Kusadasi . Travel to the Mediterranean’s ancient city and admire the Temple of Hadrian, Library of Celsus and the Great Theater. You will have a traditional Turkish lunch and then be inspired by the House of the Virgin Mary, where Mary eternally rests.

Library of Celsus

For me, the most spectacular part of Ephesus was the massive Library of Celsus. Built-in honor of Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, this two-story masterpiece was built between 114 and 117 AD.

This architectural genius was the third largest library during ancient times. It was built to house over 12 000 scrolls, but sadly they were all destroyed in a fire. The library is absolutely stunning with towering Corinthian columns guarding the entrance.

It was built upon a platform where nine steps span the full width of the entire front entrance. There are also four statues carved into the niches at the entrance, although these are now replicas.

They each symbolize the four virtues – Sophia, representing wisdom, Episteme, representing knowledge, Ennoia, representing intelligence and Arete, representing valor.

Today Celsus’ remains still lay in a crypt underneath the library. This building truly is a sight to see and worth the visit to Ephesus in of itself. 

Journey back to ancient Rome on this half-day shore excursion to Ephesus from Kusadasi . Marvel over the magnificent ruins of Ephesus, including the Library of Celsus and Terrace Houses, where the city’s wealthiest residents once lived. 

Ephesus Great Theater

Another amazing structure to visit is the Ephesus Great Theater. It was first constructed during the Hellenistic Period around 3rd century BC but then expanded by the Romans in 1st century AD.

This massive open-air theater is built on a hill and had a seating capacity of 25 000. The stage building itself is three stories tall and is adorned with columns, niches, windows, and statues.

At the height of its time, the Emperor’s Box was located in the lower section and had marble seats that were reserved for the most important spectators.

The Ephesus Great Theater was used for various activities such as concerts, plays, religious, political and philosophical discussions as well as animal and gladiator fights. It is even believed that St. Paul preached his sermons from the theater.

At one time there was a conflict between himself and Artemis’ supporters that banned him from entering the theater, eventually landing him in prison. 

Leave the modern streets of Kusadasi behind and discover the ancient city of Ephesus on a private 6-hour tour . This flexible itinerary allows you to take your time and only visit the locations that interest you. With private transportation at your disposal, you’re able to zip from place to place comfortably and efficiently. 

Terraced Houses

For an additional fee, you can explore the most recently excavated part of Ephesus. The terraced houses were the homes of the most wealthy and built in a modern Roman style.

Built-in approximately the 1st century, the houses are extremely well preserved with mosaics, artwork and even love letters written on the walls. It is interesting to know that some of the homes even had hot and cold baths, marble floors and heating systems!

An added bonus for visiting the terraced houses is that they are covered so it is a nice reprieve if you need a break from the sun. 

Temple of Artemis

Another important part of Ephesus’ history is the Temple of Artemis. Although little remains from its original splendor, it is one of the original Ancient 7 Wonders of the World.

The Temple of Artemis was first built by Croesus, King of Lydia in 550 BC. It was built as a place to worship the Greek Goddess Artemis – goddess of fertility, the earth, the moon, and the animals.

To put it into perspective, at its time it was said to be 3 to 4 times the size of Athens’ Parthenon. It was adorned with intricate works of art and stood over 350 feet tall.

Today only one lone column remains with a stork’s nest perched on top. Thankfully, however, the original statue of Artemis was salvaged and is displayed in the Ephesus Museum. 

Travel back to Ancient Greek and Roman times as you explore the ruins of UNESCO-listed Ephesus, make a pilgrimage to view the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This all-inclusive private day tour includes round-trip air-conditioned transport from Kusadasi, lunch, and admission fees, plus a guided walking tour of Ephesus.

The Prytaneion was not only a city hall but a place where religious ceremonies, official receptions, and banquets were held. There was a sacred flame that was kept constantly alight and was located in the center of the ceremonial hall.

The flame symbolized the heart of Ephesus and the base of the altar is still recognizable today. During excavations, 2 Artemis statues were found which are now on display at the Ephesus Museum. 

Baths of Varius

The Baths of Varius is a marble complex that was first built around 2nd century AD. It has had several restorations over the centuries which gives this site its unique and varied look.

The baths were built not only for bathing but also for socializing. Built from cut blocks of marble this site is quite extraordinary. There are also mosaics that run 131 feet long in the corridor that date back to 5th century AD.

The baths covered a massive area and what you see today is just a small portion, as excavations have not been fully completed. 

Ephesus Museum

Located off the Ephesus site, just across from the Otogar Bus Station in Selcuk is the Ephesus Museum.  Any artifact that was dug up between 1867-1905 was taken to the British Museum and those that were found between 1905-1923 were taken to Vienna.

After the founding of the New Turkish Republic, the government forbid any of its relics to be taken out of the country and required that any artifacts formerly taken be returned to Turkey.

In 1964 Ephesus Museum was founded and excavations from the Ephesus site were then proudly displayed in this small but important museum. The museum is open from 8 am – 6:30 pm daily.

How to Get to Ephesus, Turkey

• By Air: The closest airport to Selcuk is in Izmir, which is approximately 50 miles away. Many flights leave Istanbul each day and only take about an hour and fifteen minutes to Izmir. From the airport, you can either take the train, taxi or shuttle. If you fly from Istanbul with Atlas Jet, they have their own complimentary shuttle service directly to Selcuk. 
• By Train: The train station is located directly on the Adnan Menderes Airport grounds and leaves 8 times per day. Although I have not experienced the journey by train myself, I have heard that it can get very busy and you might have to stand for the entire journey. 
• By Shuttle: Although not as straightforward as the train, you can also take a shuttle. They can be caught at the Central Bus Station called the Otogar. They are not located directly on the airport grounds but are about a mile away. The vehicle looks like an over-sized minivan and is labeled Selcuk-Ephesus. The journey from the bus station takes about one hour as it will have other stops along the way. 
• By Taxi: The most expensive, but straightforward way to get from the airport to Selcuk would be by taxi. It costs approximately 100 TL which is about $18 US.
• By Bus: Traveling by bus through Turkey is incredibly easy. There are plenty of overnight buses that travel to Izmir and finding the perfect connection can be just a click away .  Once in Izmir, you can travel to Selcuk the same way as above; by train, shuttle or taxi. 

Located just 1 and a half miles from the center of Selcuk, Ephesus is very easy to get to. It is so close that you can even walk to the site from the town center, however, I do warn against doing so as you will be walking through the uncovered site for most of the day.

Instead, the dolmus (shuttle) is available and will drop you off at the lower entrance gate which costs a mere 2 TL. 

As of 2019, entrance into Ephesus is 60 TL  for adults (approximately $10 US) and children under 12 are free. From April to October the hours are 8 am to 7 pm and during the winter months of November to March the hours are from 8 am to 5 pm.

There are a few additional charges if you want to explore certain sites. 

• The Terraced Houses 36 TL (children under 12 are free but it is suggested to bring a copy of the child’s passport for validity)
• The House of Mary 35 TL
• Basilica of St John 18 TL
• Museum of Ephesus 15 TL

Tips for Visiting Ephesus

My biggest suggestion when visiting Ephesus is to wear a hat, wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water. There is barely any shade throughout the entire city which can make the exploration in the summer months very tiresome.

Planning your visit early in the morning is ideal so that you can avoid the heat of the day as well as the crowds. Ephesus is near the Mediterranean Sea so this is a common stop for cruise ships.

Water is sold throughout the site, however, like most tourist attractions food and drinks are heavily overpriced. Give yourself at least two hours to explore the site and because the footpaths in the city are relatively uneven, wearing a comfortable pair of walking shoes or runners is definitely suggested.

Finally, make sure to stop and take it all in. You truly will be taking a stroll through an important part of history so embrace your surroundings and enjoy every second.

More on Turkey:

• What to Wear in Turkey: Ultimate Turkey Packing List
• 11 Unmissable Things to do in Istanbul
• 9 Reasons to Visit Selcuk Turkey (Including Ephesus!)
• Foolproof Guide to Pamukkale Turkey
• Cappadocia, Turkey: 10 Things to Know Before You Go
• 5 Reasons to Add Cirali, Turkey to Your itinerary
• Dalyan, Turkey: Essential Guide & Best Things to do

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Travel planning resources, about heather halpern.

Based in Edmonton, Canada - I caught the ‘travel bug’ many years ago when I was a competitive rhythmic gymnast and haven’t been able to quench the thirst for exploring the world. Even though I live a pretty regular life with a full time job, I aim to take at least one overseas adventure a year. This means, I skimp, save and try to live the happiest life possible throughout the year so that I can experience my one true love…travel!

1 thought on “Ephesus, Turkey: Best Sites to Visit in the Ancient City”

As of 2020, entrance into Ephesus is 100 TL for adults and children under 8 are free.

There are a few additional charges if you want to explore certain sites.

The Terraced Houses 45 TL (children under 8 are free but it is suggested to bring a copy of the child’s passport for validity) The House of Mary 45 TL Basilica of St John 25 TL Museum of Ephesus 25 TL

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Ephesus Ancient City Ruins and Why You Should Visit

On Turkey’s Aegean Coast, near the popular coastal resort of Kusadasi, sits the Ephesus ancient city ruins, a marvellous testament to extensive work of historians and archaeologists over many centuries.

It portrays magnificence, leaves people speechless and shows evidence of forwarding thinking, intelligence, and the Roman Empire’s confidence. Indeed, Ephesus should be on everyone’s bucket list when they visit Turkey.

As visitors walk around the excavated and reconstructed structures; it is easy to connect the dots. The ancient ruins of Ephesus portray how Romans lived their lives, from the water aqueducts, terraced houses, and public latrines, used by wealthy and influential citizens of society.

Visiting Ephesus Ancient City Ruins

The biblical significance of ephesus.

The ancient city of Ephesus is a favourite destination of tourists visiting Turkey because of its breath-taking ruins and significant historical and religious significance. Roman rule contributed towards Ephesus’s fame and significance, but a turning point was when the local council persecuted many citizens turning to the new religion. Hence, they met in secret. Biblical characters like Paul, John, and the Virgin Mary also visited the city.

Many historians believe Saint John wrote his Gospel while in Ephesus, and when the Virgin Mary was dying, he took her to the green hills of Selcuk, above Ephesus and laid her to rest. Although unverified, the Roman Catholic Church watches over her shrine, receiving hundreds of visitors daily.

Ephesus was also one of seven revelation churches, as mentioned in the Bible’s New Testament, which stated that it had forgotten its first love. It is also a Roman era glory containing extensive collections of ruins including the Tomb of St. John, Gate of Augustus, Hadrian Temple, and Pyrtaneion.

Grand Theatre of Ancient Ephesus

The most breath-taking piece of architecture in Ephesus is the Great Theatre. Erected on the slope of Mt. Pion, towering over the city at 100 feet with a capacity of a massive 25,000 people, the Apostle Paul used it to preach the Gospel to Ephesians and condemn pagan worship.

