Ephesus
★ 4.9🇹🇷 SelcukSuggested visit 2-3 hoursBest season April to June and September to October, with mild weather
World HeritageArchaeological siteHistoric site
One of the best-preserved ancient cities in the eastern Mediterranean, its Library of Celsus a Roman icon.
Overview
On Turkey's Aegean coast, Ephesus was the capital of Roman Asia and reached a population of about 250,000 at its height. The site preserves the two-storey facade of the Library of Celsus, a theatre seating more than twenty thousand, marble streets and terrace houses, along with the Temple of Hadrian and public baths. The nearby Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders, survives as a single column.
History
Settled from the 10th century BC, it became the capital of Roman Asia and declined after the 3rd century AD as the harbour silted and earthquakes struck.
Highlights
- •The Library of Celsus
- •The great theatre and marble street
- •The terrace houses and their frescoes
- •The remains of the Temple of Artemis
Practical tips
- •Summer midday is scorching — go early or late
- •The terrace houses cost extra and are worth it
Practical information
- Best time
- April-June, September-October
- Tickets
- About EUR 40, with terrace houses extra
- Opening hours
- 8:00-19:00 in summer; shorter in winter
- Local food
- Turkish kebab, pide, baklava
- Getting around
- About 1.5 hours by car from Izmir, 30 minutes from Kuşadası.
- Visa
- A visa is required and an e-visa is available.
Traveller reviews
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