Ephesus was one of the great cities of the Roman world, a busy port and the capital of the province of Asia. Walking down its marble streets, past temples, fountains and houses, is the closest you will come to stepping into a Roman city.
The site is near the town of Selçuk on Türkiye's Aegean coast, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also an important place for Christian travelers: St Paul preached here, and the area is linked to St John and the Virgin Mary.
Top things to see in Ephesus
Library of Celsus
The famous two-story facade, built in the 2nd century AD, once held thousands of scrolls.
The Great Theatre
Carved into the hillside, it held about 25,000 spectators and is still breathtaking in scale.
Terrace Houses
Covered excavations of wealthy Roman homes with mosaics and wall paintings. Well worth the separate ticket.
House of the Virgin Mary
A small chapel on a wooded hillside, visited by pilgrims of many faiths.
Basilica of St John and the Temple of Artemis site
In Selçuk: the ruins of a great basilica, and the single column that marks one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Şirince
A hillside village of stone houses, known for its fruit wines and village breakfasts.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to see Ephesus?
Allow two to three hours for the main site, plus an hour for the Terrace Houses. A full day lets you add the House of the Virgin Mary, Selçuk and Şirince.
Can you do Ephesus from a cruise ship?
Yes. We run private tours from Kuşadası port timed to your ship. Tell us your ship and date in the form.
Is there a lot of walking?
Yes, about 2–3 km on uneven marble paths, mostly downhill if you start at the upper gate. Wear good shoes and bring water and a hat.
