Where is Ephesus? & Quick Overview
Ephesus Ancient City is situated in modern-day Turkey. It lies on the western coast, near the present-day town of Selcuk in the İzmir Province. Historically, Ephesus was a major trading and religious center, known for its massive temple to Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), its large theatre, and the Library of Celsus. It played a significant role in the spread of Christianity, as evidenced by the Apostle Paul’s residence there and his address to the Ephesians in one of his epistles. Today, the Ancient City of Ephesus is a major archaeological site and a popular tourist attraction, offering insight into ancient Greek and Roman civilizations.
Table of contents
- Where is Ephesus? & Quick Overview
- Practical Guide: Entrances, Tickets & Facilities
- Ephesus Walking Route: Step-by-Step Guide (Upper Gate to Lower Gate)
- Nearby Attractions
- History of Ephesus
- Rise of the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
- Cats of Ephesus
- Documentary Tour 4k: History of Ephesus Video
- Why Consider a Guided or Private Tour
- How far is Ephesus from Istanbul, Izmir, and Kusadasi?
- Night Visit to Ephesus: Quiet Light, Timeless Atmosphere
- Video Guide: Best of Ephesus Tours from Kusadasi, Izmir, and Istanbul
- Frequently Asked Questions
- You May Also Like
Practical Guide: Entrances, Tickets & Facilities
08:00 – 19:00 (Last entry is at 18:15)
❄️ Winter (Oct 1 – Apr 1):
08:00 – 18:00 (Last entry is at 17:30)
Note: Only Turkish Lira or Credit Cards are accepted.
Free for children under 8. (Please bring passports for verification).
Official Website for Museum Pass ↗
Significant Tips from Your Local Guide
- Restrooms are available at both the Upper and Lower gates of Ephesus. The Upper Gate charges 0.50 Euro, while the Lower Gate restrooms are free. Once you enter the ancient city, there are NO restrooms for the next 1.5 – 2 hours. I see visitors struggling with this every single day. Alternatively, if your tour includes the House of the Virgin Mary (typically visited before Ephesus), you can use the free restrooms there.
- Once inside Ephesus, the nearest shop where you can purchase water is located in the center of the site near the Library of Celsus; however, prices there are quite high. I recommend bringing your own water or buying supplies at the markets near the Upper Gate before entering the site.
- Slippery Marble Warning: The ancient marble streets are worn smooth over centuries and are surprisingly slippery, even when dry. I frequently see visitors slipping, especially on the downhill slope of Curetes Street. To be honest, even I lose my footing there occasionally (haven’t fallen yet, fingers crossed!), so please take it slow and wear shoes with good grip.
- No Shade: Ephesus is an open-air museum with very few trees. In summer, the white marble reflects the sun, making it feel significantly hotter. A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are mandatory.
- Best Time to Beat the Crowds: Ephesus gets incredibly crowded, especially when cruise ships dock. Try to arrive right at 08:00 AM when gates open, or in the afternoon after 16:00 PM when large groups start to leave.
Which Gate Should You Start From? (Upper vs. Lower)
Start from the Upper Gate, Finish at the Lower Gate
Ephesus has two gates: the Upper Gate (also known as the Magnesia Gate) and the Lower Gate. Walking from the top down allows you to follow the natural flow of history, and more importantly, it is much easier on your knees.
However, public transport and most parking lots are located at the lower gate, forcing independent travelers to hike uphill in the heat just to start their tour. The uphill walk is approximately 400 meters and takes place under temperatures of around 38°C.
This is exactly why experienced travelers prefer our Private Ephesus Tours. We pick you up from the Port of Kusadasi or your hotel, drop you right at the Upper Gate, and you enjoy a walk downhill while your guide brings the history of Ephesus to life. Our vehicle waits for you at the lower exit. No backtracking, no uphill hiking, just pure enjoyment of history.
Ephesus Walking Route: Step-by-Step Guide (Upper Gate to Lower Gate)
Here is the exact order of the ruins you will see when starting from the Magnesia Gate (Upper Gate) and walking down to Harbor Street (Lower Gate).
1. Upper City & The Odeon
Start your walk at the administrative heart. The Odeon. A smaller theatre used for meetings and performances, seating about 1,400 people.
📸 Tip: It is smaller and less crowded than the Great Theatre, making it a perfect spot for a group photo where the Odeon will fit into the frame, unlike the Great Theatre.
