If you love history, mythology, and stunning ruins, then Ephesus is a must-visit destination in Turkey. This ancient city, once a powerful Roman metropolis, is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and some of the best-preserved ruins in the Mediterranean.

Whether you’re a history buff, a photography lover, or just curious about life 2,000 years ago, walking through Ephesus is like stepping into a time machine!

Ephesus is an ancient city where you can hear the voice of history most deeply, a place where the past vividly reflects into the present.

— Haluk Dursun (The famous Turkish historian and archaeologist )

1. The Library of Celsus: A Marvel of Ancient Architecture

One of the most iconic landmarks of Ephesus is the Library of Celsus. Built in 117 AD, this was one of the largest libraries of the ancient world, holding over 12,000 scrolls!

📚 Why It’s Special:

  • The facade is incredibly detailed, with grand columns and statues representing wisdom, knowledge, and intelligence.
  • It was built as a tomb for the Roman governor Celsus, whose sarcophagus is still underneath the ruins.
  • The library was designed to keep scrolls safe from humidity, using double walls for insulation—ancient engineering at its finest!

📌 Tip: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for stunning light and fewer crowds.


2. The Great Theatre of Ephesus: An Ancient Stadium

If you think modern stadiums are impressive, wait until you see the Great Theatre of Ephesus! This massive Roman amphitheater could hold up to 25,000 people, making it one of the largest theaters of the ancient world.

🏛 What Happened Here?

  • Gladiator fights, public speeches, theatrical performances, and even early Christian preaching!
  • St. Paul gave a sermon here in the 1st century AD, trying to convert the people of Ephesus.
  • The theater was designed with perfect acoustics, so even today, you can hear a whisper from the stage!

📌 Tip: Climb to the top rows for an amazing panoramic view of the ruins and surrounding landscape!


3. The Temple of Artemis: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

Ephesus was home to one of the greatest temples in historyThe Temple of Artemis. This massive temple was four times larger than the Parthenon in Athens and was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World!

🏛 Why Was It Special?

  • Dedicated to Artemis, the Greek goddess of hunting and fertility.
  • It had 127 giant marble columns, each over 18 meters high!
  • Pilgrims from all over the world came to worship here.

Sadly, the temple was destroyed multiple times, and today, only one lonely column remains standing. But standing in its ruins, you can still feel the grandeur of the past!

📌 Tip: Visit at sunset for a mystical experience and beautiful golden light.


4. The Terrace Houses: How the Rich Lived in Ephesus

Want to see how the wealthy people of Ephesus lived? The Terrace Houses are well-preserved Roman mansions with beautiful mosaics, frescoes, and advanced plumbing systems.

🏡 Highlights of the Terrace Houses:

  • These homes had underfloor heating—like an ancient version of central heating!
  • The wall paintings and mosaics are still colorful and detailed.
  • You can see ancient kitchens, baths, and courtyards that were once filled with life.

📌 Tip: The Terrace Houses are an extra ticket, but it’s totally worth it for the best-preserved Roman homes in Turkey!


5. The House of Virgin Mary: A Sacred Pilgrimage Site

Just outside Ephesus, hidden in the mountains, is the House of the Virgin Mary, where many believe Mary, the mother of Jesus, lived her final years.

🙏 Why It’s Important:

  • Recognized by the Vatican as a sacred Christian site.
  • Visited by Popes and Christian pilgrims from around the world.
  • There’s a wishing wall, where visitors leave prayers and wishes written on paper.

📌 Tip: Even if you’re not religious, the location is peaceful, surrounded by nature, and worth visiting for the atmosphere.


6. The Ephesus Museum: See the City’s Treasures

If you want to see artifacts from Ephesus up close, don’t miss the Ephesus Archaeological Museum in the nearby town of Selçuk.

🏺 What’s Inside?

  • The original statues from the Temple of Artemis.
  • Beautiful marble sculptures of Roman gods and emperors.
  • Ancient coins, jewelry, and everyday objects from Ephesus.

📌 Tip: Visit before going to Ephesus so you can understand more about what you’re seeing at the ruins!


7. What to Eat in Ephesus? Best Local Dishes!

Exploring ancient cities makes you hungry! Here’s what to try in Selçuk, the town near Ephesus:

🍽 Must-Try Foods:

  • Çöp Şiş – Delicious skewered meat grilled to perfection.
  • Gözleme – Thin Turkish pancakes filled with cheese, meat, or potatoes.
  • Şirince Wine – A sweet fruit wine from the nearby village of Şirince.

📌 Best Restaurants:

  • Ejder Restaurant (Great for traditional Turkish food).
  • Amazon Bistro (Lovely spot with great coffee and wine).

8. How to Get to Ephesus?

Ephesus is super easy to reach from major Turkish cities!

🚗 From Istanbul:

  • By Plane: 1-hour flight to Izmir, then a 1-hour drive to Ephesus.
  • By Bus: 9-10 hours by overnight bus.

🚗 From Antalya:

  • By Car: A scenic 6-hour drive through the Turkish countryside.
  • By Bus: 7-8 hours with frequent departures.

🚗 From Izmir:

  • By Train: A 1-hour train ride to Selçuk, the nearest town to Ephesus.
  • By Car: Just an hour’s drive.

📌 Best Way? If you’re coming from Istanbul or Antalya, flying to Izmir is the fastest and easiest option.


Conclusion: Why Ephesus Should Be on Your Bucket List

Ephesus is not just another ruin—it’s one of the greatest ancient cities in the world! Whether you’re admiring the Library of Celsus, exploring the Grand Theatre, or visiting the House of Virgin Mary, you’ll feel the history all around you.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for anyone who loves history, culture, and archaeology!

So, are you ready to walk through history in Ephesus? 😉