Port city of Ephesus

About Port city of Ephesus

At its height in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, Ephesus was **one of the greatest cities in the Roman Empire — a metropolis of some 250,000 people**, the capital of the Roman province of Asia Minor, and a commercial and cultural powerhouse whose influence extended across the eastern Mediterranean. Its position on the Aegean coast of what is now western Turkey, at the mouth of the Cayster River, made it the natural terminus for trade routes from the east: silks, spices, and luxury goods from Persia, India, and China poured into Ephesus on their way to Rome. The city had been important long before the Romans arrived — it was home to the **Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, built around 550 BC and four times the size of the Parthenon in Athens**. **Saint Paul lived and preached in Ephesus for several years**, and his letters to the Ephesians form part of the New Testament. What remains today is **one of the most extensively excavated and best-preserved Roman cities anywhere in the world**. Walking the **marble-paved Curetes Street** — once the main commercial boulevard — between colonnaded facades, past the Temple of Hadrian, the Trajan Fountain, and the richly decorated private homes of wealthy Roman citizens (the Terrace Houses, an exceptional excavation open to visitors), and arriving at the **Library of Celsus — a two-storey marble facade of extraordinary elegance, built in 117 AD as a tomb and library for the Roman governor Celsus** — offers an experience of Roman urban life unmatched outside Rome itself. The **Great Theatre, carved into the hillside above the harbour, seated 25,000 people** and is still used for performances today. Ephesus is located near the town of Selçuk, **about 80 kilometres south of Izmir** in western Turkey. The best time to visit is **April to June and September to October**, avoiding the intense summer heat. **Arrive at opening time to see the major sites before the cruise ship groups arrive**. The nearby Basilica of St. John, built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian over the supposed tomb of the apostle, and the small but outstanding Ephesus Museum in Selçuk are excellent additions. Pamukkale, with its famous travertine terraces and the Roman ruins of Hierapolis, is two hours inland and makes a natural pairing.

Highlights

• ✦ Ancient Greek city, later one of the largest Roman cities in Asia
• ✦ Library of Celsus and Great Theatre seating 25,000
• ✦ Temple of Artemis was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

Practical info

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to visit Ephesus?

A standard entry ticket costs around €40 (paid in Turkish lira equivalent), with the Terrace Houses as a separate add-on ticket for a further fee. Prices are set nationally and adjusted periodically, so check the official Turkish museums site (Müze Kart / e-devlet) before you go. There is no discount for arriving early or late in the day.

How do you get to Ephesus from İzmir without a car?

Take a regional train or bus from İzmir to Selçuk, a journey of about 1 hour, then a taxi or dolmuş minibus covers the last 3 km to the site entrance in around 10 minutes. Many day-tour buses also run directly from İzmir hotels. Walking from central Selçuk to the lower gate takes about 25 to 30 minutes.

How long do you need to visit Ephesus?

Plan for 2.5 to 3.5 hours to walk the main street from the upper to lower gate, see the Library of Celsus and the theatre, and add the Terrace Houses if you buy that ticket. Cruise-ship groups often rush through in under 2 hours, but a relaxed visit benefits from more time and an early start to beat the heat and crowds.

Is Ephesus worth visiting in summer?

It is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean, but summer heat on the marble streets can be intense with little shade. Arriving right at opening time or in the last two hours before closing is far more comfortable. Spring and autumn offer similar sights with cooler temperatures and thinner crowds.

Are the Terrace Houses at Ephesus worth the extra ticket?

Yes for most visitors — the Terrace Houses preserve mosaics, frescoes and plumbing from wealthy Roman-era homes under a covered walkway, giving a rare look at daily life rather than just public buildings. It requires a separate ticket bought at the site. Allow an extra 30 to 45 minutes for this section.

Explore more

• Turkey
• Hagia Sophia in Istanbul
• Pamukkale

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