2. Domitian Square
Don’t miss the Goddess Nike relief sculpted in marble.
👟 Fun Fact: Look closely at the “swoosh” shape of her dress—it looks exactly like the Nike’s logo!
3. Curetes Street Entrance
Pass through the Gate of Heracles. Notice how narrow the pillars are? That was to stop ancient chariots from entering the administrative part.
📸 Tip: Take a photo while standing in the center of the Gate of Hercules, resting your hands on the columns on either side. Another great photo opportunity is to frame Curetes Street together with the Library of Celsus in the background.
4. Trajan Fountain
The Fountain of Trajan is a monumental fountain built in honor of the Roman emperor Trajan. One of the finest restorations in the city. Right behind it lies the massive Scholastica Baths.
💡 Insider: Look at the walls of the bath to see the original clay pipes used for central heating!
5. Temple of Hadrian & Toilets
Visit the Temple of Hadrian, dedicated to Emperor Hadrian, a famous Roman Emperor who visited Ephesus in 128 AD. Then, explore the Public Latrines located right next to it.
😂 Reality Check: Romans used to sit here side-by-side, socializing while doing their business!
6. Terrace Houses
The “Beverly Hills” of Ephesus. These indoor villas feature incredible mosaics and frescos. These houses provide a fascinating insight into the daily lives of the wealthy residents of Ephesus.
☀️ Please Note: The Terrace Houses require an additional ticket, which costs 15 Euros per person. Due to the numerous steep stairs, this site is not suitable for visitors with disabilities.
7. Library of Celsus
The third-largest library of the ancient world, and one of the most iconic structures in Ephesus, was originally built to serve as both a mausoleum and a library. The architects used an optical illusion (shorter columns in the center) to make it look bigger than it actually is.
📸 Tip: The Library of Celsus is the best place in Ephesus for photography.
8. Commercial Agora
Pass through the Gate of Mazeus & Mithridates to enter the huge marketplace called the commercial agora. This is the heart of trade where St. Paul is believed to have worked making tents.
9. The Great Theatre
Seating 25,000 people, was used for both drama performances and gladiator fights during the Roman period. This is where the silversmith riots against St. Paul began. .
🔊 Try it: Climb to the upper rows and you will find that conversations can still be heard clearly. If you clap your hands in the orchestra, you will experience the theater’s remarkable acoustics.
10. Church of Mary (Exit)
As you walk towards the exit, don’t miss the Church of Mary. It was the first church ever dedicated to the Virgin Mary and hosted the famous Third Ecumenical Council in 431 AD.
Grand Finale: Ephesus Experience Museum
Located near Harbor Street, before the Lower Gate exit, the Ephesus Experience Museum offers a digital time-travel experience. Using 360-degree virtual reality technology, you can see and “feel” exactly how Ephesus looked 2,000 years ago.
🎥 How it works: Sessions last approximately 20 minutes and are available in 13 languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Turkish, German, and Chinese. It is a great way to visualize the ruins you just walked through.
Nearby Attractions
These sites are located outside the walking route of the ancient city. Since they are spread apart (some on the mountain, some in the Selcuk town center), walking between them is not possible. I recommend a taxi or a private tour vehicle to visit them comfortably.
House of the Virgin Mary
This sacred pilgrimage site, situated on Bulbul Mountain near Ephesus, is believed to be the final resting place of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. Revered by both Christians and Muslims, it has been visited by three popes. The site features a chapel, the house itself, and a spring believed to have healing properties.
Temple of Artemis
Once one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, a single column remains standing. It’s worth visiting to contemplate the scale and significance of the sanctuary in ancient times.
Ephesus Archaeological Museum
Located in Selcuk center. This is where the original statues (Artemis & Priapus) are kept. The Ephesus Archaeological Museum houses many of the artifacts found during excavations in Ephesus. It’s a great place to understand the context and significance of the ruins you see on site.
Basilica of St. John
Built over the burial site of St. John the Apostle. According to Christian tradition, Saint John the Evangelist wrote his gospel here. The ruins of this basilica are a short drive from Ephesus and offer panoramic views of the area, including the remains of the fortress on Ayasoluk Hill.
Below you will find the current entrance fees and opening and closing times for the nearby attractions mentioned above, including the House of the Virgin Mary, St. John’s Basilica, the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, and the Temple of Artemis.
