City of Ephesus, Turkey

Ephesus (Efes) is one of the largest and most impressive ancient cities in Turkey, now an open-air archaeological museum. It was once home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In 2015, Ephesus was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Location

Ephesus is in western Turkey, about an hour’s drive south of Izmir, near the popular Aegean resort Kusadasi. The nearest town is Selcuk, about 3 km from the ruins, where the Ephesus Museum displays many archaeological finds.

How to Get There

• From Izmir or Izmir Airport: Take a bus, train, or taxi to Selcuk (about 1 hour).
• From Selcuk or Kusadasi: Use a dolmus (shared minibus) to the highway near the ruins, then walk about 10–15 minutes to the entrance. Fares are inexpensive.

History

Founded by Greek settlers from Athens about 3,000 years ago, Ephesus was named after the local Amazon Ephesia. Initially a Greek city with an Acropolis, Agora, and Forum, it became famous for the Temple of Artemis in the 6th century BC.

In 133 BC, Ephesus came under Roman rule and flourished; most of the surviving landmarks date from this period: the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, baths, and temples. It became the capital of the Roman province of Asia and a major trading port, and one of the largest cities in the eastern Mediterranean.

During the Byzantine period, the city gradually declined because its harbor silted up and earthquakes struck. The population moved to the nearby Ayasuluk Hill (today’s Selcuk), and by the 15th century Ephesus was abandoned.

Temple of Artemis

The Temple of Artemis no longer exists except for one remaining column. It was famously burned in the 4th century BC by Herostratus. Some remnants are now in the British Museum.

Visiting Tips

• Ephesus is sun-exposed, so bring hats and water, especially in summer.
• Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat.
• Walking from public transport requires about 10 minutes.
• Avoid bringing small children; the site is large and may be boring for them.

Entrance Fees (2026)

• Adult ticket: €40 (paid in lira or by card); children under 8 enter free
• Terrace Houses: €15 (separate ticket)
• Ephesus Museum in Selcuk: €10; Basilica of St. John: €6
• Opening hours: from 8:00 daily, until about 19:00–20:00 in summer and about 17:30 in winter

Main Sights

• Arcadian Way (Arkadiane): Colonnaded avenue that led from the Great Theater to the ancient harbor.
• Marble Street: Marble-paved street linking the Library of Celsus with the Great Theater.
• Great Theater: Built in the Hellenistic period and enlarged by the Romans, it seated about 25,000 spectators.
• Lower Agora: Marketplace with double colonnades and a water clock.
• Brothel: A carving in the Marble Street pavement nearby is popularly said to be an ancient advertisement for it.
• Terrace Houses: Houses of wealthy citizens with preserved mosaics and frescoes (requires separate ticket).
• Celsus Library: 2nd-century Roman library, impressive façade.
• Curetes Street: Lined with the Temple of Hadrian, the Nymphaeum of Trajan and the Gate of Hercules; the Temple of Domitian stands near its upper end.
• Upper Agora: Ancient marketplace, law inscriptions, and small temples.
• Odeon: Small theater for 1,400 spectators, once the city senate seat.
• Church of the Virgin Mary: 5–7 minutes from the lower entrance.

Summary

Ephesus is a vast archaeological complex with well-preserved streets, theaters, and temples. It offers a vivid glimpse into ancient Greek and Roman urban life and is highly recommended for history enthusiasts.