Ephesus (or Efes in Turkish) is one of the largest and most impressive open-air archaeological museums in the world, and it absolutely deserves a spot on your Turkey itinerary. Located near the town of Selçuk in Izmir Province, it was once the capital of Roman Asia Minor and a major hub of commerce, religion, and politics — even ranking as the fourth-largest city in the Roman Empire.
Today, Ephesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing visitors from all over the world to walk through its remarkably preserved streets, temples, and theatres.
History
Founded in the 10th century BC, Ephesus was one of the twelve cities of Ionia, an ancient Greek region along the western coast of Asia Minor. In its prime, it was home to over 250,000 inhabitants, making it the fourth largest city in the Roman Empire and one of the most important trading hubs in the ancient world.
The city was famed for its sacred temples, the most legendary being the Temple of Artemis — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Sadly, only scattered fragments of this once-magnificent structure remain today.
In 129 BC, Ephesus came under Roman control, and during the reign of Emperor Augustus, it flourished as the capital of the Roman province of Asia.
Beyond its economic power, Ephesus became an important center of early Christianity. The Basilica of St. John the Evangelist, built in the 6th century, is said to stand near the burial site of John the Apostle, who, according to tradition, died of natural causes in Ephesus — the only apostle believed not to have died as a martyr. It’s also believed that the Gospel of John may have been written here. Ephesus is also one of the Seven Churches of Asia mentioned in the Book of Revelation, and from AD 52–54, the Apostle Paul lived and preached here for three years –even writing the First Letter to the Corinthians during his time in the city.
How to get to Ephesus
If you’re wondering how to get from Izmir to Ephesus or from Selçuk to the archaeological site, I’ve written a detailed step-by-step guide covering your options.
👉 Check it out here: How to Get from Izmir to Ephesus
Tickets
Let’s just say — a visit to Ephesus doesn’t come cheap. It’s easily one of the most expensive tourist attractions we visited in Turkey (which seems to be a bit of a theme).
All payments are made in Turkish Lira, but prices are displayed in euros – due to ongoing inflation. Don’t let that confuse you at the ticket booth. Both credit cards and Turkish Lira cash are accepted, but note that euro cash is not.
You can buy it at the ticket office near the entrance or online through Türkiye’s official museum website: muze.gov.tr
As of 2025, the entrance ticket to the ancient city of Ephesus costs around €40 per person.
If you plan to explore more than just the main ruins, there are a few ticket combinations worth knowing about. Prices may vary slightly depending on the season, but here’s what to expect (as of 2025).
- Ephesus + Terrace Houses + Ephesus Experience Museum – €52
- Ephesus + Terrace Houses + Ephesus Experience Museum + St. John’s Basilica – €65
We personally went with just the Ephesus ticket and later bought an extra ticket for the Terrace Houses once inside. We decided to skip the rest — as much as we wanted to see everything, it was starting to get a little too expensive.
- Ephesus Ancient City – €40 – This is the standard entrance ticket and gives you access to the main archaeological site.
- Terrace Houses – €15 – The Terrace Houses are inside the Ephesus site but require an additional ticket. It’s totally worth it — you’ll get to see beautifully preserved mosaics and frescoes inside the homes of the city’s wealthiest residents.
- Ephesus Museum (Selçuk) – €10 – Located in the nearby town of Selçuk, this museum displays many of the original artifacts excavated from Ephesus.
- St. John Basilica – €6 – Built over what is believed to be the burial site of St. John the Apostle.
Children under 8 enter for free — just make sure to bring an ID or passport as proof.
How much time to spend
You can easily spend at least half a day — if not a full day — exploring Ephesus. The site is massive, and there’s so much to see that rushing through it would feel like a waste.
We arrived quite late in the afternoon, around 2 PM, and still managed to spend a few hours wandering through the ruins. We took our time, soaked in the atmosphere, snapped plenty of photos, and just enjoyed the experience. Eventually, though, our feet (and stomachs!) decided it was time for a break.
Top Things to See in Ephesus
There is no defined route to go through Ephesus. We went from the upper entrance to the lower entrance, stopping in areas we found interesting. Some of those places include:
The Odeon (Small Theatre)
Used for concerts, council meetings, and small performances, the Odeon could seat around 1,500 people. It’s one of the first structures you’ll see if entering from the Upper Gate.
Library of Celsus
Arguably the most iconic landmark in Ephesus, the Library of Celsus once held over 12,000 scrolls and was the third-largest library in the ancient world (after Alexandria and Pergamon). Built in 117 AD in honor of Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, it served both as a library and as his monumental tomb.
Even though only the façade remains, it’s stunning.
The Great Theatre
Carved into the slopes of Mount Pion, the Great Theatre could hold up to 25,000 spectators. It was used not only for plays and concerts but also for public meetings and gladiator fights. Standing at the top offers breathtaking views of the ancient Harbor Street.
Terrace Houses (The Houses of the Rich)
If you want to get a glimpse of how the elite of Ephesus lived, don’t miss the Terrace Houses. These beautifully preserved Roman villas feature mosaics, frescoes, and marble floors. The houses are protected under a large roofed structure, and there’s an additional ticket fee(€15)— but it’s absolutely worth it. It was first run that I saw that was so well preserved.
Curetes Street
One of the main streets of Ephesus, Curetes Street connects the Library of Celsus to the Hercules Gate. Lined with columns, statues, fountains, and remnants of temples, it was one of the most prestigious streets in the city.
Fountain of Trajan
This monumental fountain was built in honor of Emperor Trajan in the 2nd century AD. The large pool, once decorated with statues of gods, emperors, and heroes, was a symbol of both beauty and the city’s advanced engineering — supplying fresh water throughout Ephesus.
Temple of Hadrian
Dedicated to Emperor Hadrian, this small but beautifully ornate temple dates back to the 2nd century AD. The reliefs above the entrance depict scenes from Ephesus’s founding myth, and the columns and arches are among the finest examples of Roman architecture in the city.
Church of Mary (Double Church)
Located near the northern entrance, the Church of Mary is believed to be the first church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the world. It was also the site of the Third Ecumenical Council in 431 AD. While not as visually striking as some of the other ruins, its historical importance makes it a must-see for anyone interested in early Christianity.
Practical Tips
- Get a Guide or Audio Headset – There aren’t many detailed signs or explanations around the site. If you want to truly understand what you’re looking at, consider hiring a local guide or renting an audio headset at the entrance. We googled the sights we found interesting and we wanted to know more about .
- Go Early – Try to arrive as early as possible — ideally right when the gates open. You’ll avoid the massive tour bus crowds and the worst of the midday heat, which can be intense, especially in summer.
- Wear Good Shoes – The marble and stone pathways in Ephesus are uneven and slippery, particularly if you’re walking downhill from the upper gate.
- Prepare for the Sun – There’s very little shade inside Ephesus, so make sure to wear sunscreen, bring a hat, sunglasses, or a small umbrella.
- Bring Water – Stay hydrated! There’s only one small refreshment stand inside the site, and it’s easy to underestimate how much water you’ll need.
- Souvenirs and Shops – The gift shops are located at the Lower Ephesus entrance, so if you want to pick up souvenirs, plan to shop at the end of your visit.
Cats
Like everywhere else in Turkey, Ephesus has its own charming furry residents lounging among the ruins. You’ll spot cats basking in the sun on ancient stones, wandering between columns, or napping in the shade of history itself.
So while you’re admiring the grandeur of this ancient city, don’t forget to pause for a moment and snap a few photos of these fluffy little locals.
