The Grotto of the Seven Sleepers near Ephesus Ancient City is situated inside a valley on the slope, 800 meters away from the Magnesia gate, to the east of Mount Pion. This is a Christian necropolis.
Table of contents
- Where Is the Cave of the Seven Sleepers?
- The Myth of Seven Sleepers
- Seven Sleepers in Islam and Christianity
- Archaeology on the Hill: Basilica, Catacombs, and Memorial Space
- Timeline of The Seven Sleepers at Ephesus
- Getting There: Practical Directions
- Names and Variations Across Traditions
- On-Site Experience: What You Will See
- Seven Sleepers vs. Other Claimed Caves
- Frequently Asked Questions
- You May Also Like
Where Is the Cave of the Seven Sleepers?
The Cave of the Seven Sleepers lies a short drive from the archaeological site of Ephesus in Selcuk in western Turkey. It sits on the hillside east of the main ruins of Ephesus, behind orchards and low brush with views over the valley. From Selcuk town center, it’s approximately 3–4 km, from Kusadası Cruise Port about 20 km, and from İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) about 65–70 km. The Local signage points to “Yedi Uyuyanlar”, the Turkish name for the site.
The Myth of Seven Sleepers
According to “The Myth of the Seven Sleepers”: Around the year A.D. 250, in the period of Emperor Decius, seven young Christians left the city, and reached and hid in the cave here, to avoid sacrificing in the temple of the emperor’s cult. The pursuers discovered the cave and closed its opening by putting up a wall. God gave the young men, who also had their dogs with them, a sleep to last for two hundred years. They woke up two hundred years later, that is, in the period of Emperor Theodosius II. They realized that everything in the city they lived in had changed.
Emperor Theodosius II. put forward that “the doctrine of the body’s salvation“, which created an important problem for the church in those days, was proven with this event. These young men, who had now reached the degree of sainthood, died when their time came. A magnificent funeral ceremony was held. A church was erected on the place where they were buried. This church became, in the later years, a place of visit, drawing the attention of many visitors.
Seven Sleepers in Islam and Christianity
In Christian sources (from homilies to chronicles), the story emphasizes orthodoxy’s triumph and divine vindication. In Islamic tradition, the sleepers are known as Aṣḥāb al-Kahf (“Companions of the Cave”), celebrated in Surah al-Kahf for steadfast faith, withdrawal from persecution, and miraculous preservation by God. Across both faiths, the legend symbolizes spiritual courage, the transience of worldly power, and trust in the unseen.
Interfaith Significance: A Shared Story
The Seven Sleepers of Ephesus are a rare example of a history cherished by two world religions:
- For Christians, the story confirms the resurrection and divine care for the persecuted.
- For Muslims, the Aṣḥāb al-Kahf model steadfast tawakkul (trust in God), patience, and separation from spiritual compromise.
Archaeology on the Hill: Basilica, Catacombs, and Memorial Space
Excavations on the slope reveal a complex erected around the cave, particularly active in late antiquity:
- Rock-Cut Cave: A cluster of chambers with niches and burial spaces forms the heart of the site. The cave’s interior functioned as both a memorial and a pilgrimage space.
- Basilica Foundations: The remains of a 5th–6th century basilica stretch along the terrace above the cave, marking the legend’s institutional recognition. Pilgrims likely processed between the basilica and the cave on feast days.
- Necropolis & Inscriptions: The surrounding burials, stone sarcophagi, ossuaries, and epitaph fragments attest to sustained veneration. Memorial inscriptions and reused architectural fragments reflect a living shrine connected with local devotion.
These layers indicate the legend’s early circulation, with the site gradually formalized into a sanctuary where the faithful prayed for intercession, healing, and reassurance about the afterlife.
Timeline of The Seven Sleepers at Ephesus
- 3rd Century (Traditional Setting): Youths of Ephesus resist persecution and retreat to the cave.
- Early 5th Century: Narrative gains prominence; Theodosius II era, awakening, and theological debates about resurrection.