👉 Complete Entrance Fees List (2026)
👉 Current Opening & Closing Hours
👉 Complete Guide to House of the Virgin Mary
History of Ephesus
⏳ Ephesus Through the Ages (Quick Timeline)
💡 Interactive Guide: Click on any era below to jump directly to its full story.
Prehistoric History of Ephesus
One of the highlights of our Ephesus Tours is, of course, Ephesus Ancient City. We should know that Ephesus is not just an ancient city visited today; it is also a living testament to its past. During the latest excavations by Ephesus archaeologists, mounds called Cukurici and Arvalya were discovered in the region, dating back to approximately 6000 BC. Then, for now, we can say that the history of Ephesus began in 6000 BC. Now, let’s set aside the prehistoric periods of Ephesus and continue the chronological history of Ephesus.
The Amazon Period and the Origin of the Name Ephesus
According to legend, if we ignore the prehistoric period of Ephesus, it was founded by a group of Amazons, famous for their exceptional skills as great female warriors, who also had a great ability to use bows and arrows. It is widely believed that Amazon women were priestesses of Hittite origin. So initially, the name of the city of Ephesus was Apasas. Apasas was the name of an Amazon Queen and means Queen Bee in the Hittite language. This may be the reason why many of the coins unearthed during the excavations in the ancient city of Ephesus have a relief of a queen bee on one side. As you can guess, the name of today’s Ephesus is derived from the first name of the city, Apasas.
Greek History of Ephesus and the Story of Androclus
Ephesus was founded for the second time around 1050 BC by Androclus, the son of the Athenian king Codrus. The city of Ephesus, founded by Androclus, also has a well-known mythological story. Androclus, who wants to explore the other side of the Aegean Sea and establish a new city, visits the oracle in Delphi before embarking on his journey. Androclus asks the oracle where he should place the city. The oracle tells Androclus to set the city where you sees the fish and the wild boar. After a long journey on the Aegean Sea, Androclus and his friends manage to reach the slopes of Ayasuluk Hill, which is within the borders of today’s Selcuk (Ephesus). One day, Androclus and his friends cooked and ate the fish over an open fire. However, this fire they burn causes a fire in the forest. Androclus sees the wild boar among the animals fleeing the fire and thinks the prophecy has come true. Thus, the location of the second Ephesus settlement is determined.
Persian Period of Ephesus and Alexander the Great
With the Greeks’ migration to Ephesus, which started with Androclus, the city became an Ionian city. The Ionians ruled in Ephesus for about 500 years. In 560 BC, Croesus, the king of Lydia, captured the city, but he only ruled for 16 years. Because the Persian invasion started in 546 BC. Persian domination in Ephesus continued until 334 BC. In 334 BC, the savior of the Ionians, the Macedonian king Alexander the Great, defeated the Persians in the battle of Granicus.
Reconstruction of Ephesus by Lysimachus
Ephesus, which had become an Ionian city again, was relocated to its current location by the order of Alexander the Great, issued by his commander Lysimachus in 295 B.C. The reason the city was relocated to its current site was that the previous settlement area became swampy, and the port became unusable. Also, epidemic diseases such as malaria emerged.
Renewing the Ephesus Port
Lysimachus not only dredged a new seaport but also founded a completely new city. This city, nestled between Mt. Koressos and Mt. Pion, was fortified with a 9-kilometer wall for protection. To underline the significance of this new port, Lysimachus ordered the destruction of the neighboring port cities of Lebedos and Colophon, relocating their residents to the newly established city, which was named Arsinoeia in honor of his wife. Through Lysimachus’s ambitions, Ephesus was revitalized and once again rose to prominence as the leading trade hub in Asia Minor, marking a new era in the city’s history.
Rise of the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is located in the center of Selçuk/Ephesus. It’s only two kilometers away from Ephesus Ancient City. The site had two advantages: its geographic position, as a sheltered harbor on the Aegean coast of Anatolia, offered access to and from the interior, and it was also a place of pilgrimage for the worship of the Anatolian Mother Goddess of Fertility, Cybele. The Ionians, with their own goddess, Artemis, blended some of the attributes of the two in the development of the Ephesian Artemis.
Lydian King Croesus and Artemis
Ephesus continued to prosper as a City-State until King Croesus of Lydia conquered it in the mid-6th century B.C. Although forced to recognize the rule of Lydia, Croesus was regarded more as a friend than an enemy. One of his first acts was to give generously to the reconstruction of the Temple of Artemis.
