A meeting point of civilizations for thousands of years
Ephesus’s history dates back about 8,000 years to Neolithic settlements at Çukuriçi Höyük. Although Hittite cuneiform sources refer to the region as Apasa, the capital of the Arzawa Kingdom, the city’s known history begins with Ionian colonization in the 10th century BC. According to legend, Androklos, son of the Athenian King Kodros, founded the city at the very spot where he hunted a wild boar, guided by the Oracle of Delphi’s prophecy. You can still see a depiction of this legendary moment on the frieze of the Temple of Hadrian, which stands today.
Throughout history, Ephesus, the leading city of the Ionian League, was ruled by the Lydian King Croesus, the Persians, and later by Alexander the Great. One of Alexander’s generals, Lysimachus, relocated the city to its current site between Mount Panayır and Mount Bülbül because the harbor was silting up and malaria was spreading. Yet its true golden age unfolded during the Roman period. In 129 BC, when it became the capital of the Roman province of Asia, the city’s population reached 250,000, making it the empire’s fourth-largest city after Rome, Alexandria, and Antioch.
Known as the first ancient city built entirely of marble, Ephesus was one of the most advanced metropolises of its time, with aqueducts, a sophisticated sewer system, and monumental baths. Over time, the harbor’s complete silting, along with Gothic and Arab raids, led to its gradual abandonment. Ephesus also holds unique significance for early Christianity; the Apostle Paul lived here for three years, and the Apostle John spent his final years in the city.
A monument of wisdom in the ancient world: The Celsus Library
The Celsus Library, the most iconic structure in Ephesus, was built between AD 110 and 135 by the son of the Roman senator Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus in his honor. Serving as both a library and a monumental tomb, the structure still contains Celsus’s marble sarcophagus, which is enclosed in a lead coffin, beneath its floor.
Ranking as the third-largest library of the ancient world after Alexandria and Pergamon, it once housed about 12,000 parchment and papyrus scrolls in niches along its interior walls. One of its most remarkable features was its double-wall system, an early form of climate control designed to protect the scrolls from humidity and temperature fluctuations. The grand two-story marble façade, 21 meters wide, is adorned with four female statues representing Wisdom, Virtue, Knowledge, and Thought. Carefully reconstructed in the 1970s by the Austrian Archaeological Institute, the structure remains one of the most striking testaments to ancient engineering and architecture.
A massive theater with a capacity of 25,000
Carved into the slope of Mount Panayır, the Great Theatre of Ephesus is Anatolia’s largest theater, with a capacity of 25,000. Rising to a seating height of 30 meters and featuring a three-story stage building, it is most striking for its flawless acoustics; a whisper from the stage can be clearly heard even from the uppermost rows without amplification. This monumental venue once hosted a wide range of events, from political assemblies to gladiator contests.
The only remaining column of one of the Seven Wonders: The Temple of Artemis
The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was nearly twice the size of the Parthenon in Athens and stood as one of the most magnificent structures of antiquity. It was also the first Greek temple constructed entirely of marble.
One of history’s most infamous acts of arson occurred here: in 356 BC, a man named Herostratus set fire to the temple’s wooden roof in an attempt to immortalize his name. Today, at the site, only a single reconstructed column, assembled from various fragments and often crowned with stork nests, stands beside the temple’s foundation remains. The massive column capitals are now displayed at the British Museum, while its remarkable sculptures can be seen at the Ephesus Museum in Selçuk.
A window into the luxurious life of the Roman elite: the Terrace Houses
Leaning against the northern slope of Mount Bülbül along Curetes Street, the Terrace Houses are among the least-known yet most captivating parts of Ephesus. These luxury villas, once belonging to the Roman elite, feature wall frescoes and floor mosaics preserved to a level rivaling those of Pompeii. Rooms filled with mythological scenes, love poetry, and gladiator drawings offer vivid insight into daily life in antiquity. The houses also showcase the heights of Roman engineering, with hypocaust underfloor heating, running hot and cold water, bathtubs, and even flush toilets. Although visiting requires an additional entrance fee, the experience is unquestionably worth it.
A sacred place where two faiths meet: The House of the Virgin Mary
Located on the summit of Mount Bülbül, southwest of Ephesus and covered with pine and olive trees, the House of the Virgin Mary is a sacred pilgrimage site visited with deep reverence by both Christians and Muslims. According to tradition, the Apostle John brought the Virgin Mary here at Jesus’s wish, and she spent her final days at this very spot. This serene place, visited by three popes, invites visitors to leave their wishes at the Wishing Wall and drink from the springs believed to have healing properties.
Ephesus Museum: Treasures of the ancient city
After exploring the ancient city, you should definitely stop by the Ephesus Archaeological Museum in the center of Selçuk. The museum’s highlights include the famous “Great Artemis” and “Beautiful Artemis” statues, both featuring symbols of abundance on their chests. The museum also displays skulls and remains from the world’s first confirmed gladiator cemetery, the colossal statue of Emperor Domitian, and thousands of unique artifacts recovered from the ancient city.