- 5th–6th Centuries: Construction of basilica and expansion of the funerary complex; pilgrimage activity rises.
- Medieval Period: The legend spreads widely; multiple caves across the Mediterranean claim association.
- Ottoman to Modern Period: Local continuity of the Yedi Uyuyanlar tradition; gradual scholarly documentation and tourism interest.
Getting There: Practical Directions
- From Selcuk: Drive or taxi 10–15 minutes to Yedi Uyuyanlar (Seven Sleepers); cycling is possible for confident riders. Dolmus (shared minibus) goes from Selcuk center to Seven Sleepers every 15 minutes.
- From Kusadasi Cruise Port: An alternative to a Private transfer or shore excursion to Ephesus, Kusadasi-Selcuk Dolmus (Shared Minibuses) departs every 30 minutes directly to Selcuk.
- From İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB): You can reach Selcuk either by rental car or private transfer via the İzmir–Aydin highway, then follow local signs. Alternatively, you may use HAVAS shared shuttles.
Names and Variations Across Traditions
Manuscripts preserve multiple name-sets for the sleepers (e.g., Maximilian, Malchus, Martinian, John, Dionysius, Serapion, Constantine in some Christian lists), while Islamic literature preserves Arabic forms often transliterated in different ways. What is consistent is their identity as faithful youths, their withdrawal from oppression, and the miracle of preservation.
On-Site Experience: What You Will See
Expanding around the grave of the “Seven Sleepers” of Ephesus, this necropolis houses many single-floored graves, and also two or three-floored big grave structures made of bricks having extended archways, with niches and rooms opened on their walls for the dead. Expect a hillside terrace with scattered masonry, vaulted remains, and the entrance to the cave itself. You will notice:
- The footprint of the basilica with fallen column drums.
- Cut-stone graves and ossuary niches linked to pilgrimage burials.
- Quiet surroundings ideal for contemplation and photography.
Seven Sleepers vs. Other Claimed Caves
Over the centuries, communities across the Mediterranean identified similar caves with the legend. What sets Ephesus apart is the archaeological setting: the basilica foundations, the late antique necropolis, and the site’s proximity to one of the greatest cities of Roman Asia. This cohesion between textual tradition and material remains strengthens Ephesus’ claim as the original locus of the story.
In fact, the excavations made here revealed the presence of a church and a gallery carved in the rocks below this church. On the walls of the rooms opening to the gallery, requiems made for the seven sleepers were scraped. The will of the people to be buried as close as possible to these saints led the necropolis to expand around this church.
Caves Regarded the Seven Sleepers
- Cave of the Seven Sleepers, Al-Rajeb (Greater Amman), Jordan
- Eshab-ı Kehf Kulliye in Afşin, Kahramanmaras Turkey
- Eshab-ı Kehf Cave in Tarsus, Mersin, Turkey
- Mosquée de Sept Dormants, Chenini, Tunisia
| 🎫 Seven Sleepers Entrance Fee: | Free of Charge |
| ⏳ Opening Hours: | Every day between 08:00 and 18:30 |
| 🍴 Facilities: | Local restaurants, cafes, and Gift Shops |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the entrance fee to the Seven Sleepers at Ephesus?
The entrance to the Seven Sleepers at Ephesus is free of charge.
Is the cave open daily?
Access is generally open-air, but local conditions can vary. Check in Selcuk for any closures.
How long do I need at the site?
Allow 15-30 minutes for the cave and terraces, more if you enjoy photography or quiet reflection.
Is the trail suitable for children or the elderly?
The approach is short but uneven. Supportive footwear helps; take it slowly and avoid the hottest hours.
Can I visit without a guide?
Yes, though a licensed guide can unpack the interfaith story and the archaeology in depth.
Is there public transport?
Dolmus (shared minibus) routes shift by season. Confirm in the center of Selcuk or use taxis for flexibility.
You May Also Like
If you would like to explore Ephesus Ancient City and the Cave of the Seven Sleepers with Best Ephesus Tours, you can reach us at the links below.
Ephesus Shore Excursions from Kusadasi Port
