Ephesus Turkey: Ancient Ruins, Library of Celsus and Top Sights
By ANL | UPDATED:
Ephesus (Ephesos in Greek) in Turkey is a major archaeological landmark in the Mediterranean and among the country’s most visited historical attractions. Located near Selçuk on Turkey’s Aegean coast, the ancient city was once a major centre of trade, religion, and culture in the Roman Empire.
Today, visitors explore iconic landmarks such as the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, the Temple of Hadrian, and the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Ephesus also holds strong connections to early Christianity through figures such as the Apostle Paul, St John, and the Virgin Mary. For a broader perspective on meaningful historical journeys, see our cultural travel method guide.
The ancient city of Ephesus is one of Turkey’s most visited archaeological sites. Many travellers visit from nearby cruise ports such as Izmir and Kusadasi.
Ephesus at Celçuk is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visitors arrive from everywhere in the world to explore a unique archaeological site that reveals many secrets about antiquity.
- 🏛️ Library of Celsus — one of the most iconic Roman façades in the Mediterranean
- 🎭 Great Theatre — vast amphitheatre once holding 25,000 spectators
- 🏺 Temple of Artemis — remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
- ✝️ Early Christian heritage — linked to St John, St Paul, and the Virgin Mary
- 🛣️ Marble streets and agoras — walk through the ancient Roman city layout
- 🏡 Terrace Houses — Roman villas with mosaics, frescoes, and heating systems
- 🌍 UNESCO World Heritage Site — among Turkey’s most important archaeological destinations
Where to Stay near Ephesus
1. Ancient Ephesus
Ancient ruins of Ephesus.
The ancient city of Ephesus is a significant Roman archaeological site in the Mediterranean. It sits on the west coast of Turkey and preserves remarkable architecture, lavish mosaics, fine art, and urban planning from antiquity. Augustus later appointed Ephesus the capital of Roman Asia.
You can wander through Harbour Street, Marble Street, and Curetes Street and visit the ruins of iconic Greek and Roman monuments such as the Odeon, the Temple of Hadrian, the Theatre, and the great Library of Celsus while uncovering stories and legends of Ephesus.
Ancient stone streets in Ephesus | Photo: Travel In Culture
Ephesus Ancient City in Turkey is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. The city began as a harbour settlement in ancient Greece, with traces linked to the Mycenaeans, the Egyptians, and later Alexander the Great. It eventually developed into a wealthy and highly organised Roman city.
Ephesus eventually reached a population of around 400,000 people. At its height, it was considered one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire after Rome itself. As the city expanded, major public buildings and monuments were constructed throughout Ephesus. These included the Scholastic Baths, public latrines, a stadium for gladiatorial combats, and even a brothel. Important structures included the Temple of Domitian, Trajan’s Fountain, the Hercules Gate, and the Prytaneion. Wealthy residents also built luxurious villas with detailed mosaic floors, including the famous Terrace Houses.
Virgin Mary | Photo: Travel In Culture
Besides masterpieces of Greek and Roman architecture, Ephesus is also famous for several Christian landmarks since the Apostles Paul and John are believed to have done missionary work and preached here. St John is said to have stayed here for a few years. Likewise, the Virgin Mary should have spent her last years at Ephesus.
2. Library of Celsus
Library of Celsus façade in Ephesus.
Why is Ephesus Library of Celsus so famous in Turkey?
The Library of Celsus dates back to the 2nd century CE and once contained around 12,000 scrolls. In antiquity, it was regarded as one of the most imposing libraries in the Roman Empire. That is not difficult to believe since the Library of Celsus still today has an impressive 2-storey façade – and is a top sight at Ephesus. It is next to the ancient Commercial Agora, built in Hellenistic times.
The library was commissioned in 114 by Tiberius Julius Aquila and was intended to commemorate his father (Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus), a former Roman senator and the proconsul of Ephesus. Celsus was buried at Ephesus in a marble sarcophagus covered with reliefs of Nike and Eros. It is adorned with four statues representing the virtues of wisdom, knowledge, intelligence, and value.
Library of Celsus and its surroundings.
Although being a ruin today, the façade is still strikingly well-preserved. It is richly decorated, with Corinthian capitals, columns, and carvings. As a trompe l’oeil effect, the upper columns are shorter and slimmer than the lower to create the illusion of depth and grandeur.
3. Temple of Artemis
In the classical period, Ephesus was an important place of worship of the Greek goddess Artemis, the virginal huntress. The city became the most significant site for the cult of Artemis. An outstanding temple, the Temple of Artemis, was erected in the 6th-5th century BC. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Column of the Artemis Temple at Selçuk.
The Temple of Artemis, backdropped by Selçuk (Ayasuluk) Kalesi / Ayasuluk Citadel, faced west and had a total of 127 marble columns. It was erected on the orders of the king of Lydia, Croesus. The oldest foundation of the temple dates back to the 6th century BC, but it has been demolished and subsequently rebuilt on several occasions.
Only a few centuries after the construction of the Temple of Artemis, a major earthquake struck the city. The temple had originally been built on marshy ground to reduce the impact of earthquakes. Nevertheless, this marked a change for Ephesus. The Temple of Artemis was later destroyed by fire. After that, the sanctuary gradually lost its importance and influence. Today, only ruins of the spectacular temple are left onsite in Ephesus, including a few of the original columns. The more valuable artefacts have been brought to the British Museum in London. A genuine statue of Artemis is today exhibited in the Ephesus Archaeological Museum in Selçuk.
Selçuk (Ayasuluk) Kalesi / Ayasuluk Citadel | Photo: Travel In Culture
Travellers interested in ancient religious sites may also enjoy our guide to the Old City of Jerusalem or our guide to Istanbul.