It was also the venue for political, religious, and philosophical discussions, gladiator fights, plays and concerts. Its most famous event though was the Artemis riots that took place there. In Christianity’s early days, many people that had not converted were still worshipping gods of which one was Artemis, goddess of fertility.

Demetrius was a silversmith who sold Artemis figures, but because of Saint Paul’s preaching, his sales were diminishing. He incited a crowd who gathered in the theatre demanding recognition of Artemis.

Saint Paul’s friends begged him to go away from the congregation since they were in no mood to listen, but an intelligent city clerk calmed them down and urged them to follow the law by protesting to the courts.

The main Marble Street is more than just a road leading from the Great Theatre to the Celsius Library. Filled with interesting archaeological artefacts including a brothel advertisement and engraved letters of emperors and busts of famous people in history, Marble Street traces its origins to the 1st century although it was open only to pedestrians until the 5th century when paved with marble blocks so both pedestrians and carriages could use it.

Roman Terrace Houses at Ephesus

Although the ancient ruins of Ephesus have many historical landmarks to boast about, a highlighted and most celebrated of recent years is the Roman terrace houses. Sitting on the Bulbul Mountain slope, they belonged to wealthy citizens who used slaves to clean and maintain their immaculate homes. The interior floor and wall mosaics are why they have taken centre stage, and they are marvellous artefacts depicting how rich people lived.

The Ancient Celsius Library

Sitting at the end of the main street, the majestic Celsius library was one of three sizeable ancient world libraries. Holding 12,000 scrolls, it was a pinnacle point in the social life of philosophers and creative artisans.

Built-to honour the Roman senator of the same name, his tomb was underneath. It is because of extensive restoration work that took place for eight years in the 70s that we can see the library’s front facade because a 3 rd -century earthquake demolished it.

Seeing the Celsius library portrays how important wisdom was to Romans, prompting them to store information in public buildings all over their empire. So necessary was knowledge to them that the architecture and foundation were well planned out.

Ephesus City’s State Agora

The 4 th -century state agora built under the rule of Alexander the Great was a business capital where state heads converged to discuss business matters. The ruins that stand now are not the original structure but remains of the restored Agora under the efforts of Faustina, the wife of Marcus Aurelius.

Although used for commerce and trade, they found a terra cotta sarcophagus on-site, suggesting that a necropolis existed in the 7th and 6th centuries BC. Aside from a necropolis, a discovered water reservoir supplied water to Ephesus.

Artemis Temple near Ephesus

The 7 th century BC Artemis Temple of Artemis, built under King Croesus of Lydia’s reign was a place of worship to Artemis, the Greek goddess of hunt and wilderness, who was also the twin of Apollo.

Except for its roof, the marble temple succeeded the Parthenon’s grandiosity. It was a sanctuary for beautiful pieces of art, much of those were sculptures by the famous Greek artists Kresilas, Phidias and Polyclitus.

The wealthy citizens of Ephesus also donated extravagant pieces of jewellery, silver, and gold to adorn the temple but in 356 BC, a young man named Herostratus, who wanted to gain infamy burned down the magnificent building.

The British Museum now holds fragments and remains found in the early 1900s. Philo of Byzantium, a 3 rd -century Greek engineer and writer, wrote….

“I have seen the walls and Hanging Gardens of ancient Babylon, the statue of Olympian Zeus, the Colossus of Rhodes, the mighty work of the high Pyramids and the tomb of Mausolus. However, when I saw the temple at Ephesus rising to the clouds, all these other wonders were put in the shade.”

The Virgin Mary’s House

Devoted Christians should visit the Virgin Mary house, believed to have been her last home before she ascended. Records say Mary was delegated to Saint John the Baptist’s care by Jesus Christ after his resurrection, and John brought Mary to Ephesus where he also planned to spread the teachings of Christ.

The House of Virgin Mary is a humble example of Roman architecture, made from stones. Christian and Muslim pilgrims and tourists visit the House of Virgin Mary to pay tribute, offer prayers and drink from the miraculous springs nearby. You can combine a visit with tours to Ephesus or nearby Selcuk, which also holds such sites like Saint John ’s basilica.

Other Ancient Ruins in Aegean Turkey

Priene, Miletus and Didyma: Allow yourself a full day to tour the stunning archaeological sites of Priene, Miletus and Didyma, which are only short distances from one another. Priene traces its history back to 2000 BC and includes restored buildings such as Priene theatre and agora, Temenos of Egyptian Gods, Athena Temple, and Temenos of Zeus Olympios.

Twenty-two kilometres from Priene, you’ll reach Miletus and find the Theater of Miletus, Seljuk Caravanserai, Temple of Serapis, Faustina II’s baths, Martyrion and the Bishop’s Church. Near Miletus is Didyma, which was the place of conception of Zeus and Leto’s twins, Apollo, and Artemis. Here you shall find the Temple of Apollo, an essential fixture in Turkey’s ancient history.

Sardis: The unknown capital of ancient Lydia, called Sardis is 60 miles east of Izmir and reached within an hour, making it an ideal day time trip from any surrounding areas.

Pergamon: This ancient city belongs to Turkey’s top 100 historical sites of Turkey and the UNESCO World Heritage list. Its most remarkable monuments and buildings date as far back as 197-159 BC and include the Hellenistic theatre, the Trajaneum (Sanctuary of Trajan), and Athenium (the Library).

See More Sites in Turkey : Our tours visit Ephesus Ancient City Ruins and other significant sites like Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Gallipoli and Istanbul. Including transport, guides, food, hotels and much more, they are an enjoyable way to explore the delights of this country.

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By: History.com Editors

Updated: June 22, 2023 | Original: February 2, 2018

Ephesus was an ancient port city whose well-preserved ruins are in modern-day Turkey. The city was once considered the most important Greek city and the most important trading center in the Mediterranean region. Throughout history, Ephesus survived multiple attacks and changed hands many times between conquerors. It was also a hotbed of early Christian evangelism and remains an important archaeological site and Christian pilgrimage destination.

Where Is Ephesus?

Ephesus is located near the western shores of modern-day Turkey, where the Aegean Sea meets the former estuary of the River Kaystros, about 80 kilometers south of Izmir, Turkey.

According to legend, the Ionian prince Androclos founded Ephesus in the eleventh century B.C. The legend says that as Androclos searched for a new Greek settlement, he turned to the Delphi oracles for guidance. The oracles told him a boar and a fish would show him the new location.

One day, as Androclos was frying fish over an open fire, a fish flopped out of the frying pan and landed in the nearby bushes. A spark ignited the bushes and a wild boar ran out. Recalling the oracles’ wisdom, Androclos built his new settlement where the bushes stood and called it Ephesus.

Another legend says Ephesus was founded by the Amazons, a tribe of female warriors, and that the city was named after their queen, Ephesia.

Temple of Artemis

Much of Ephesus’s ancient history is unrecorded and sketchy. What is known is that in the seventh century B.C., Ephesus fell under the rule of the Lydian Kings and became a thriving city where men and women enjoyed equal opportunities. It was also the birthplace of the renowned philosopher Heraclitus.

The Lydian King Croesus, who ruled from 560 B.C. to 547 B.C., was most famous for funding the rebuilding of the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus. Artemis was the goddess of the hunt, chastity, childbirth, wild animals and the wilderness.

She was also one of the most revered Greek deities. Modern-day excavations have revealed that three smaller Artemis temples preceded the Croesus temple.

In 356 B.C., a crazed man named Herostratus burned down the Temple of Artemis. The Ephesians rebuilt the temple even bigger. It was estimated to be four times larger than the Parthenon and became known as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

The temple was later destroyed and never rebuilt. Little remains of it today, although some of its remnants reside in the British Museum , including a column with Croesus’s signature.

In 546 B.C., Ephesus fell to the Persian Empire , along with the rest of Anatolia. Ephesus continued to thrive even as other Ionian cities rebelled against Persian rule.

In 334 B.C., Alexander the Great defeated the Persians and entered Ephesus. Upon his death in 323 B.C., one of his generals, Lysimachus, took over the city and renamed it Arsineia.

Lysimachus moved Ephesus two miles away and built a new harbor and new defensive walls. The Ephesian people, however, wouldn’t relocate and remained in their homes until Lysimachus forced them to move. In 281 B.C., Lysimachus was killed at the Battle of Corupedium and the city was renamed Ephesus again.

In 263 B.C., Ephesus fell under Egyptian rule along with much of the Seleucid Empire. The Seleucid king Antiochus III took back Ephesus in 196 B.C.; however, after being defeated at the Battle of Magnesia six years later, Ephesus fell under Pergamon rule.

Ephesus Under Roman Rule

In 129 B.C., King Attalos of Pergamon left Ephesus to the Roman Empire in his will and the city became the seat of the regional Roman governor. The reforms of Caesar Augustus brought Ephesus to its most prosperous time, which lasted until the third century A.D.

Most of the Ephesian ruins seen today such as the enormous amphitheater, the Library of Celsus, the public space (agora) and the aqueducts were built or rebuilt during Augustus’s reign.

During the reign of Tiberius , Ephesus flourished as a port city. A business district was opened around 43 B.C. to service the massive amounts of goods arriving or departing from the man-made harbor and from caravans traveling the ancient Royal Road.

According to some sources, Ephesus was at the time second only to Rome as a cosmopolitan center of culture and commerce.

Christianity in Ephesus

Ephesus played a vital role in the spread of Christianity . Starting in the first century A.D., notable Christians such as Saint Paul and Saint John visited and rebuked the cults of Artemis, winning many Christian converts in the process.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is thought to have spent her last years in Ephesus with Saint John. Her house and John’s tomb can be visited there today.

Ephesus is mentioned multiple times in the New Testament, and the biblical book of Ephesians, written around 60 A.D., is thought to be a letter from Paul to Ephesian Christians, although some scholars question the source.

Not every Ephesian was open to Paul’s Christian message. Chapter 19 in the Book of Acts tells of a riot started by a man named Demetrius. Demetrius made silver coins featuring the likeness of Artemis.

Tired of Paul’s attacks on the goddess he worshipped, and worried that the spread of Christianity would ruin his trade, Demetrius plotted a riot and enticed a large crowd to turn against Paul and his disciples. Ephesian officials, however, protected Paul and his followers and eventually Christianity became the city’s official religion.

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The Decline of Ephesus

In 262 A.D., the Goths destroyed Ephesus, including the Temple of Artemis. Some restoration of the city took place, but it never regained its splendor. In 431 A.D., a council was held in the Church of Saint Mary which confirmed the Virgin Mary as the mother of God.

Emperor Theodosius erased all traces of Artemis during his reign. He banned freedom of worship, closed the schools and temples and forbade women many of the rights they’d enjoyed before. The Temple of Artemis was destroyed, its ruins used to build Christian churches.

During the Byzantine era , Constantine the Great declared Christianity the official religion of all of Rome and made Constantinople the capital of the Roman Eastern Empire. This left Ephesus, a city already facing decline due to accumulating silt in its harbor, left to fend increasingly for itself.

