Aegean Coast
Ephesus
The best-preserved Roman city in the Mediterranean
Ephesus was the second-largest city of the Roman Empire and is today the most complete classical metropolis on earth. Walk the marble Curetes Street where Mark Antony rode in 41 BC, climb the steps of the 25,000-seat Great Theatre where Saint Paul preached, and stand before the soaring two-story facade of the Library of Celsus. Most travelers visit on a day trip from the cruise port at Kusadasi or as part of an Aegean tour.
Why come
Highlights of Ephesus
- —Library of Celsus and Curetes Street
- —The Great Theatre (25,000 seats, still in use)
- —Terrace Houses with original frescoes & mosaics
- —Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders)
- —House of the Virgin Mary nearby
- —Sirince village wine tasting
What to do
Things to experience
01. Library of Celsus
A 2nd-century AD facade rebuilt from original stones, once held 12,000 scrolls.
02. Great Theatre
Carved into Mount Pion, the largest theatre in the ancient world. Saint Paul preached here in 53 AD.
03. Terrace Houses
Six luxurious Roman villas with intact frescoes and mosaics — a living Pompeii under cover.
04. House of Virgin Mary
A small stone chapel on Mount Koressos believed to be where Mary spent her final years.
05. Temple of Artemis
Once a Wonder of the Ancient World, now a single column standing in a quiet field outside Selcuk.
06. Sirince Village
A 600-year-old hilltop village famous for fruit wines and Greek-Ottoman houses.
Good to know
FAQs
How long do I need at Ephesus?+
Plan 3-4 hours inside the site, ideally with a licensed guide. Add 2 hours for the Terrace Houses and Ephesus Museum.
Is Ephesus suitable for cruise passengers?+
Yes — Kusadasi port is 20 minutes away. Most ships dock 9-10 hours, enough for Ephesus + Mary's House + a Turkish lunch.
Is there shade at Ephesus?+
Very little. Visit early morning (8:00) or after 15:00 in summer. Bring a hat, water and sunscreen.
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