4. Commercial Agora
From the north, one could enter the Commercial Agora from Harbour Street, which provided easy access for shiploads, and there were two additional entrances from the southeast and the west. The Gate of Mazaeus and Mithridates is the best preserved of its authentic gates – and is the gate that was closest to the Library of Celsus.
Merchants and artisans came to the Agora to trade their products. It was also a public meeting place and an area for political debate. Three sides of the square Agora were bordered by stoas, protecting the marketplace from rain and wind.
5. Great Theatre of Ephesus
The Great Theatre was built into the slopes of Panayir Hill. It could seat around 25,000 spectators across 66 rows divided into three sections. The first foundations of the Hellenistic theatre were laid around 250 BC. The structure included a cavea (seating area), an orchestra, and a one-storey stage building. It was expanded during the Roman period, corresponding to the current theatre ruins.
Overview of the Great Theatre of Ephesus.
The theatre is opposite Harbour Street, which leads to the ancient harbour – in the past to be found much closer to the city than the sea is today. It thus provided the spectators with an excellent view of the stage and the surroundings.
On stage, a lavishly decorated three-storey stage building served as the backdrop for the performances – varying from plays and concerts to later gladiator combats.
6. Temple of Hadrian
The Temple of Hadrian was erected by P. Quintilius in honour of Emperor Hadrian, who arrived at the city in 128 AD.
Temple of Hadrian, Ephesus Archaeological Site.
It is a well-preserved structure with Corinthian columns and Medusa depicted inside the arch. The friezes show the foundation of the city, Androcles defeating a wild boar, as well as Dionysus in procession. Nevertheless, these are all copies since the originals can be studied at the Ephesus Archaeological Museum.
7. Hercules Gate
The Hercules Gate (Heracles Gate) is at the end of Curetes Street. Hercules was portrayed on the gate – hence the name. He is depicted with the skin of the mythological Nemean lion, which he had killed, justifying his domain as the hero and god of strength and war.
The function of the gate may have been to limit access to the city on the other side since it was too narrow for vehicles to pass. Today, there are only parts of the columns left.
The Winged Nike, Ancient Ephesus Turkey.
A marble relief of the Winged Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, is a famous artefact that once decorated the Hercules Gate. It can now be found in the Domitian Square. Nike holds a laurel wreath in her left hand and a palm branch in her right.
8. Odeon
Odeon, Ephesus Ruins Turkey.
Odeon is a semi-circular theatre built in the 2nd century AD. It served many purposes, such as being the setting for political meetings, theatrical performances, and musical concerts. The most important people were sitting in the lower section since the seats here were broader than the seats in the upper part of the Odeon.
The construction could seat 1500 spectators and had a 2-storey stage building. Back in the day, the entire theatre was covered by a wooden roof.
9. Terrace Houses
Opposite the Temple of Hadrian, wealthy Roman residents built luxurious villas on the hillside from the 1st century BC onwards. These residences later became known as the Terrace Houses. The Terrace Houses were constructed on three terraces along the slopes. They were in use for at least eight centuries! Today, it is possible to visit two of the restored houses.
Inside the houses, there are beautiful mosaic floors and frescos around the interior courtyard (also known as a peristyle). Water systems and heating were quite well developed. An installation with clay pipes circulated warm air through the houses as heating.
Virgin Mary statue | Photo: Travel In Culture
10. House of the Virgin Mary
Ephesus is today one of Christianity’s great places of pilgrimage. It is believed that the Virgin Mary has come to Ephesus together with the Apostle John after Jesus’s death.
The House of Virgin Mary | Photo: Travel In Culture
The House of the Virgin Mary, a little outside Ephesus (in the vicinity of Selçuk), still exists and can be visited. According to Christian tradition, St John brought the Virgin Mary to this place after the death of Jesus. She is believed to have spent her final years there. It is today an important pilgrimage site – and several popes, including Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI, have visited the House of the Virgin Mary.
Also, the famous ruins of the Basilica of St John in Selçuk can be visited.
Visitors exploring biblical and pilgrimage destinations may also want to read our article about ancient cities in Israel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ephesus
What is Ephesus famous for?
Ephesus is famous for its remarkably preserved Roman ruins, especially the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, and Temple of Artemis.
Where is Ephesus located?
Ephesus is located near Selçuk on Turkey’s Aegean coast, close to Izmir and Kusadasi.
Is Ephesus worth visiting?
Yes, Ephesus is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean and a highlight of travel in Turkey.
What is the Library of Celsus?
The Library of Celsus was a monumental Roman library built in the 2nd century CE and remains one of the most iconic structures in Ephesus.
How much time do you need in Ephesus?
Most visitors spend between two and four hours exploring the archaeological site and nearby attractions.
What happened to the Temple of Artemis?
The Temple of Artemis was destroyed and rebuilt several times before eventually falling into ruin. Today, only a few remains survive.
Can you visit the House of the Virgin Mary?
Yes, the House of the Virgin Mary near Ephesus is open to visitors and remains an important Christian pilgrimage site.
What is the best time to visit Ephesus?
Spring and autumn are generally the best times to visit because temperatures are milder and sightseeing is more comfortable.
Is Ephesus a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes, Ephesus was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015 because of its historical and archaeological importance.
Can you visit Ephesus from a cruise ship?
Yes, many travellers visit Ephesus on day trips from Kusadasi cruise port.
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Travellers interested in ancient civilisations may also enjoy our guides to Israel:
Visit 7 Ancient Cities in Israel and Old City of Jerusalem
Images courtesy of Travel In Culture. Selected images from Pixabay.