The city relied heavily on its iconic places of worship to attract visitors to support its struggling economy. Still, Ephesus was a port city with a deteriorating harbor and there was only so much that could be done to literally keep it afloat.

In the sixth and seventh centuries A.D., a massive earthquake and the harbor’s continuing decline left Ephesus a shell of the city it used to be, and Arab invasions forced most of the population of Ephesus to flee and start a new settlement. Ephesus continued to deteriorate, although it experienced a brief period of growth and construction under the rule of the Seljuk Turks in the fourteenth century.

The Ottoman Empire took final control of Ephesus in the fifteenth century; however, the city was in dire straits, its harbor practically useless. By the end of that century, Ephesus was abandoned, its legacy left to archaeologists, historians and the thousands of visitors to flock to the region each year to see the ancient ruins.

Acts 19. Biblegateway.com. Battle of Magnesia, December 190 B.C. Military History Encyclopedia on the Web. Byzantine Ephesus: Life in the City after Empire. Current World Archaeology. Ephesus. Ancient History Encyclopedia. Ephesus. Livius.org. Ephesus. UNESCO.

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Visiting Ephesus in Turkey – Top Tips and Essential Information To Know

Visiting Ephesus in Turkey is one of the best things you can do in Turkey. Exploring Ephesus is high on the list for many travellers to this beautiful country, with the ancient ruins drawing more than 2 million visitors.

I went as a seven year old and have fond memories of clambering over the rocks and exploring the vast ruins. So when I returned during my two-week trip around Turkey, I made sure to visit again.

Visiting Ephesus in Turkey – Essential Things to Know

The history of Ephesus

The great city of Ephesus was built in the 10th century BC during the Classical Greek Era. It is estimated that at one point, as many as 225,000 people lived there.

Ephesus is considered Europe’s most complete ancient city, making it some of the best ancient ruin to see. Apparently, only 20% of the land has been fully excavated, which has already taken more than 150 years of evacuation. Yet there’s plenty to explore. Some of its most popular locations include the marble Temple of Artemis, the Basilica and the Library of Celsus, all of which are thought to be some of finest archeological sites in the world.

When is the best time to visit Ephesus?

Season-wise, the high season is through the summer but the temperatures can be very high during these months. The shoulder season months (April, May, September and October) are a brilliant time to visit Ephesus.

In terms of what time of day to visit Ephesus, the earlier the better. Cruise ships dock in nearly Kusadasi port every day, bringing thousands of day visitors to the archaeological sites. They walk around in huge tour groups and make it very difficult to explore.

If you do visit in the height of the summer season, I would advise arriving when it opens if you are visiting independently. The gates to Ephesus open at 8am. Not only will you beat the harsh midday sun, but you’ll enjoy the ruins almost entirely to yourself.

I went in August and enjoyed a few hours with few other tourists at all, it was pretty magical!

The alternative is to visit late in the day as the crowds begin to thin out and tourists head back to the cruise ship port.

In the summer months (April to October), Ephesus is open from 8am – 7pm and in the winter, from 8am to 5pm.

How to get to Ephesus

The ruins of Ephesus are located just outside of the pleasant town of Selçuk. There is both a bus and train station here, making it fairly easy to arrive here. The nearest airport is Izmir. Unless coming on an organised tour, I would strongly recommend arriving the evening before. This means your start doesn’t need to be quite as early, as the ruins are a simple 5 minute dolmuş (minibus) journey from the centre of town.

Where to stay near Ephesus?

If you are going to arrive the evening before, I can highly recommend Saint John Hotel. I enjoyed a really pleasant stay here and was so well looked after by the team. It’s about a five minute walk from the train station and although the area is a little dusty and run-down, the hotel is absolutely beautiful. I even had a circular bed here!

The historic hotel is family-owned and run, and I had the pleasure to meet the father, the mother, the daughters, the sons, the in-laws.. basically everyone! It was an amazingly friendly hotel atmosphere and they made me feel right at home.

Check rates for Saint John Hotel here .

The main archaeological sites

Prioritising seeing the main sites first means that once the crowds do start to arrive, you’ll have already seen the main sites and can focus on the lesser visited ruins.

Doing this makes it easier to capture the photos you want, enjoy the sites to yourself and really soak up the atmosphere.

Oh, and you have time to make friends with the resident cats!

My top tip here is to start at the lower gate (there is more than one gate). You will come to this gate anyway if arriving by dolmuş from Selçuk. This gate is very close to the Library of Celsus and the bigger of the two incredible amphitheatres.

It is also useful to know that the other gate is where the coaches park up and the hordes of tourists arrive, so it’s better to enjoy the quieter side of Ephesus.

What to wear to visit Ephesus

If you visit Ephesus in the summer months, it’s going to be really hot. There is not a lot of shade around and the heat even reflects of the smooth white rock.

You don’t need to be covered up for religious reasons but it would be a good idea to cover up against the sun. Definitely wear a hat!

In terms of footwear, it’s important to know that the rocks are very smooth and quite slippy. It would be advisable to wear shoes with some grip, as I wore flip-flops and I spent my day sliding along, eek!

What to take for a day visit to Ephesus

Unlike other tourist attractions, there really aren’t any stalls or shops inside. There are a few cafes and stalls at the edge, but once you’re inside Ephesus, you’ll need to be self-sufficient. I’d recommend bringing enough water and snacks for your visit.

There are toilets on the edge of the site, near the gates.

How long do I need to spend to visit Ephesus

I enjoyed a good four hours or so from 8am to 12pm exploring Ephesus. A half day was the perfect amount of time for me. I avoided the heat of the day, the crowds and didn’t have to carry lunch with me, as I left to have it back in town.

Cruise ship visitors tend to visit the ruins at Ephesus for three or so hours, but the drive from Kusadasi and a stop for lunch probably makes it into a full day visit.

Can I go on a tour to Ephesus?

Definitely. GetYourGuide has some excellent options which I’ve shared below:

• Full day tour to Ephesus from Selcuk
• Full day tour to Ephesus from Bodrum

Visiting Ephesus in Turkey

Have you been to Ephesus in Turkey? Do you have any other tips for visitors that I should include? I’d love to hear if so – drop a comment below!

Returning to Ephesus was as good as I had hoped it would be. I had such an enjoyable day avoiding the crowds at Ephesus and staying the night beforehand in Selçuk, For me, one half day was ideal for exploring Ephesus and I’m so glad I included it in my two week itinerary around Turkey. I hope you’ve found this post useful in planning your own day out at Ephesus.

If you’re considering a longer Turkey adventure, you might find my two week itinerary useful , as well as my guides to Pamukkale , Bodrum , sailing the famous Turquoise Coast , Istanbul and Cappadocia here.

If you’ve enjoyed this post, feel free to share using the below links! Wanna see more? Check my Instagram  here , my Facebook  here  or my Twitter  here !

Disclaimer: This visit to Ephesus, Turkey was entirely paid for by myself and there was no involvement from the tourism board or a hotel. This is an independent guide.

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This place looks totally amazing and would hit this up as soon as I make my first visit to Turkey. I love visiting ancient sites like those in Greece, but for me, Ephesus looks like to be on top of my list when I eventually get there. Its amazing that some of these ruins are still in very good condition. Love reading this post.

I remember my friend visiting Ephesus on a cruise and I admittedly didn’t know too much about the area. It looks like another world, for sure. I like your tips, and especially the one about arriving early. Those precious hours before the cruise ship tourists arrive are key!

We spent a day in Ephesus in June of 2016 and thoroughly enjoyed it . We are Roman Catholics and went primarily to see the Virgin Mary’s home where she fled the Roman troops after the Crusifiction of Jesus . The water I brought back from Mary’s artesian well is still As pure as when she drank it over 2,000 years ago. Of course I had it blessed as soon as we were safely out of Turkey and at our Holland America Cruise Ship’s morning Catholic Mass. A priest performing any Christian rituals in Turkey risks death and few survive the Erdogan executions in Muslim Turkey.

Of course we visited the magnificent Library which sadly was stripped of most of it’s Greek and Roman artifacts after the rise of Islam after the fall of the Roman Empire.

We tested the amazing acoustics at the amphitheater which seated 20,000 Ephesians when St. Paul delivered his sermons there. For years when I heard “St Paul’s letters to the Ephesians” at Mass I thought that he was speaking to a few hundred faithful. The Size and acoustics of the Roman Amphitheater there made it clear why Ephesus was the perfect location for Paul to spread the then new faith!

Thanks for posting those great photos of this wonderful place.

you are spot on with your tip to start at the bottom gate. We did this my second time there, on advice of our driver and it was the best tip yet. You don’t really meet up with the people starting at the top gate till you are halfway through the city, therefore having the whole bottom half practically to yourself. I also spent a good amount of time visiting with the kitties 🙂 Bringing cat food this time 🙂

Ahh I’m so pleased that worked out for you! It’s amazing isn’t it, and sooo many cats!! <3

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What to See in Ephesus on a Day Trip to the Archeological Site

Ephesus is one of the most important archeological sites in Turkiye, and it’s easy to understand why. There are so many beautiful, monumental, awe-inspiring things to see in Ephesus that it will literally take your breath away.  Even better, it’s one of the easiest archeological sites in Turkey to access, with convenient connections to Izmir, Kusadasi and even Istanbul!

I recently spent a day in Ephesus with my parents. Because they are older, we had to be really intentional in our planning to accommodate their energy and mobility levels. During the trip planning stage I found a lack of practical information about the actual experience of visiting Ephesus, so I wanted to write my own Ephesus travel guide to share what we learned about visiting this  UNESCO World Heritage Site easily, comfortably and enjoyably.

This guide starts with a broad overview of what you can see at Ephesus, and that is followed by some helpful travel tips and practical information about visiting. If you still have any questions when you’re done reading, let me know in the comments and I will reply ASAP!

What to See at Ephesus Ancient City

Ephesus was a large city and its ruins are spread over a relatively wide area. Some of the region’s most famous attractions are located outside of the boundaries of the official ancient city archeological site. These include the Temple of Artemis, the House of the Virgin Mary and the Grotto of the Seven Sleepers, which are all nearby but not inside the site.

Here, I’m going to focus on the things to see in Ephesus’s ancient city area, which is about one kilometer southwest of the village of Selçuk, as well as the nearby Ephesus Museum.

The Terraced Houses

One of the main attractions at Ephesus, the Terraced Houses are of such great archeological significance that they require a separate admission ticket (but they are included in the Turkey Museum Pass, if you go that route). These houses are definitely one of the best things to see at Ephesus and are worth the admission fee.

These seven houses are where Ephesus’ richest residences once lived, and even though almost 2000 years have passed since they were built, you can still see evidence of their grandeur in their expansive size, their intricate mosaic floors and their ornate wall art.

Today, the terraced houses are protected by a ceiling and system of walkways, ensuring no damage from visitors or the weather.  This is an active archeological site and you may see researchers from nearby universities engaging in excavation work while you visit.

