One of the best-preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean, Ephesus features the magnificent Library of Celsus, Grand Theater, Temple of Hadrian, and ancient marble streets. Walk through 2,000 years of history where the Apostle Paul once preached and Cleopatra visited.
Ephesus is the largest and best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean, located near the modern town of Selçuk in İzmir province, Turkey. At its peak in the 1st century AD, the city held a population of around 200,000 and served as the capital of the Roman province of Asia. The ruins sprawl across a hillside and valley accessible through two gates — visitors typically enter from the upper Magnesia Gate and walk downhill to the Harbour Gate, covering roughly two kilometres of marble-paved streets.
The route descends past the Fountain of Pollio, the Temple of Domitian, and the Curetes Street — a wide colonnaded boulevard flanked by statuary, inscribed pedestals, and mosaic pavements. Midway down the street, the two-storey Temple of Hadrian stands largely intact, its intricate carved arch depicting the founding myth of Ephesus. Opposite the temple, a terrace stairway leads to the Terrace Houses, a separately ticketed area preserving six wealthy Roman townhouses with intact mosaic floors, frescoed walls, and hypocaust heating systems — one of the most revealing domestic archaeology sites in the world.
At the base of Curetes Street, the Library of Celsus rises as the most photographed structure at Ephesus: a two-storey facade of columns and niches constructed around 117 AD as both library and funerary monument for the consul Titus Julius Celsus Polemaeanus. The adjacent Gate of Augustus frames the entrance to the commercial agora beyond. Further on, the Great Theatre seats 25,000 and remains acoustically remarkable; performances are occasionally staged here today.
A standard visit to the main site takes two to three hours. The Terrace Houses require an additional 45 minutes and a separate ticket of around 500 Turkish lira. The site has limited shade and extensive exposed marble that becomes very hot underfoot in summer; morning visits starting at 8:00 are recommended. Audio guides and licensed guides available at the entrance add significant context to ruins that can otherwise appear as undifferentiated stonework.
Good to know
- Hours
- 8:00-19:00 (summer), 8:00-17:00 (winter)
- Best for
- history, archaeology, photography, culture
Location
Acarlar, Efes Harabeleri, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir
37.9395, 27.3408 View on map
Highlights
- Library of Celsus — intact two-storey Roman facade among the finest in the ancient world
- Curetes Street marble boulevard with Temple of Hadrian and original mosaic paving
- Terrace Houses revealing the daily interiors of wealthy Roman citizens (separate ticket)
- Great Theatre seating 25,000, still used for occasional performances
- Temple of Domitian, the Fountain of Pollio, and layers of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine remains
Tips for visiting
- Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds
- Wear sun protection and comfortable walking shoes
- Hire a guide for fascinating historical context
- Also visit nearby Terrace Houses for additional fee
When to visit
Arrive at opening (8:00 AM) in summer to walk the site before midday heat and tour groups arrive in force. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons; winter is quiet but some facilities have reduced hours.
Accessibility
The main marble streets are sloped and uneven, making wheelchair navigation difficult in most sections. The Terrace Houses involve stairways and ramps. Visitors with limited mobility can access the lower section near the Library of Celsus and Great Theatre from the Harbour Gate. The site is entirely outdoors with minimal shade, requiring sun protection.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Ephesus take?
The main site takes two to three hours at a comfortable walking pace. Adding the Terrace Houses extends the visit to around four hours. A guide or audio guide is strongly recommended for visitors unfamiliar with Roman history.
Are the Terrace Houses worth the extra ticket?
Yes, the Terrace Houses are considered the most impressive domestic archaeological site in Turkey, preserving original mosaic floors and wall frescoes inside climate-controlled enclosures. The additional fee is well justified for history-focused visitors.
Is photography allowed at Ephesus?
Photography is permitted throughout the open-air site. Inside the Terrace Houses, photography is allowed but tripods are not. Commercial photography requires a separate permit.
How do visitors get to Ephesus from Selçuk?
Ephesus is 3 km from Selçuk town centre. Taxis, minibuses (dolmuş), and organised tours all provide access. Walking from Selçuk to the upper gate takes about 45 minutes along a signposted path.