To maintain control over the people, he forced them to abandon their fortified city, relocating them to level ground south of the Temple. Here, the city remained throughout the classical period, unwalled and militarily weak, yet still maintained an economically important harbor and the Sanctuary of Artemis.
Roman Period of Ephesus
Almost all the structures you see in the Ephesus Ancient City today date back to the Ancient Roman period. The Romans settled in Ephesus without any bloodshed. So the King of Pergamon, Attalos, voluntarily left Ephesus to the Romans after his death (in BCE 129). Ephesus was declared the capital of Asia Minor by Augustus, the first Roman Emperor. Ephesus reached its most glorious period during the Roman Empire. The city’s population reached 250,000 people. Of course, there was a reason why Ephesus was a very significant city throughout history and was constantly attacked. The reason is very simple, being a harbor city and its location, which made Ephesus the trade center between East and West.
Mithridates’ Bloody Massacre in Ephesus
Dissatisfied with the unjust taxes imposed by their rulers, the Ephesians made a critical miscalculation by aligning themselves with Mithridates of Pontus against Rome in 88 B.C., participating in the “Ephesian Vespers,” a brutal event where thousands of Roman citizens in the city were slaughtered. However, as fortunes began to shift unfavorably for Mithridates, Ephesus adeptly changed its loyalty back to Rome, thereby becoming the Roman capital of Asia. This critical decision marked the beginning of the golden age of Ephesus, a remarkable era of prosperity that lasted for approximately 300 years, coming to an abrupt end with the destruction caused by an earthquake in the early first century A.D.
Christianity Period of Ephesus
St. Paul and St. John’s Visit to Ephesus
Ephesus was rebuilt in the Roman style. The continued dredging of the seaport maintained its commercial importance. In keeping with its importance as a religious center, Ephesus emerged as an early hub of Christianity. Although the cult of Artemis remained strong, the Christian community became one of the most powerful in the East.
How long was St. Paul in Ephesus?
St. Paul spent at least two years preaching and writing in Ephesus during his third missionary journey. St. John also settled there. The sacking of the Artemision by the Goths in 263 A.D. was essentially the end of the power of Artemis. Although the temple was restored, the worship of Artemis had given way to Christianity.
Christianity Rises in Ephesus
Continuing its importance as a religious center, Ephesus underwent a renewed building program of religious structures, particularly the Church ofthe Virgin Mary in Ephesus and the Basilica of St. John at Ephesus, during the Byzantine era. In 431, the 3rd Ecumenical Council met in the Church of the Virgin Mary to condemn the Nestorian heresy. A second Council of Ephesus followed in 449.
Article Suggestion: Christianity in Ephesus, Turkey
Fall of Ephesus
Silting of the harbor again plagued Ephesus. By the 7th century, most residents had begun moving to Aysoluk Hill, near the magnificent church of St. John, which the Byzantine Emperor Justinian built. Walls and a citadel were constructed as protection against Slav and Arab invasions. In 1090, the settlement was occupied by the Seljuks, but it was restored to Byzantium a few years later during the First Crusade.
By this time, the name Ephesus referred only to the city of the plains, while the Byzantine settlement clustered around the Church of St. John was known as Hagios Theologos. Falling to the Turks in 1304, the settlement became known as Aysoluk, marking the beginning of a new era in the history of Ephesus. By 1390, Aysoluk had fallen into the hands of the Ottoman Empire. With the growth and development of the Izmir Port (Smyrna), Aysoluk, later renamed Selcuk, was reduced to the status of a small village.
Cats of Ephesus
You might be surprised to see hundreds of cats wandering freely around the ruins. Don’t worry, they are the beloved “guardians” of the city! These cats are well-fed, friendly, and very used to people. The orange cat in the upper left corner is Garfield, who is so famous that he even has a popular Instagram profile called Garfield of Ephesus. The knock-knock cat is named Pisus. They love posing for photos on ancient columns—arguably the most popular attraction after the Library of Celsus!
Documentary Tour 4k: History of Ephesus Video
Why Consider a Guided or Private Tour
Honestly, walking around the ruins without a guide is just looking at pile of old stones. You miss the real stories, the gossip of the ancient times, local customs, and the hidden details that aren’t written on the information boards.
If you are coming with a cruise ship, our Best of Ephesus Tours from Kusadasi is well-suited for cruise schedules, allowing you to skip the line and customize your itinerary. We pick you up right at the port, skip the long ticket lines (which can be wild in summer), and guarantee to get you back to your ship on time. No stress.