Ephesus Great Theater

While it’s not quite on the scale of the stadium at Aphrodisias , Ephesus’ Great Theatre is still remarkable for its size. It had seating for almost 25,000 spectators.  At the time the theater was built, the harbor was just behind it.  The crowd could watch performances on the stage and in the background they would see the beautiful sea.

Today, you can walk freely around the theater, or come on a summer evening to take in an opera, ballet, music or theater performance. Check the official website before your trip to see if there are any performances scheduled.

The Celsus Library

Much to my disappointment, no books remain in the Celsus Library at Ephesus (why did I think there would still be books?). However, what does remain is the striking facade of this ancient building, which is one of the most iconic things to see at Ephesus.

The Celsus Library was built around 115 CE, with work being completed during the reign of Emperor Hadrian.  It was the third-largest library during its time (after Alexandria and Pergamum), housing approximately 12,000 scrolls.  Within 200 years of its construction the library was destroyed, and its facade fell about six hundred years later. It lay in ruins for almost 1,000 years, until archeologists reconstructed it in the 1970s.

When you visit Ephesus today you can see the facade of the Celsus Library as you walk down Curetes Way and pass the Terraced Houses. You can walk through and under the facade, into the empty, open space that once held so much of civilization’s knowledge.

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Curetes Way (Curetes Road)

Curetes Way, also written as Curetes Road, is the main walking path from the Upper Gate to the Library of Celsus. As you walk along this column-lined marble stone road you’ll see countless significant monuments and ruins, many of which are well-signed in both English and Turkish.

Unless a route is clearly closed, you’re free to step off of Curetes Way to explore the smaller alleys, paths and lanes that branch off the main street. This will give you a glimpse into old houses, shops, temples and fountains that made up daily life in Ephesus.

Temple of Hadrian

One of the most important ruins that you’ll see as you walk along Curetes Way is the Temple of Hadrian.  It’s hard to miss the ornamented arches and elaborate reliefs of this Roman temple.

Hadrian was a Roman emperor from 117 to 138, and history looks kindly upon his time in power because he advanced literacy and infrastructure across the Roman Empire (yes, Hadrian’s Wall in the UK was built during his reign). In fact, he became known as one of the “Five Good Emperors”, a title that many of his predecessors and successors were unable to achieve.

Archeologists believe that this temple served multiple purposes, honoring not only Hadrian but also the goddess Artemis and even the regular citizens of Ephesus.

Church of Saint Mary at Ephesus

Some people confuse the Church of the Virgin Mary with the House of the Virgin Mary, so I wanted to clarify the difference between the two.

The Church of the Virgin Mary at Ephesus is located inside the archeological site, behind the lower gate. To reach it, follow the signs from the Harbour Road (before the washrooms). You’ll find the remains of a fifth-century church, shown above, which was dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

The more famous House of the Virgin Mary is not located inside the archeological site. It’s about seven kilometer south of Selcuk, on Mount Koressos. Some people believe that Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her last years living in this house. This belief was born from a vision that a mystical German nun had in the early 1800s, although most historians believed that Mary primarily lived in Jerusalem.

The truth?  That’s way above my pay grade.

The Ephesus Musuem

Okay, I lied, I have to include one place that is not inside the actual archeological site, and that is the Ephesus Museum.  It’s located in the town of Selcuk, about 3.5 kilometers from the Ephesus Archeological Site. However, it’s definitely worth visiting the Ephesus Museum because it adds so much context to what you’re seeing at the site.

You can visit the museum before or after you go to the site (check out my guide to traveling during a heatwave for tips on deciding when to do museums versus outdoor activities). Inside, you’ll find hundreds (thousands?) of beautiful artifacts that were found in Ephesus and other nearby archeological sites, along with information in Turkish and English about what you’re seeing.

On your way in and out of the museum, look up at the top of the nearby poles to see if you can spot any families of storks!

Other Things to See in the Ephesus Ancient City

What I’ve shared above is by no means a comprehensive list of what to see at Ephesus – it’s really just an overview of some of the most famous and interesting things to do while you’re there. Half the fun of exploring Turkey’s many archeological sites is wandering freely and “discovering” things that you didn’t expect.  However, I did want to note a few other things that you should probably make a point of seeing while you’re at Ephesus:

• The State Agora – The main public square for the citizens of Ephesus.
• Bouleuterion – I can never spell that word on the first try. A bouleuterion is like a little theatre where state business and politics were conducted. At Ephesus, it’s full of really cute cats!
• Harbour Street – Once upon a time, the waterfront was only half a kilometer from Ephesus, and this was the road between the two.
• Ephesus Baths – I wish I was born in a time that had public bathhouses where a thousand (really!) people could gather naked and conduct important business in a steam room. Alas.

Ephesus Travel Information

Here are a few helpful hints to make your trip to Ephesus a little bit easier (and cheaper, and more fun!).

Is Ephesus Worth Visiting?

If you’re already in Izmir or Kusadasi and have a free day, then yes, Ephesus is worth visiting. However, if you are coming to Turkey intentionally to visit amazing archeological sites, I would suggest that you head further inland to Laodicea , Aphrodisias and even Hierapolis , where the sites are just as amazing but there are significantly fewer crowds.

Ephesus Ticket Prices

When I was in Ephesus (July 2023), tickets to Ephesus cost 400 Turkish lira (TL), and the terraced houses were an additional 200 TL.

When we were in Istanbul, we purchased an official 15-day Turkey Museum Pass for 2500 TL. This included entry to a number of sites in Istanbul and across Turkey, including both Ephesus and the terraced houses.  For us, it was a good value as it provided skip-the-line entrance at most attractions.

Note: Due to skyrocketing inflation, the cost of a Turkey Museum Pass went up to 3500 TL a month after we purchased it. Admission prices to Ephesus also increased recently, with regular admission rising to 700 TL and the terraced houses rising to 320 TL. Expect prices for passes and archeological site admission to continue fluctuating in the months ahead.

Which Ephesus entrance is better?

Ephesus has two entrances:

• North Side – The north entrance is known as the Lower Entrance, since it’s at the bottom of hilly Ephesus.  The advantage of entering here is that you’ll be going in the opposite direction of any cruise ship tour groups (they usually start at the other side) and you won’t be slipping and sliding down the old marble pathways.  The disadvantage, of course, is that you’ll walking uphill as you explore the site.
• South Side – The south entrance is known as the Upper Entrance, because it’s at the top of the hill.  The advantage of entering here is that you’ll be walking downhill as you explore, but the disadvantages are that you’ll be walking downhill on slippery stones, and you may find yourself surrounded by hoards of cruise ship passengers being led around by guides with flags on a stick (if you know, you know).

If you came to the site by car I recommend taking one of the taxis at the exit back to where you entered, rather than doubling back and walking through the entire site again.  A fair price is between € 5 and € 10 (or the current equivalent in lira).

Please do not use the horse-drawn carriages to travel around Ephesus (including between the two gates). The horses are overworked in the hot weather, and choosing to ride them is choosing to continue supporting this unethical business practice.

How much time do you need at Ephesus?

We spent about three hours at Ephesus, and that was enough time to walk slowly along the main streets and see the highlights noted above.

If you rushed (and had excellent walking shoes!) you could probably get through the site in about 90 minutes.

On the other hand, if you’re a major fan of archeology and want to see more of the ruins that are off the main track, you could likely spend about five hours within the site.  Just bring lots of sunscreen and water!

When is the best time to Visit Ephesus?

There are two main factors to consider when you’re deciding the best time to visit Ephesus: the number of cruise passengers in the Kusadasi port, and the weather.

Ideally, you want to visit Ephesus on a day when there are fewer cruise passengers in town. Ideally, that would be no boats, but one boat is probably fine. If possible, avoid visiting Ephesus if there are two or more large cruise ships in port, as that could easily add 1000+ people to the archeological site.

You can check the Kusadasi port schedule here .

The other thing that you’ll need to consider is the weather. In particular, the summer heat in Turkey can be extreme, and there is little shade in the Ephesus archeological site. Check the weather forecast against the cruise schedule, and do your best to visit on a morning or late afternoon when the forecast calls for (relatively) cooler weather.

If you can’t avoid visiting in the summer heat and/or at mid-day, make sure to read my guide to traveling during a heatwave for some tips to help you avoid heat exhaustion.

What to Wear to Ephesus

When you’re planning what to wear to Ephesus, I recommend:

• Sturdy walking shoes that will keep you stable on slippery, uneven cobblestones
• Sun-protective clothing (including a hat) if you’ll be there on a sunny day
• A bag with room for water (ideally one liter per person) and a folding paper fan

How to Get to Ephesus

The good news is that Ephesus is one of the easiest-to-reach archeological sites in Turkey. It is well-connected to Izmir and Kusadasi, it’s within walking distance of the village of Selçuk (see below), and you can even do it as a day trip from Istanbul with the help of a tour company and some short domestic flights.

How to Get to Ephesus from Istanbul

The drive from Istanbul to Ephesus takes about seven hours, making a day trip by car or train impossible.  If you’re interested in visiting Ephesus from Istanbul, my personal recommendation would be to stay in the Aegean Coast region for a few days and visit several of the area’s archeological sites.

However, it is actually possible to take a day trip from Istanbul to Ephesus, as the two cities are connected via cheap domestic flights. This isn’t the kind of thing you’d want to organize yourself, so I recommend signing up for one these highly-rated full-day trips:

• Ephesus Full-Day Tour from Istanbul – This private tour includes flights, transfers and a private guide.  You’ll pay the admission fee separately at each site you visit.
• Ephesus & Pamukkale 2-Day Tour from Istanbul – Since you’re in the area, why not make it an overnight trip and see the “Cotton Castle” of Pamukkale too?
• Full-Day Trip from Istanbul to Ephesus and Pamukkale – I can’t even believe it’s possible to fit these two trips into a single day, but using an open-jaw ticket (into Izmir and back from Denizli) this tour company manages to make it possible!

How to Get to Ephesus from Izmir

Izmir is about 80 kilometers north of Ephesus, and the drive between the two locations takes about an hour. It’s not realistic to take a taxi between the two locations because the cost would be more than €200.

To get from Izmir to Ephesus, most travelers choose to travel by train.  The train from Izmir will take you to Selçuk, from which you can follow the directions below to walk or taxi to the main gates.

Considering the distance, it may be more convenient to take a tour to Ephesus from Izmir. You may want to look into these options:

• Full Day Ephesus Tour (8 Hours) – This is the top-rated tour of Ephesus from Izmir. Accompanied by a guide, you’ll explore the highlights of Ephesus that I’ve noted above, along with other hidden gems within the archeological site.
• Ephesus Guided Day Trip (+ Sirince Village) – You’ll get an early start on this tour, visiting Ephesus as well as the House of the Virgin Mary, the Temple of Artemis, Isabey Mosque and finally Sirince Village, which is known for its fruit wines (I recommend the melon flavor!).

