Ephesus Ancient City

Ephesus Ancient City is one of the most important cities of the ancient world, located on the west coast of Anatolia, in Selçuk district of İzmir, Turkey. Founded as early as the 10th century BC, Ephesus has hosted many civilizations throughout history and bears traces of each one.

A Journey Through Time

The earliest traces of settlement in Ephesus date back to 6000 BC. Founded by the Luvian kings, the city was captured by the Ionians in the 10th century BC and became a major trading center. The Temple of Artemis, built in 550 BC, became the most important symbol of the city and was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

In 129 BC, Ephesus came under the rule of the Roman Empire and experienced a period of great development. During the reigns of emperors Augustus and Hadrian, the city became one of the most important cities of Rome with the construction of many important structures such as the Celsus Library, the Great Theater, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Odeon.

Ephesus also holds a significant place in Christian history. Saint Paul, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ, preached in Ephesus for a long time. It is also believed that the Virgin Mary spent her last years in Ephesus and had a house there.

Places to See in Ephesus

Ephesus Ancient City covers a vast area and houses many important structures. Excavations are still ongoing today, and a large part of the city has been unearthed. The most important places to see in Ephesus are:

• Celsus Library: One of the largest libraries in the Roman Empire.
• Great Theater: With a capacity of 25,000 people, the theater was used for gladiator fights and various shows.
• Temple of Hadrian: Dedicated to the Roman Emperor Hadrian, the temple is one of the most magnificent structures in the city.
• Odeon: A small theater used for music and poetry recitals.
• Temple of Artemis: Only the foundations of the temple, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, remain today.
• House of the Virgin Mary: Believed to be the house where the Virgin Mary spent her last years, it is an important pilgrimage site for Christians.

Getting to Ephesus

You can reach Ephesus Ancient City by bus or minibus from İzmir. You can also take a dolmuş from Selçuk to the ancient city.

Tips for Visiting Ephesus

• The best time to visit Ephesus Ancient City is in spring and autumn. The weather can be quite hot in summer.
• It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and use sunscreen.
• The entrance fee is 850 TL for 2024. Museum card holders can enter for free.
• You can join guided tours in Ephesus Ancient City.
• There are many places to eat and drink inside the ancient city.