Excavations continue and new discoveries keep emerging
Ongoing archaeological excavations at Ephesus, which have been underway since 1895, reveal a new secret each year. A well-preserved Byzantine settlement uncovered in 2022, a 3rd-century AD gladiator’s grave brought to light in 2024, and statues discovered toward the end of 2025 all point to the immense potential still hidden beneath the ground. Through the “Heritage for the Future: Eternal Ephesus” project led by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, newly created walking routes and restored areas continue to open the doors of history wider than ever for visitors.
To experience this extraordinary place, where civilizations were built layer upon layer and where you can feel the wisdom and artistic refinement of the ancient world, it’s worth starting your travel plans now. Alongside Ephesus, which joined the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015, you can also explore other universal treasures of Türkiye in our article 22 sites from Türkiye inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. To set off toward this captivating history of the Aegean, you can browse İzmir flight options.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Ephesus Ancient City, and how long does it take to get there from İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport?
Ephesus Ancient City is located in the Selçuk district of İzmir, about 3.5 km from the Selçuk town center. The distance between the ancient city and İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport is approximately 60 km, and the journey takes about 45 minutes by car. It’s also possible to reach Selçuk from the airport by HAVAŞ shuttles or by train; trains departing from İzmir Basmane take about 1 hour and 15 minutes. From the town center, you can easily reach the site by minibus or taxi.
Which civilizations did Ephesus serve as a capital for throughout its history?
Ephesus served as a center for many great civilizations throughout its history. Known as Apasa in Hittite cuneiform sources as the capital of the Arzawa Kingdom, it later became the leading city of the Ionian League and came under the rule of the Lydian King Croesus and the Persians. During the time of Alexander the Great, the city gained strategic importance. In 129 BC, it was declared the capital of the Roman province of Asia and entered its golden age. The city also held critical importance for early Christianity; the Apostle Paul stayed here for about three years, while the Apostle John spent his final years in Ephesus. In the following centuries, it witnessed the Byzantine and Ottoman periods as well, and it has endured to the present day as a unique layering of civilizations built one upon another.
In which city is the ancient city of Ephesus located, and how far is it from the House of the Virgin Mary?
Ephesus Ancient City is located in the Selçuk district of İzmir. The distance between Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary is about 8 km, and the journey takes about 13 minutes by car. The House of the Virgin Mary is located 9 km from Selçuk town center on Mount Bülbül. It is not accessible by public transportation; for those not on organized tours, options include taxi, rental car, or a roughly one-hour walk from the northern gate of Ephesus.
Until what time is the Ephesus Ancient City open? Are the summer and winter hours different?
Yes, visiting hours vary by season. As of 2026, the site is open from 08:00 to 19:00 during the summer period (April 1 – October 1) and from 08:00 to 18:00 during the winter period (October 1 – April 1). The site is open every day of the week; however, on the first day of religious holidays, it remains closed until noon.
How much is the entrance fee with the Museum Pass, and how many times can it be used?
Turkish citizens can enter the Ancient City of Ephesus with the Museum Pass (Müzekart). For international visitors, a combined ticket covering the Ephesus site and the Digital Ephesus Experience Museum costs 40 euros per person. Müzekart holders can visit Ephesus free of charge twice within one year. The card can also be purchased at the site’s ticket office. For the most up-to-date pricing, check the official website at muze.gov.tr.
On which days and until what time does the Ephesus Ancient City night museum experience operate?
The night museum program runs on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Iconic structures, including the Celsus Library, the Great Theatre of Ephesus, and the Agora Square, are illuminated with special lighting. During this program, the site opens at 19:00, closes at 23:00, and the last ticket sale is at 22:00. The program typically runs from June to October, so it’s best to check for updates on the 2026 schedule via official channels.
Which “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World” related to Ephesus stands out the most?
The wonder located within or near Ephesus is the Temple of Artemis (Artemision). Nearly twice the size of the Parthenon, it was one of the most magnificent structures of the ancient world and the first Greek temple built entirely of marble. Today, only a single reconstructed column and the temple’s foundation remains survive at the site, while its massive column capitals are displayed at the British Museum and its sculptures at the Ephesus Archaeological Museum.
Which entrance is best for starting exploration of the Ancient City of Ephesus: the Upper Gate or the Lower Gate?
The Upper Gate (Magnesia/South Gate) is strongly recommended. Because the ancient city is slightly sloped, entering at the Upper Gate lets you complete the entire visit downhill. If arriving by private car, a practical option is to leave your vehicle at the Lower Gate, take a taxi or carriage to the Upper Gate, then walk back down.
Do you need separate tickets for the Ephesus Experience Museum and the Terrace Houses?
Yes, both require additional tickets, with an important distinction. For international visitors, entry to the Ephesus Experience Museum is included with the 40-euro combined ticket, so no extra fee is required. For Turkish citizens, entry to the Experience Museum costs 425 TL. The Terrace Houses of Ephesus require a separate ticket for both Turkish and international visitors; 200 TL for Müzekart holders and 15 euros for foreigners. The Museum Pass is not valid for the Terrace Houses.
Are night museum tickets different from daytime tickets?
Yes, they are different. Müzekart holders pay an additional 100 TL to participate in the night museum program, while Turkish citizens under 18 and over 65 receive free tickets at the ticket office. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online. Because the night program is offered only on select days during the summer season, it’s important to check the current schedule before your visit.