How to Get to Ephesus from Kusadasi

From central Kusadasi, it takes about 30 minutes to drive to Ephesus.  If you have a rental car it’s an easy drive, but if you’re planning to go by taxi you need to know that drivers don’t accept one-way fares. In the high season, return fares can be as high as €120, while they’re closer to half that in the low season.

A more affordable option to get from Kusadasi to Ephesus is to take one of the public buses that travel from Kusadasi to Selçuk every 30 minutes. When you’re boarding, let the driver know that you are heading to Ephesus and he’ll drop you off at the turnoff to the archeological site, which is about 500 meters from the entrance.

Of course, you can also join an organized tour to Ephesus from Kusadasi.  Here are a few options to consider:

• Ephesus Shore Excursion (from the Cruise Port) – Designed for travelers arriving by cruise shop (but open to anyone!) this tour of Ephesus starts at the Kusadasi port in the morning and returns by early afternoon.
• Ephesus Private Guided Tour – You won’t have to wait for any latecomers if you book a private tour of Ephesus from Kusadasi. This tour can pick you up at your hotel or the cruise port and whisk you directly to the archeological site along with your licensed guide.

How to Get to Ephesus from Selçuk

I have lots of posts about traveling in both Istanbul and the Izmir region.  Check out all my Turkey travel guides and let me know if you have any questions!

Traveling to Turkey? Pin this post for later!

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Visiting Ephesus: Attractions

Written by Jess Lee Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Of all the ruins and archaeological tourist attractions in Turkey, Ephesus is the most famous. Visitors from around the world come here to walk down the well-preserved Roman streets, gaze at the mighty monuments, and soak up the ancient soul of this ruined city.

Many travelers use the picturesque village of Selçuk (right beside the ruins) as their base, but you can also easily visit from the nearby seaside town of Kuşadası or the city of Izmir.

Wherever you base yourself, allow enough time to explore. The well-preserved state of the monuments makes this one of the best places to visit in the world to experience a Classical-era city.

You'll find plenty of things to do in Ephesus and so much history to absorb, and even a short tour of the highlights will take half a day.

See also: Where to Stay near Ephesus

History of Ephesus

Gymnasium of vedius and stadium, church of the virgin mary, square of verulanus and great baths.

• Great Theater
• Lower Agora

The Library of Celsus & Gate of Macaeus & Mithridates

Terraced houses complex, street of the curates, temple of domitian & pollio monument, odeon & state agora, eastern gymnasium, where to stay near ephesus for sightseeing, how to get to ephesus.

The Carians and Lydians were the earliest inhabitants of this region and probably responsible for first building a fortified settlement, open directly to the sea, on this site.

From the 11th century BCE onwards, this settlement became Hellenized by arriving Ionian Greeks.

Thanks to its excellent location on an inlet cutting deep into the land – at the end of a major trade route from the interior and on a fertile plain – Ephesus developed into a flourishing commercial city.

Under the Roman Empire (1st and 2nd centuries CE), the city continued its prosperity as the capital of the Roman province of Asia and became the largest city in the East after Alexandria, with a population of more than 200,000.

St. Paul preached here on his second missionary journey and later spent three years in Ephesus. The city's principal church was later dedicated to St. John, and during the Byzantine era became one of the great pilgrimage centers of Asia Minor.

In 263 CE, when the Goths destroyed the city on one of their raiding expeditions, it heralded the beginning of the city's slow decline, with the importance and size of Ephesus gradually dwindling due to the steady silting up of its harbor.

In the 5th century though, the city was still sufficiently important to be the venue of the Third Ecumenical Council (431 CE).

The capture and plunder of Ephesus by Tamarlane's Mongols proved to be the city's final act. Thereafter, the last surviving remains of the town were reduced to ruins during the bitter conflicts between the Seljuks and the Ottomans.

On the slope of the hill to the left of Ephesus is the Gymnasium of Vedius (2nd century AD).

You can see the remains of the palaestra (wrestling hall), a large rectangular building with an arcaded courtyard. The eastern half of the structure, built of brick faced with marble, is better preserved and shows interesting details of the internal arrangement.

Some 100 meters south of the Gymnasium of Vedius is the Stadium, which dates from the time of Nero (CE 54-68).

On the south side, the tiers of seating for spectators (their stone benches now missing) were hewn out of the hillside. At the semicircular east end was an arena, which could be shut off from the main part of the stadium and used, in the absence of a circus, for gladiatorial contests and fights between wild beasts.

Between the Gymnasium of Vedius and the Stadium, a marble-paved road ran east to the Koressos Gate of which some remains survive.

About 200 meters on the left along a modern road that runs south from the Gymnasium of Vedius are the remnants of a Byzantine building. Notable features are the large room, with semicircular niches on the south side, and the 50-meter-long apsed hall on the west side.

About 100 meters or so to the west of the Gymnasium of Vedius, to the right of the car park, are the 260-meter-long remains known as the Church of the Virgin Mary or the Double Church or Council Church.

This was the meeting-place of the Third Ecumenical Council in 431 CE. It was originally a museion (a center of research and teaching). A pillared basilica was inserted in the 4th century.

Immediately west of the theater gymnasium is a large complex of buildings, the plan of which is not easy to distinguish.

Nearest the gymnasium is the Square of Verulanus, a spacious, arcaded courtyard for the training of athletes, and beyond this is the harbor gymnasium which dates from the Early Empire.

This consisted of a number of buildings grouped around a central courtyard. On the north and south sides of the courtyard were two magnificent marble halls measuring 16 meters by 32 meters, with columns and niches for statues.

Immediately beyond this were the great baths or harbor baths, built in the 2nd century CE and sumptuously rebuilt in the reign of Constantine the Great in the 4th century.

To the west of the baths lay the old harbor, now an area of marshy ground.

Immediately south of this group of buildings is the Arkadiane, a fine arcaded street running east from the harbor to the Great Theater which stood facing a long square.

The effect of this magnificent avenue, built by Arcadius (the first Eastern Emperor) around AD 400, was further enhanced by an elaborate gate at either end.

Construction of the Great Theater of Ephesus began in the reign of Claudius (41-54 CE) and was completed in the reign of Trajan (98-117 CE).

It is particularly impressive, both for its great size and for the excellent state of preservation of the orchestra and the cavea.

Local legend says it was here that St. Paul preached against the cult of Artemis and inveighed against the guild of silversmiths responsible for its shrines.

The theater's cavea consists of three by 22 tiers of seating, divided into sections by 12 stairways, could accommodate an audience of some 25,000.

The theater has been undergoing an extensive restoration and has only recently reopened to visitors. Work is ongoing on the cavea's top seating tier, which remains inaccessible. When finished though, if you climb to the top, there is a fine view extending down to the old harbor.

There were also staircase tunnels leading to the upper tiers. The stage wall was originally three-stories and 18 meters high but is now preserved only to the height of the lowest story. It was elaborately articulated, with columns, niches for statues, and richly decorated cornices.

In the west terrace wall is a Hellenistic fountain-house in the form of a temple in antis, which in spite of its ruinous state is notable for the clarity and simplicity of its structure.

Southwest of the Great Theater is the lower agora, a spacious square, 116 meters each way, from which a colonnaded street leads west.

The agora (market square) has been only partly excavated and was a 3rd-century rebuilding of an earlier structure. The use of stone from earlier buildings gives an interesting variety of detail. It was surrounded by a double colonnade housing shops and offices, with a set-back upper story on the east side.

On the south side of the colonnaded street, steps lead up to a colonnaded square. Here, you'll find the colossal Serapeion, the temple of the Egyptian god Serapis.

Along the 29-meter-long facade of the temple were monolithic columns, 15 meters high, with Corinthian capitals. The cella was entered through a massive doorway, with doors moving on wheels.

In Byzantine times, the Serapeion was converted into a Christian basilica.

At the southeast corner of the lower agora and colonnaded street is the restored Gate of Macaeus and Mithridates, so named in an inscription. The gate leads into a small square lying below street-level, home to Ephesus' most famous monument.

The imposing two-story facade of the Library of Celsus, with its rather crowded columns and prominent cornices, was re-erected in the 1970s by Austrian archaeologists. The library itself was originally three stories high and entirely faced with colored marble. Along the rear wall was a series of rectangular niches for holding parchment books and scrolls.

Below the central niche is a grave-chamber with the Sarcophagus of Titus Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, Governor of the province of Asia, in whose honor his son built the library in the early 2nd century CE.

Southeast of the lower agora and the Library of Celsus , the marble-paved street, flanked by numerous impressive public buildings, continues as the Street of the Curetes, climbing uphill towards the upper agora.

On the western side of the lower half of the street is the terraced house complex, where excavations have revealed intricate mosaic floors and frescoed walls. The complex has been roofed to preserve the mosaics and frescos, and inside, a glass-floor walkway winds through the complex, so that you can look into the rooms from above. There is an additional ticket fee to enter.

Among the many different buildings on the eastern side is a small temple with an inscription showing it was dedicated to the Emperor Hadrian (CE 117-38) and the remains of the Baths of Scholastica, which were once an impressive seven-stories high. Originally built in the 2nd century, they were rebuilt during the Byzantine period by a Christian woman named Scholastica.

Higher up the slope of the hill, at the point where the Street of the Curates bends farther southeast are the bases of the propylaion, a 2nd-century gate from which a street, continued by a stepped lane, led south to Mount Koressos.

On the east side of the propylaion is the octogan, a monumental tomb with an eight-sided superstructure, surrounded by a Corinthian colonnade, with a stone bench on a square marble base.

Higher up, on the southwestern slopes of Mount Pion, are a two-story rotunda on a square base, with Doric half-columns around the lower story and free-standing Ionic columns around the upper story. Probably this, like the Octagon, was a hero's tomb.

Past the Fountain of Trajan (nymphaeum) and the Gate of Hercules, the street bears right to enter the so-called Square of Domitian.

Above the square rises the massive substructure of the Temple of Domitian erected by the province of Asia in honor of the Emperor (CE 81-96).

To the east of the Temple of Domitian in Ephesus extends the state agora, with a Temple of Isis and a hydreion (water tower), which collected spring water flowing down from the hill.

On the north side of the state agora is the site of the Pollio monument, where figures of Artemis (now in Selçuk's Ephesus Museum) were found during excavation.

East of the Pollio monument and the Temple of Domitian is the state agora and the semicircular structure of the odeon, built by Publius Vedius Antonius in the 2nd century CE.

In the odeon, the lower tiers of marble benches are original; the rest are reconstructions. The auditorium of this little theater or concert hall had seating for an audience of 1,400.

Since there is no provision for the drainage of rainwater, it is assumed that the odeon was roofed, probably by a wooden structure spanning the 25-meter width of the auditorium.

From the state agora , the old main street of Ephesus continues to the eastern entrance of the excavation site, ending outside the enclosure at the three-arched Magnesian Gate, the starting-point of the road to Magnesia on the Maeander River.

At the bend in the road is the base of a circular Roman structure, wrongly called the Tomb of St. Luke, which was converted into a church in Byzantine times by the addition of an apse and a porch.

