Ephesus is located in the Aegean region of Turkey, near the modern city of Selçuk. It was once a thriving metropolis, home to hundreds of thousands of people, and a center of culture, commerce, and religion. It was also the site of many historical events and legends, such as the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Library of Celsus, one of the largest and most beautiful libraries in antiquity, and the House of the Virgin Mary, where some believe that Mary spent her last years.
In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about Ephesus, from its history and culture, to its main attractions and highlights, to its practical information and tips for visitors. Whether you are a history buff, a culture lover, or a curious traveler, you will find something to enjoy and appreciate in Ephesus. So, let’s get started and explore the ancient city of wonders in Turkey.
History and Culture of Ephesus
Ephesus has a long and rich history, dating back to the 10th century BC, when it was founded by the Greeks. It was later conquered by the Persians, the Macedonians, the Romans, the Byzantines, and the Ottomans, each leaving their mark on the city. Ephesus reached its peak of prosperity and glory under the Roman Empire, when it became the capital of the province of Asia and the second largest city in the empire, after Rome.
Ephesus was also a melting pot of cultures and religions, as it attracted people from different backgrounds and beliefs. It was famous for its cult of Artemis, the goddess of hunting, fertility, and nature, whose magnificent temple was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Ephesus was not only a place of history and religion, but also of art and science. It was the birthplace or residence of many famous figures, such as Heraclitus, the philosopher of change, Strabo, the geographer and historian, and Zenodotus, the first librarian of the Library of Alexandria.
Main Attractions and Highlights of Ephesus
Ephesus is a treasure trove of ancient monuments and sights, each with its own story and charm. Here are some of the main attractions and highlights that you should not miss when you visit Ephesus:
The Temple of Artemis: The Temple of Artemis was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the most sacred and splendid building in Ephesus. It was dedicated to Artemis, the patron goddess of the city, and was built and rebuilt several times, each time more magnificent than the previous one. The last and most famous version of the temple was designed by the architect Chersiphron and his son Metagenes, and was completed in the 4th century BC. It was made of marble and gold, and had 127 columns, each 18 meters high. It was also adorned with sculptures and paintings by renowned artists, such as Scopas, Praxiteles, and Apelles.
The Library of Celsus: The Library of Celsus was one of the largest and most beautiful libraries in the ancient world, and one of the most impressive and iconic buildings in Ephesus. It was built in the 2nd century AD by Gaius Julius Aquila, in honor of his father, Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, who was the governor of the province of Asia and a wealthy and generous benefactor of the city.
The Terrace Houses: The Terrace Houses were the most luxurious and elegant residences in Ephesus, and the most vivid and intimate glimpse into the daily life and society of the ancient city. They were located on the slopes of the hill, opposite the Temple of Hadrian, and were built between the 1st century BC and the 7th century AD.
The Temple of Hadrian: The Temple of Hadrian was one of the most beautiful and elegant temples in Ephesus, and one of the most remarkable and distinctive buildings in the city. It was built in the 2nd century AD, in honor of the emperor Hadrian, who visited Ephesus in 128 AD, and was a patron and benefactor of the city. The temple was designed by the architect Paeonius, and was a masterpiece of Roman architecture and art. It had a rectangular plan, with a portico, a cella, and a pediment.
The Odeon: The Odeon was a small and cozy theatre in Ephesus, and one of the most versatile and multifunctional buildings in the city. It was built in the 2nd century AD, by the order of Publius Vedius Antoninus and his wife Flavia Papiana, who were wealthy and generous citizens of Ephesus. The Odeon had a capacity of 1,500 spectators, and was used for various purposes, such as musical concerts, theatrical performances, poetry recitals, lectures, and debates.
The Curetes Street: The Curetes Street was the main street of Ephesus, and one of the most lively and colorful streets in the city. It was named after the Curetes, the priests of Artemis, who performed rituals and dances on the street. It was also lined with many shops, statues, fountains, and monuments, which made it a place of commerce, culture, and entertainment. The Curetes Street was paved with marble and had a colonnaded sidewalk, which provided shade and shelter for the pedestrians.
Information and Tips for Visitors
Ephesus is a must-see destination for anyone who loves history, culture, and adventure. However, visiting Ephesus also requires some planning and preparation, as it is a large and complex site, with many things to see and do. Here are some practical information and tips for visitors, that will help you make the most of your trip to Ephesus:
Entrance Fees:
The entrance fee to Ephesus is 100 Turkish Liras (about 12 USD) per person, which includes access to the main site, the Terrace Houses, and the Ephesus Museum. You can buy your ticket at the ticket booths near the entrances, or online at the official website of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey. You can also buy a Museum Pass, which costs 325 Turkish Liras (about 39 USD) per person, and gives you access to 12 museums and archaeological sites in the Aegean region, including Ephesus, for 7 days.
Opening Hours:
Ephesus is open every day of the year, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm in winter (November to March), and from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm in summer (April to October). The last admission is 30 minutes before closing time. The Ephesus Museum is open every day except Monday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm in winter, and from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm in summer. The last admission is 30 minutes before closing time.
Transportation: You can reach Ephesus by various means of transportation, such as bus, train, taxi, or car.
Bus: You can find frequent and cheap buses from Izmir, Selçuk, Kusadasi, and other nearby towns, that will drop you off at the lower or upper entrance of Ephesus.
Train: You can find regular and fast trains from Izmir, that will take you to Selçuk, where you can take a taxi or a minibus to Ephesus.
Taxi: You can find many taxis in Selçuk, Kusadasi, or Izmir, that will take you to Ephesus for a reasonable price. You can also negotiate with the driver to wait for you and take you back.
Car: You can rent a car in Izmir, Selçuk, or Kusadasi, and drive to Ephesus, following the signs and the road map. You can park your car at the parking lots near the entrances, for a small fee.
Best Time to Visit:
Ephesus can be visited all year round, but the best time to visit is in spring (April to June) or autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and pleasant, and the crowds are less.
Nearby Attractions:
Ephesus is not the only attraction in the area, as there are many other places that are worth visiting and exploring. Some of the nearby attractions that you can combine with your trip to Ephesus are Selçuk, Kusadasi and Sirince.
Ephesus is a unique and unforgettable destination, that will take you back in time and immerse you in the ancient world. It is a place where you can learn, discover, and experience the history, culture, and beauty of one of the most impressive and fascinating ancient cities in the world. We hope that this article has given you a comprehensive and informative guide to Ephesus, and has inspired and prepared you for your visit.