For any questions about Ephesus tours from Kusadasi, Izmir, or Istanbul, just contact us via the options below:
How far is Ephesus from Istanbul, Izmir, and Kusadasi?
- From İstanbul to Ephesus: The distance is approximately 565 kilometers (around 351 miles) by road. The journey by car can take around 7 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the specific route taken. Alternatively, one can fly from Istanbul to İzmir, which is much closer (a 1-hour flight from Istanbul to Ephesus and a 50-minute drive from İzmir Airport to Ephesus by road).
- From İzmir to Ephesus: Ephesus is about 80 kilometers (about 50 miles) away from İzmir. The road trip usually takes around an hour, making it an easily accessible location from İzmir.
- From Kusadası to Ephesus: The distance is much shorter, approximately 20 kilometers (about 12 miles). It takes around 20 to 30 minutes to drive from Kusadasi to Ephesus, making it a top-rated day trip destination for tourists staying in Kusadası or cruise passengers.
Night Visit to Ephesus: Quiet Light, Timeless Atmosphere
Exploring Ephesus after sunset is a different kind of magic: cooler air, softer light, and fewer crowds. Marble streets take on a gentle sheen, and the Celsus Library looks theatrical under illumination. Please visit Ephesus Night Tours to join one of our tours.
Things to Know Before You Go to Ephesus at Night
(Round trip route)
⏰ 19:00 – 22:00 (Last Entry)
(Museum Pass Invalid)
Illuminated until 22:00
Video Guide: Best of Ephesus Tours from Kusadasi, Izmir, and Istanbul
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. From April 1 to October 1, the Ancient City of Ephesus is open to visitors every day between 08:00 and 19:00, including weekends (Box Office Closing Time: 18:15).
From October 1 to April 1, it opens every day between 08:00 and 18:00 (Box Office Closing Time: 17:30).
No. There is no dress code for Ephesus. However, water, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes are strongly recommended.
Ephesus Ancient City is approximately 80 km away from the center of Izmir. The driving distance between Izmir and Ephesus is around 1 hour. However, Ephesus is only 50 kilometers away from the airport.
Ephesus is approximately 15 km away from Kusadasi. The driving distance between Kusadasi and Ephesus is around 25 minutes.
Ephesus is about 600 kilometers (384 miles) from Istanbul, with a driving time of approximately 6 hours. A flight from Istanbul to Izmir takes around 1 hour, and the nearest airport, Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB), is 50 kilometers away.
Yes, Ephesus is undoubtedly worth visiting! It was the third-largest city of the Roman Empire, with a population of 250,000, and one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world.
Today, Ephesus, an ancient city, is located in the Selcuk (Modern name of Ephesus) district of Izmir Province in Turkey.
The Apostle John lived and died in Ephesus, where Paul spent over two years converting many pagans to Christianity. Later, while imprisoned by the Romans, Paul wrote a significant letter to the Ephesian church.
A tour of Ephesus from the Upper Gate to the Lower Gate takes approximately 2 hours. If you also visit the Terrace Houses, the tour lasts around 2.5 hours. Including a visit to the Ephesus Experience Museum, which is included in the Ephesus entrance ticket, the total duration is approximately 3 hours.
Ephesus is partially wheelchair accessible, though some areas may be challenging. The route from the Upper Gate to the Lower Gate is downhill, which is helpful; however, sections of the marble surface can be uneven and somewhat bumpy. The Terrace Houses are not accessible, as they consist entirely of steep staircases. For wheelchair users, a strong companion or a hired assistant is strongly recommended.
Yes, and it is highly recommended to avoid long queues, especially in summer. You can purchase official e-tickets from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s website. If you book a private tour, your guide usually handles the tickets for you so you can skip the line.
To get to Ephesus from Izmir by public transport, you can take the IZBAN (Suburban Train) from Izmir to Tepekoy Station. At Tepekoy, you must transfer to the Selcuk train. Once you arrive at Selcuk Station, you will need to walk about 3.5 km (40 mins) or take a taxi to the Ephesus gates.
While cheap, this journey involves transfers and walking in the sun. For a hassle-free experience with direct pickup/drop-off, we recommend booking a Private Ephesus Tour from Izmir.
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If you would like to explore Ephesus Ancient City with Best Ephesus Tours, you can reach us at the links below.