Immediately north of the Magnesium Gate are the imposing ruins of the Eastern Gymnasium.

Like the other three gymnasia in Ephesus, this is a large rectangular building with several magnificent halls and a palaestra. Since many statues of girls were found on the site, it is also known as the Girls' Gymnasium.

There are three different towns to choose from in the Ephesus area. The small town of Selçuk , with its cobblestone alleys and traditional whitewashed village houses, is right on Ephesus' doorstep, meaning you can walk to the ruins. There's also plenty of other historic sights within town itself.

Kuşadası is a harbor town within easy reach of the ruins. It's a cruise ship port, popular with Europeans on a sun-and-sand resort holiday.

To the north is the city of Izmir , one of Turkey's most vibrant and biggest cities.

Luxury Hotels:

• For modern luxury, the Wyndham Grand Izmir is right on Izmir's waterfront with both indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, gym, and rooms with great sea views.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• For bags of character, Ayasoluk Boutique Hotel in Selçuk is a delightfully intimate choice with a pool, traditional stone-walled rooms, and stunning views across the red tile roofs of the village.
• Cella Boutique Hotel is another great Selçuk option with a lap pool and spa, stylish decor, and little extra-comfort touches such as a pillow menu.

Budget Hotels:

• In Selçuk, the Hotel Nazar has friendly owners, a courtyard swimming pool, lovely roof terrace, and complimentary Turkish breakfast.
• It's a pleasant walk from Selçuk, if it's not too hot. Otherwise, catch the local minibus from Selçuk's bus station, which shuttles to and from Ephesus' lower gate every 20 minutes, or take a taxi.
• Full-day guided tours are available from both Izmir and Kuşadası.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

In the Area: There is plenty to do around Ephesus. The lovely town of Selçuk has Roman and Byzantine ruins, including St. John's Basilica and the Ephesus Museum. Kusadasi is a nearby resort town with beaches and a castle, and inland, Pamukkale is a famed natural formation of blazing white calcite terraces.

Along the Coast: After Ephesus, head south down the Mediterranean coastline for more phenomenal ruins and some of Turkey's finest beaches. Fethiye is a bustling harbor town within easy day-tripping distance to both excellent beaches and an entire swag of archaeological sites, including the ancient Lycian capital of Xanthos. Antalya has a beautifully restored old town district, as well as sand, and Aspendos is a vast Roman site most famous for its massive theater (the biggest the Romans built in Asia Minor).

• (1) Market Gate (Gate of Macaeus and Mithridates)
• (2) Byzantine Fountain
• (3) Octagon
• (4) Brothel
• (5) Temple of Hadrian
• (6) Baths of Scholastica
• (7) Fountain of Trajan (Nymphaeum)
• (8) Gate of Hercules
• (9) Hydreion
• (10) Monument of Memmius
• (11) Square of Domitian
• (12) Museum of Inscriptions
• (13) Fountain of Pollio
• (14) Temple of Isis
• (15) Fountain-house
• (16) Temple of Varius
• Church of the Virgin
• Library of Celsus
• Marble Street
• Street of Curetes
• Square of Verulanus
• Upper Agora

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Stories by Soumya

The Travel Blog of a Culture Addict

Visiting The Ruins Of Ephesus Ancient City: A Complete Travel Guide

Last Updated on August 25, 2022 by Soumya

Visiting the ancient city of Ephesus on your next Turkey trip? Wondering what are the best things to do and see in Ephesus? How long would an Ephesus tour take? What to know before planning your visit to Ephesus’ ruins?

In this super comprehensive Ephesus travel guide , we are going to answer all your questions and some more.

Ancient Ephesus was once a sprawling metropolis and port city on the banks of River Kaystros. This Hellenic-Roman city was built around the Temple of Artemis (one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world) and grew to be the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. The entire ensemble of Artemis Temple, House of Virgin Mary, and the ruins of Ephesus was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.

Ephesus, or Efes Turkey as it is often referred to, forms an important part of all Turkey itineraries today. Travelers are not just curious about the ancient city of Ephesus but are also keen to visit other historic places near Ephesus such as St. John’s Basilica and Virgin Mary’s House.

In this complete Ephesus travel blog, I talk about the best things to do in Ephesus, hours and entrance fee, best tours, how to visit Ephesus archaeological site on your own, and lots of other travel tips.

Table of Contents

History of the Ancient City of Ephesus

Ephesus was founded in the 4th century BCE by Lysimachos, one of Alexander the Great’s military generals. It was an ancient Greek settlement constructed around the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world.

When Ephesus became part of the Roman Empire in 133 BCE, Ephesus became the capital of Eastern Roman or the Byzantine Empire. Most of Ephesus’ buildings, that you see in ruins today, were built between 27 BCE – 180 CE, during what we know as Pax Romana . Pax Romana was a period of peace between various Roman nationalities. It began with the reign of Caeser Augustus and ended with the rule of Marcus Aurelius.

Apart from historical ruins, the ancient city of Ephesus is also home to 3 important religious sites. The Mosque of Isa Bey is a revered mosque from the times of Ottoman Turks while the House of Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St. John are the among the most visited Christian pilgrimage sites in the world today. It is believed that Mary lived and died in Ephesus. And so did Apostle John, who is buried at the basilica.

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Best things to do in Ephesus Ancient City

There are several amazing things to do and see in Ephesus including the iconic Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, an ancient walkway called the Curetes Street, and the incredible frescoes and mosaics of Terrace Houses.

The ruins of Ephesus Ancient City in Turkey are spread over an area of 600 hectares and have two main entrances – one at the bottom (lower) and one at the top (upper). We entered through the lower entrance and this list of Ephesus attractions is what I saw in a sequence as I walked from the lower to the upper entrance.

The Arcadiane

There are two main streets in Ephesus – Arcadiane and Curetes Street. The first that you encounter when you walk in from the lower entrance is the Arcadiane.

The 500m long Arcadiane was crucial to the city of Ephesus because it connected the city with the harbor. A 6th-century inscription tells us that public lighting of the Arcadiane was taken very seriously.

The Great Theater

As you walk along the Arcadiane, the first monument that you’ll notice is a colossal amphitheater that dates back to the Hellenistic era. This is the Great Theather which had a seating capacity of 25,000.

The Great Theater was a much smaller structure during the Greek times. Later, the Romans rebuilt and expanded it greatly. Gradually, the theater went on to become a massive, 3-storey amphitheater that would soon become the hub of Ephesus’ social life. Apart from theater and drama, Great Theater played host to numerous political assemblies and gladiatorial contests.

Pro tip: Even though the theater is very impressive, I urge you to quickly move on to the famous Library of Celsus because that is the most unique monument in the Ephesus ensemble and gets crowded super quickly. You can always come back to the theater later.

Library of Celsus

The Library of Celsus is one of the most majestic buildings of the Roman Empire and the third largest library after the ones at Alexandria and Pergamum.

Built in the 2nd century CE by Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, a notable member of the Roman senate, the Celsus Library once housed more than 12,000 books. Eventually, it went on to become Celsus’ burial place too.

The highlight of the Library of Celsus is the majestic arched entrance with two tiers and highly decorative facades. 4 pairs of Corinthian columns adorn the 3 doorways to the library. Each of these doorways has an elaborate frame and a large window on the top. 4 statues flank the doors. They depict Celsus Polemaeanus’ 4 qualities – wisdom, intelligence, knowledge, and virtue.

As you enter the building, you realize how big it is. Imagine it being filled with books and Roman scholars venturing in and out, poring over age-old manuscripts. What a sight that would have been!

Pro tips for visiting Ephesus Library of Celsus

• Come here first thing if you are visiting in the morning or the last if you are here in the afternoon. That is the best way to avoid the crowds at the library.
• Early morning is the best time to visit the library because the facade faces east. Sun’s rays illuminate the facade making it the best time for photography.

Terrace Houses of Ephesus Ancient City

One of the most important things to see in Ephesus are the Terrace Houses . They are also called Yamac Houses or the Yamacevler.

This complex of rich, residential mansions has the most wonderful collection of wall paintings and floor mosaics in the Roman world. The paintings reminded me of the vibrant walls of Villa Oplontis near Pompeii, Italy and the mosaics took me back to my Conimbriga trip in Portugal .

The Terrace House is a multi-storied building that had 6 separate dwelling units with a peristyle courtyard. Meeting and reception rooms in the building are richly decorated with frescoes and mosaics whereas utility areas like kitchens and toilets have sparse furnishings.

Some of the popular mosaics in the ensemble are those of Medusa and a lion. The frescoes are colorful and well restored in many spots.

Pro tips for visiting Ephesus Terrace Houses

• Terrace Houses at Ephesus need a separate admission fee but are totally worth it. I would not recommend skipping them.
• Entrance is covered by the Turkey Museum Pass or Aegean Museum Pass if you have one.
• The terrace houses are covered. So, I would recommend visiting them around noon to avoid the heat outside. Plus, there are not very crowded at any time because they have a separate entrance fee.
• I highly recommend hiring a tour guide for this part of Ephesus ruins. That is because sometimes we are just looking at murals and mosaics without even understanding what they represent. A local tour guide makes the experience a lot more enlightening. Few tours like this one included a tour of Ephesus Terrace Houses and trust me, they are absolutely worth it.

Curetes Street

Curetes Street is the main street in Ephesus that connects the lower half of the city with the upper half. It runs between the Library of Celsus and Heracles Gate. Many historic buildings of Ephesus including the Terrace Houses are found on Curetes Street.

Curetes Street was the hub of all activity in ancient Ephesus. There were mansions, shops, galleries, monuments, and fountains on both sides of the street. I can imagine this to be the most gregarious part of Ephesus ancient city.

Pro tip: Curetes Street is made of marble and is slippery in many parts. Wear good walking shoes because heels and flip-flops will not work here.

Temple of Hadrian

The Temple of Hadrian is one of the best things to see in Ephesus. Located on Curetes Street, the temple dates back to the 2nd century and pays homage to Emperor Hadrian. Be sure to notice the relief above the door lintel that depicts events in the foundation of Ephesus.

Alytarch’s Stoa

The stoa is a line of shops/workshops right in front of the Terrace Houses on Curetes Street. In front of them, you’ll see a colonnade that is supported by columns and has a polychrome mosaic floor featuring various floral and animal patterns.

Heracles Gate

At the southern end of Curetes Street, you’ll spot the ruins of the Heracles/Hercules Gate. Look at the two columns that feature images of Hercules wearing the skin of a lion.

Domitian Square

Once you reach the end of Curetes Street and walk through the Hercules Gate, you’ll come to Domitian Square where you’ll see a number of important Ephesus attractions.

Nike sculpture

One of Ephesus’ most photographed attractions is the Nike sculpture at Domitian Square.

The famous sculpture is a triangular-shaped marble relief of Nike, Greek Goddess of Victory. In one hand, Nike holds a laurel wreath and in the other, she has a palm branch.

Nike’s relief once adorned the Heracles Gate but is now located on the side. It is one of the best places in Ephesus to get clicked at.

