- Tourist Information
- Map
- Why is Ephesus a famous tourist attraction?
- What is the significance of the Celsus Library and the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus?
- What legends does Ephesus have?
- The City Founded by the Amazons
- Prince Androclos and the boar
- Legend of the Temple of Artemis
- The Legend of the Library of Celsus
- How long should I plan to spend at Ephesus to see the main sites?
- Important Facts about Ephesus
- What are the nearby restaurants?
- What objectives can you visit inside the archaeological site of Ephesus?
- Are there any other nearby attractions near Ephesus?
- Can I purchase souvenirs or local products at Ephesus?
Tourist Information
| Type | Ancient city |
| Year | 10th century BC |
| Age | 3000 years |
| Builder | Attic and Ionian Greek colonists |
| Abandoned | 15th century AD |
| Visiting Hours / Tickets | 1 April – 31 October Opening time: 08:00 Closing time: 19:30 31 October – 1 April Opening time: 08:30 Closing time: 18:00 Ticket Office closing hours: Summer Period: 18:30 Winter Period: 17:00 Ticket Price: 12E |
| Getting around | The ancient site of Ephesus can be seen entirely on foot. There are two entry/exit points about 3 km apart. Toilets are available at each entry gate but not inside the general site. The upper Magnesia gate is the better gate to enter, allowing you to walk downhill to and exit at the lower harbor gate. The entire ruins are easily covered on foot within two hours. |
| Getting there | By BUS – from Izmir or Istanbul The closest airport: Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) By train – from Izmir airport By cruise ship via the nearby port of Kuşadası |
| Location | Acarlar, Efes Harabeleri, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Turkey, Asia |
Map
Why is Ephesus a famous tourist attraction?
Ephesus or Efes was an important Greek port city, a remarkable cultural and commercial center, and its history is intertwined with the broader cultural and historical developments of the Mediterranean world. This makes it a fascinating place for those interested in history and archaeology.
The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world is part of Ephesus, this mega ancient city, whose unique architectural monuments have been standing for thousands of years.
Ephesus boasts a magnificent theater that can seat up to 25,000 people. It is known for its acoustics and is a popular spot for tourists to take photos and imagine the grand performances that once took place there.
Excavations have revealed grand monuments of the Roman Imperial period including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. The Library of Celsus is one of the most iconic structures at Ephesus. It was one of the most beautiful libraries of the ancient world and stands as a testament to the advanced architectural and engineering skills of its time.
Ephesus is also associated with the House of the Virgin Mary, a pilgrimage site for Christians who believe that Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her last years there. This adds a spiritual dimension to the site and attracts religious tourists.
The nearby town of Selçuk and the region as a whole offer a taste of Turkish culture, cuisine, and hospitality, providing tourists with a well-rounded experience.
What is the significance of the Celsus Library and the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus?
The Library of Celsus and the Temple of Artemis are two important landmarks that represent the ancient culture and knowledge of Ephesus. The Library of Celsus was a grand structure, while the Temple of Artemis was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis. Both of these landmarks hold significant historical and cultural value.
What legends does Ephesus have?
The City Founded by the Amazons
One legend says that Ephesus was founded by the Amazons, a tribe of warrior women and that the city was named after their queen, Ephesia.
Prince Androclos and the boar
Another legend says that in 10 BC, the Ionian prince Androclos, son of the king of Athens-Kodros, was looking for a location to found a new city. The Oracle of Delphi predicted that a fish and a boar would show the location of the new city. Days later, while frying a fish, Androklos fell out of the pan. A boar hiding behind the bushes jumped up to eat the fish and then ran away. Androclos pursued the boar and established the city of Ephesus, where he killed the boar.
Legend of the Temple of Artemis
An interesting legend about the Temple of Artemis says that it was built on the site where Zeus buried a black stone, representing the brotherhood between the Greeks and the Amazons after the Amazons allied with the Greeks in a battle against the Trojans.
The Legend of the Library of Celsus
The Library of Celsus is one of the most remarkable monuments of Ephesus. Celsus, a Roman senator, and statesman, is said to have built this library to house the most precious writings and knowledge of the ancient world.
How long should I plan to spend at Ephesus to see the main sites?
To see the main sites thoroughly plan for at least 2-3 hours. If you want to explore in more detail and visit additional areas, consider a half-day or full-day visit.
Important Facts about Ephesus
Ephesus is considered one of the great outdoor museums of Turkey.
The Ancient Romans knew the true shape of the world back in the 1st century AD. When you visit Ephesus you will see one foot of the main statue of Emperor Trajan resting on the world which was shaped like a globe.
The first church dedicated to the Virgin Mary is in Ephesus.
The same church is also known as one of the seven churches of the Apocalypse.
Ephesus was once a seaport and is now 8 kilometers away from the sea.
The Ancient City of Ephesus was built 4 times in history and the present Ephesus is the 4th one.
The Virgin Mary lived the last years in Turkey, here in a small cottage near Ephesus.
One of the seven wonders of antiquity, the Temple of Artemis, is at Ephesus.
The temple of Artemis is believed to have been rebuilt 7 times.
The columns from the Temple of Artemis were 30 meters high.
The Grand Theatre in Ephesus has a seating capacity of 24000 and a height of 38 meters.
What are the nearby restaurants?
The town of Selçuk, near Ephesus, offers numerous dining options serving traditional Turkish cuisine and international dishes. You can find restaurants, cafes, and food stalls.
What objectives can you visit inside the archaeological site of Ephesus?
- Magnesian Gate
- East Gymnasium
- Early Christian Basilica
- St Luke’s Grave
- Bath Of Varius Ephesus
- State Agora
- Temple Of Isis
- Basilica
- Hydrekdocheion
- Hellenistic City Wall
- Odeon
- Temenos
- Prytaneion
- Domitian Square
- Temple Of Domitian
- Fountain Of Pollio
- Hercules Gate
- Memmius Monument
- Curetes Street
- Fountain Of Trajan
- Terrace Houses
- Scholastica Baths
- Temple Of Hadrian
- Latrines
- Octagon
- Brothel
- Hadrian’s Gate
- Heroon
- Celsus Library
- This must be the most iconic image of Ephesus. It is featured in almost any Turkish travel brochure. The Celsus Library was the third largest library of the ancient world, with a capacity of 12,000 scrolls.
- Gate Of Mazeus
- Temple Of Serapis
- Commercial Agora
- Marble Road
- Ephesus Grand Theatre
- Big Riot Against Paul
- Theatre Gymnasium
- Arcadian Street
- Harbour Baths
- Harbour Gymnasium
- The Double Churches
- Ephesus Stadium
- Vedius Gymnasium
Are there any other nearby attractions near Ephesus?
Nearby attractions include the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, the House of the Virgin Mary, Selçuk Castle, and the ancient city of Priene. Day trips to Pamukkale and Hierapolis are also popular.
- Basilica Of St John
- Isa Bey Mosque
- Seven Sleepers
- Sirince Village
- Selcuk
Can I purchase souvenirs or local products at Ephesus?
Yes, there are souvenir shops at the entrance and within the visitor center where you can purchase items like postcards, books, ceramics, and local crafts.