Memmius Monument & Polio Fountain

Two other important structures at the Domitian Square were the Polio Fountain and the Memmius Monument. Polio Fountain was an ornate fountain decorated with statues while the Memmius Monument was a victory arch commemorating Ephesus’ liberation from the Pontic Empire in 84 BCE.

Temple of Domitian

Domitian Square gets it name from the Temple of Domitian that stands at the southeastern end of the square. It was the first ever temple in Ephesus to be built in the honor of an Emperor, Domitian. This made Ephesus a neocorate for the first time in its history.

State Agora

The State Agora was a thriving public space in the ancient Roman city of Ephesus. This is where all political debates happened and policies were voted on. There was a small temple in the center, of which only some ruins are visible today. Several important public buildings such as the Odeon Theater and Pyrtaneion surrounded the Agora.

Odeon Theater

The Odeon Theater is a smaller amphitheater near the State Agora but quite as impressive as the Great Theater. It could seat 1,800 people at a time and functioned as an assembly hall and concert theater. Because of its proximity to the State Agora, this is where many city council meetings were held.

Ephesus Pyrtaneion

The Pyrtaneion was the city hall and the seat of administration. Official banquets and receptions were held here. In the center, there was an ancient temple dedicated to Hestia, Goddess of Fire.

Roman gym & sarcophagi

I want to quickly mention that, at the lower entrance, right before the Arcadiane begins, you’ll see the ruins of a Roman gymnasium. This is apparently where athletes as well as gladiators trained.

Right across the street from the gym, there is an interesting display of sarcophagi. A note on the side will tell you that ancient Ephesus was once a renowned production center of half-finished sarcophagi. Ephesus’ sarcophagi were unique because of their beautiful garland decorations.

Best things to see near Ephesus Ancient City

Ephesus museum.

One of the things that not many people do is visit the Ephesus Archaeological Museum . The fact that it is located in the town of Selcuk and not at the archaeological site makes the museum a bit of a hidden gem.

At the Ephesus Museum, you’ll see an amazing display of statues and artifacts from the ruins of Ephesus. There are also some from Cukurici Hoyuk, the first ever settlement in Western Turkey, Temple of Artemis, and the Basilica of St. John. Perhaps the most interesting object on display is the statue of Artemis as a symbol of fertility.

Trivia – Did you know that Vienna, Austria has an Ephesos Museum too that displays artifacts from the historic city of Ephesus, Turkey?

Temple of Artemis

One of the seven wonders of the ancient world was right here in Ephesus. Today, only a few columns remain. Yes, you guessed it right. I am talking about the Temple of Artemis which should totally be on your Turkey bucket list.

Temple of Artemis, or Artemision as it is also called, was an ancient Greek temple dedicated to Goddess Artemis or Diana from Roman mythology. She was the patron deity of the city and hence, needed a large and beautiful religious space. The temple was built around 550 BCE, burnt down in 356 BCE and rebuilt, and finally destroyed by the Goths in 262 CE.

The Temple of Artemis was one of the most visited religious destinations in the ancient world. Thousands of pilgrims visited the temple every year. No doubt, it was added to the list of ancient wonders of the world by Hellenic travelers.

The version of Artemis that you see in Ephesus is a combination of the Greek goddess and Cybele, a local deity for fertility. That’s why the statues of Artemis that you see at the Ephesus Museum are covered with fertility symbols.

Ruins of the temple are free to visit.

House of Virgin Mary

The House of Virgin Mary is yet another attraction near Ephesus which sees thousands of pilgrims every year.

Located on a remote Mt. Koressos, just 15 minutes away from Ephesus, this house is believed to have been the the home of Virgin Mary during the last years of her life. Several popes including Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II have visited the house.

Today, it is an important pilgrimage center and often clubbed with a visit to Ephesus . There is no public transport to get to the House of Virgin Mary. So, you’ll need to drive your own car, hire a taxi, or join a highly-recommended, guided tour like this one .

Basilica of St. John

You cannot miss the Basilica of St. John when you are visiting Selcuk or planning to see the best places near Ephesus ancient city.

The basilica is a huge Christian pilgrimage center today. It is believed that John the Apostle was buried here. You can pay respects at his tomb (pictured above).

St. John’s Basilica was constructed by Roman Emperor, Justinian the Great, in the 6th century. It was a massive site then and today, the ruins are impressive. You can catch a stunning view of the town from the observation area too.

The archaeological site is open from 8:00am – 7:30pm in summer (April – October) and from 8:30am – 5:30pm in winter (November – March). Entrance fee to the Basilica of St. John is 40 TL. Check here for latest prices before you go.

Mosque of Isa Bey

Built in late 14th century, the Mosque of Isa Bey is one of the best things to see near the Ephesus archaeological site. It is a beautiful example of Seljuk architecture with high walls of marble and limestone. Much of the raw material came from the ruins of Ephesus.

Apparently, the Mosque of Isa Bey was inspired by the Great Mosque of Damascus, though it is hard to make out the connection now. A good bit of the mosque was damaged and rebuilt.

The Mosque of Isa Bey is free to visit. Dress respectfully. You’ll find long cover ups for women at the entrance in case you need one.

The mosque is located very close to St. John’s Basilica, so you can easily walk between the two.

Interactive map of Ephesus attractions

Practical information for visiting Ephesus ruins

Ephesus opening hours.

The archaeological site of Ephesus is open from 8:00am – 7:30pm in summer (April – October) and from 8:30am – 5:30pm in winter (November – March) . Last admission time is 1 hour before the closing time.

Ticket office closes at 6:30pm in summer and at 5:00pm in winter.

Ephesus entrance fee

The entrance fee for Ephesus ancient city was 150 TL when I visited. Admission to Terrace Houses was 60 TL.

However, at the time of writing this post (which is only a month after visiting) admission fee for the archaeological site has increased to 200 TL and Terrace Houses has gone up to 85 TL.

Entrance fees in Turkey are going up like crazy especially because of their falling currency. If you are paying in dollars or euros, it is does not make a lot of difference. But it is always a good idea to check on their official website for latest prices before planning your Ephesus trip.

At the time of visiting, for 270 TL, I could get a combined ticket for Ephesus Archaeological Site + Terrace Houses + Ephesus Museum + St. John’s Basilica. I am sure this must have gone up too.

If you are visiting Turkey for a longer period of time, I highly recommend getting a Turkey Museum Pass which is valid for 15 days and covers several museums around the country. Not only saves you a lot of $$ but also some precious time. If you are visiting the Aegean only, then getting an Aegean Museum Pass may make more sense. Check out all Turkish Museum Passes on their official website here .

Where to buy Ephesus tickets?

You can buy your tickets or museum passes at both the upper and lower entrance gates of Ephesus.

You can also buy an online version of the ticket + mobile audio guide here . But honestly, I haven’t heard great reviews for audio guide included in this online version . So, it is just better to get a ticket and audio guide at the entrance.

Audio guides at Ephesus

Audio guides are available at Ephesus for 90 TL at the time of visiting. You can pick from 10 different languages which include English, Spanish, German, and French.

Tours at Ephesus Turkey

You don’t need a tour for Ephesus, Turkey though one is highly recommended if you wish to know the history of each and every monument.

We did a DIY tour where we began at the lower gate and walked up to the upper gate. We picked this route because one, public transport is available only at the lower gate and two, we could see the Library of Celsus as soon as we entered the site.

There were several points, such as the Terrace Houses and the Curetes Street, where I thought a tour guide could have given me deeper insights. I then regretted not having signed up for a guided tour. But if you are looking for one, here are some great Ephesus tours.

• This small-group, full-day tour that takes you to the Ephesus archaeological site, Temple of Artemis, and the House of Virgin Mary is extremely popular among visitors and good value for money. They’ll pick you up and drop you from Selcuk or Kusadasi Port.
• On this all 5-star, private tour from Kusadasi Port , you’ll explore the ancient city, Virgin Mary’s House, St. John’s Basilica, as well as the Terrace Houses.
• Discover the secrets of Ephesus on this private tour with a historian guide who will tell you the stories behind the stones of Ephesus. This is the perfect choice for history buffs like you and me.

How to get to Ephesus Ancient City?

You can get to Ephesus Ancient City by minivan (dolmus) from Selcuk bus station (Otogar). Have a look at the interactive map above to get directions to the Otogar. Ephesus vans leave from the corner near the toilets. A man at a table sells tickets. Have a look at the picture below to spot your van.

The minivans run as soon as they get filled up which happens every 10 minutes at around 8:30 – 9:00am in the morning. The ride takes around 10 minutes and costs around 8-10 TL per person.

The minivan will drop you at the lower gate of the archaeological site. This gate is closer to the Library of Celsus. While returning, you’ll have to come back to the same gate again because there isn’t any public transport at the upper gate.

The return process is a little interesting. Go to the same bus stop at Ephesus lower gate when you want to return. Usually, there’ll be a guy who will call up the minivan driver and a minivan will be at the stop in 5-10 mins. Or there are phone numbers at the bus stop that you can call yourself.

Where to stay in Ephesus?

The closest town to Ephesus is Selcuk and my preferred place to stay.

Of course, you can stay in Izmir but getting to Ephesus Ancient City from Izmir takes about an hour whereas from Selcuk, it is just 10 minutes. If you are spending only a day in Ephesus, then it makes sense to stay in Selcuk.

There are many nice places to stay in Selcuk and the best part is that you’ll find a number of budget options here.

We absolutely loved our stay at Nicea Hotel ( Agoda | Booking ) where we had a nice, big room with a balcony overlooking the park. The staff was very friendly, they have a dog, and they serve great breakfast. The best part is the hotel is located right across the street from Selcuk Otogar (bus station). Plus, the Ephesus Museum and Temple of Artemis are just a short walk away. The Nicea Hotel was one of the best places I stayed in Turkey and I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good hotel at a decent price in Selcuk.

Hotel Mary’s House ( Agoda | Booking ) is another exceptionally-rated property that we had our eyes on. The decor and designs are beautiful. Additionally, the staff is very friendly and welcoming.

If you are looking for something more luxurious and boutique, have a look at Akanthus Hotel ( Agoda | Booking ) with gorgeous rooms, stunning decor, an outdoor swimming pool, and a wonderful breakfast spread.

Find more hotels in Selcuk here . Remember that Booking does not work inside Turkey. You can make your bookings before you get into the country or book on Agoda or Expedia .

Ephesus travel tips

• You should plan to spend at least 2-3 hours at Ephesus if you want to see the ruins in detail. Just the Terrace Houses can take up an hour of your time.
• Come here early in the morning to avoid crowds. Tour groups start arriving around 10:00am and usually enter from the upper entrance. Coming around 9:00am and entering from the lower entrance gives you enough time at Library on your own.
• The best time to photograph the Celsus Library is early in the morning when sun rays bathe the monument in an ethereal yellow.
• Get your best walking shoes because you are going to need them in Ephesus. The city’s ancient marble walkways are often slippery.
• Do not miss the Terrace Houses if you are interesting in history and art. It costs an extra $5 to enter them but they are totally worth it.

Ephesus travel FAQ

Is ephesus a must see.

Yes, Ephesus is a must see because the ancient city was once a thriving capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. It is home to one of the biggest libraries of the ancient world and the best royal mansions featuring colorful frescoes and mosaic floors. Ephesus is also home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world.

How many days do you need in Ephesus?

You need at least one day in Ephesus to see the ruins of the ancient city, visit the Temple of Artemis and St. John’s Basilica, and pay your respects at the House of Virgin Mary. If you want to do more such as stop by the Ephesus Museum and Isa Bey Mosque, you’ll need 2 days in Ephesus.

Why should you visit Ephesus?

You should visit Ephesus to see the 2000-year-old ruins of a Hellenic-Roman city which is home to one of the largest libraries of the olden times, the Temple of Artemis – a wonder of the ancient world, the house where Virgin Mary spent the last years of her life, and St. John’s Basilica where the John, the Apostle is buried.

What is special about Ephesus?

Ephesus is special because it was built around the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. That made Ephesus a thriving pilgrimage center in the olden times. As times changed, Ephesus also became a prosperous port city and the capital of the Byzantine Roman Empire.

What should I wear to Ephesus?

Wear something light and comfortable to Ephesus because it is always sunny and hot. Shorts and cotton dresses are fine. Get a hat and be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes to walk on Ephesus’ ancient marble roads.

Can you tour Ephesus on your own?

Yes, you can tour Ephesus on your own. You do not need a tour guide to visit Ephesus. Just buy your entrance ticket at any of Ephesus’ two gates, enter the archaeological site, and do your DIY Ephesus tour.

What is ancient Ephesus called today?

The ancient city of Ephesus goes by the name of Selcuk today. Selcuk is a modern town in western Turkey. The ruins of Ephesus are located on the fringes of Selcuk town.

How old are the ruins in Ephesus?

The ruins in Ephesus are more than 2000 years old. Most Ephesus monuments were built during the Pax Romana period between 27 BCE – 180 CE.

Is Ephesus worth visiting?

Ephesus in Turkey is absolutely worth visiting. Once the capital of Eastern Roman Empire, Ephesus is home to the ruins of an ancient metropolis and the Temple of Artemis (an ancient world wonder) which make it one of the best UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit in Turkey.

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9 thoughts on “ Visiting The Ruins Of Ephesus Ancient City: A Complete Travel Guide ”

Hi Soumya, Thank you so much for this very insightful post on Pamukkale and Ephesus. We are visiting Turkey on 15 April to 6 May from South Africa. We will be visiting Istanbul, Denizli (Pamukkale), Ephesus, and Cappadocia (Goreme). My friend and I travel on our own without any tour guides and thus your site has helped me with so much needed information. Especially on Pamukkale and Ephesus. Do you maybe have something on Cappadocia? Have a great day!

Hi Mel, I am so glad that you found my posts on Ephesus and Pamukkale helpful. I have a ton of content on Cappadocia here . I have got posts on Cappaodocia itinerary , things to do , best tours , hot air balloon ride , and my experience of a green tour . Please feel free to check them out here .

Wonderfully documented the details of the 7th wonder of the past. Depicts excellent photographs in the text and gives a vivid description of the sites.

Glad you liked the narrative. Ephesus is indeed a beautiful place to catch a glimpse of the ancient past.

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Visit To Ephesus

Visit to Ephesus

Ephesus is an ancient Greek city situated on the western coast of Anatolia, which is now modern-day Turkey. It was a significant and influential city in the ancient world, renowned for its strategic location, wealth, and cultural accomplishments.

Ephesus was founded in the 10th century BC by Greek colonists and later became a prominent city in the Roman Empire . Ephesus was the capital of the Roman province of Asia and played a significant role in the spread of Christianity.

The city had remarkable architectural structures, such as the Temple of Artemis , one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World , and the Library of Celsus , a grand library that held thousands of scrolls. Additionally, Ephesus had a large outdoor theater known as the Great Theatre , which could accommodate thousands of spectators. This venue was used for various performances and events.

The city was a significant centre for trade and commerce due to its strategic location near the Aegean Sea.

Its harbour, although now silted up, was once a bustling port. Ephesus was a centre for the worship of Artemis , the ancient Greek goddess of the hunt, and played a pivotal role in the development of early Christianity. The Book of Ephesians in the New Testament was written by the Apostle Paul for the Christian community in Ephesus.

Ephesus began to decline in the 3rd century AD due to changes in trade routes, earthquakes, and the silting up of the harbor.

Consequently, the city gradually lost its former glory and significance. Today, the archaeological site of Ephesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination. The archaeological site of Ephesus , located near the modern town of Selcuk in the Izmir Province of Turkey, offers visitors the opportunity to explore well-preserved ruins, such as the Temple of Artemis , the Library of Celsus , the Great Theatre , and the Terrace Houses .

Ephesus stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the ancient Mediterranean world, attracting visitors interested in its archaeological wonders.

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Ancient Ephesus: From grand history to modern discovery

H ere, sailors arrived for physical pleasures, and evangelists wrote their scriptures. Both Cleopatra and Mary, mother of Jesus, lived here. Roman emperors threw grand parties here, and Saint John was writing his gospel then. Add to that an impressive library and an equally impressive brothel, and it means we're in Ephesus, one of the most influential cities of antiquity. During a vacation in Turkey, this is a must-visit point.

Ephesus is an ancient Greco-Roman city founded around the 9th century B.C. Right after Pompeii, it is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. The first Christian community in Asia Minor was established here, and the first gospel was written. It is no wonder in 2015, Ephesus was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The power of the ancient city discovered... by accident

The city's ruins were discovered by accident because, if it weren't for the railway construction in Turkey, the ancient city might never have been uncovered. The history of archaeological research in Ephesus dates back to 1863 when British engineer John Turtle Wood, who was supposed to be building railways in Turkey, began searching for the remains of the Temple of Artemis. He became almost obsessed with it. And it's good he did because six years later, he managed to identify its location and another five years were devoted to excavation work in that area, and the first artifacts were found.

Since then, archaeological work has been ongoing. Even now – while crowds of tourists visit the city, archaeologists are still excavating, and with each passing year, we can see more and more.

The origins of Ephesus date back to the second millennium B.C. It was already a bustling city in Greek times. Its most famous citizen was Heraclitus, a philosopher living in the 6th-5th century B.C., whose motto was the famous saying "Panta rhei," meaning "Everything flows." After periods of Persian rule and then the successors of Alexander the Great, Ephesus became the capital of the Roman province. It attracted famous personalities, including Mark Antony and Cleopatra, who enjoyed their free time by sailing in the waters of the nearby bay on a ship with silver oars and perfumed sails.

At its peak, the population of Ephesus reached 200,000. Over time, however, the local river's mouth began to silt up, and after earthquakes, the coastline receded. Along with the loss of its port function, the city lost its significance. Currently, the sea is 5 kilometres from the city's ruins.

A wonder of the world, an impressive library, and a brothel

Ephesus was a highly developed metropolis. There were many public utility buildings here. Today, among other things, you can admire a theatre for 25,000 spectators, where concerts by famous stars like Elton John and Luciano Pavarotti are currently held. The city also has a prytaneion, equivalent to a town hall, by which an eternal flame was kept burning at the Temple of Vesta. There are also two agoras – the representative one used for more official purposes and the commercial one closer to the port – and complex bathhouses because no one could enter the city dirty.

The symbol of Ephesus is the Library of Celsus, named in honour of the Roman governor buried in its crypt. The magnificent building was erected in the 2nd century A.D. by the official's son, who sponsored purchasing 12,000 papyrus scrolls. The library was burned down during the Gothic invasion in the 3rd century A.D., but its incredible facade survived.

The Temple of Artemis also stood here, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, its only remnant is the stump of a lone column, but it was undoubtedly an impressive structure. The temple was surrounded by over 120 columns, each 20 metres high and with a diameter of 3 metres! Inside was a statue of Artemis, known here as Diana, revered as the goddess of fertility. The local museum houses two statues of the goddess, featuring her ample bosom.

Ephesus was also known for its brothel. To this port city flocked masses of sailors, eager for women after long voyages. Women from the world's oldest profession offered their services to them. An advertisement for this establishment can be seen on a sidewalk slab on one of the streets. It etched the image of a woman, a heart, a coin implying that nothing is for free, and a foot. The foot pointed the way to the house of pleasures and simultaneously served to check if a man was old enough to use the prostitutes' services. If the foot was smaller than the one on the slab, it indicated that he still needed to "grow up."

The city's residents also utilized the brothel. Concerned for their privacy and anonymity, an underground passage was invented that led from the library. This way, one could always convince his wife, shopping at the agora, that he was going to the library to read while actually spending time differently.

Ancient toilets

The city's life can be learned from inscriptions written in Greek. Among them are also regulatory provisions. They talk about the penalties for polluting the port. There is also a warning not to... "urinate on the walls within the agora." At the same time, a place was provided where one could take care of their needs. The ancient toilets are now a favourite spot where tourists take photos. Marble benches with holes, arranged in a square, could accommodate 48 men at once. Privacy was not a priority – reclining comfortably, not covered by any walls, patrons discussed politics, made deals, and exchanged opinions about women.

Admission to the toilets was paid, thanks to a decree by Emperor Vespasian, who explained that "money does not stink," thus deciding to support the state budget. This is also the origin of another saying, namely, "to have a warm seat." Before a wealthy resident sat on their place in the toilet, a slave would warm the cold marble slab (though the slave did not use the toilet himself) so that the master could sit on a warm and heated seat.

Time travel

Since last year, the city has had an Ephesus Multimedia Museum . It is a major attraction, especially for families with children.

The museum utilizes modern technologies such as touch screens, 3D projections, and virtual reality to present the history of Ephesus. Visitors can interactively explore ancient ruins and reconstructed buildings. Thanks to technology, the museum shows scenes from the everyday life of Ephesus residents, and visitors can feel the vibrations of an earthquake, the gust of wind, or almost touch the golden statue of Artemis or Cleopatra's garments. Starting in 2024, the entire setup, in which we are not mere spectators but citizens of the city, will be available with a Polish narrator (a professional actor who perfectly introduces the city's atmosphere).

Ephesus - how to get there?

The best way to reach Ephesus by public transport is from Izmir and Kusadasi. Tickets won't cost more than £4-£6. From the Turkish Riviera and Bodrum Peninsula, bus tours are organized. Their cost can be up to £88 per person, but besides transportation, we have a Polish-speaking guide, lunch, a visit to a winery with tastings, and entrance tickets to the ruins and museum in Ephesus.

If we decide to tour on our own, the entrance fee to the ancient city is £14, and for the multimedia museum, it's £3 (an important point, especially with children, but it also guarantees amazing experiences for adults). The ruins of the city also look impressive, and the archaeologists have made efforts to perfectly combine authentic artifacts with reconstructed fragments.

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