Is Ephesus Worth Visiting?
The Ephesus ruins are one of the most complete ancient cities in the world and also one of the most famous landmarks in Turkey. They attract over 1 million visitors per year and are a staple on most Turkey travel itineraries. But is Ephesus worth visiting for you?
They are also absolutely vast. To give you an idea of the scale, the part of the Ephesus ancient city that you can visit will take you a few hours to walk around it. And yet astonishingly around 80% of it is still yet to be excavated.
However does history comes to life while wandering through ancient Roman ruins that were once buzzing with life? Or is it just an overrated, overpriced and over crowded tourist attraction?
Read on to make your mind up. And I'll give you my personal opinion at the end!
Is Ephesus Worth Visiting?
In this blog post I’m going to run you through the historical significance, top attractions within the site, practical tips for visiting Ephesus, stuff to do nearby and ultimately answer the question on your lips; ‘Is Ephesus worth visiting?’
Ephesus History
Dating back to the Neolithic age, the city of Ephesus has been around for over 3000 years. And you don’t need to be a history buff to appreciate, that’s a blumin’ long time!
Ephesus Ancient City
Humans began inhabiting land here around 6000 BC. Then in the 10th century BC, the Great City of Ephesus was officially founded as an Attic-Ionian colony.
It was developed around an ancient shrine to the Greek goddess Artemis and became one of the largest and most significant cities of the ancient Mediterranean world.
The location on the west coast of modern day Turkey enabled it to become an important trade hub. Connecting the east with the west, the port of Ephesus facilitated the export of goods to Greece, Italy and the rest of the Roman west.
Ephesus Civic Development
Ruled by a succession of conquerors, including the Persians and the Greeks. In the Imperial era, the city of Ephesus became the seat of the Roman government.
The periods of rule under Caesar Augustus and his successor Tiberius in particular were times of stability and prosperity. And it was during these reigns that many of the great Ephesus ruins that you see today were either built or revamped.
These include the Prytaneion (town-hall), the hippodrome stadium, aqueduct lines, the Odeum theatre, the Library of Celsus, the state Agora (or city square), bathhouses and public latrines.
Civic development on a grand scale continued for some time and the heart of the ancient city of Ephesus became the market square. It was a whopping 112 metres squared, encompassed on all sides by a fancy covered passageway that held merchant stalls.
It connected to the harbour which was also surrounded by warehouses filled with products being transported via caravans along the Royal Road and throughout the Roman empire.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ephesus was significantly damaged by two large earthquakes in AD 359 and AD 366. And then further wrecked when the harbour gradually silted over ending its function as a trading port.
By the 15th century AD the last of the Ephsians had left and the city was reclaimed by nature. And it wasn’t until 1869 that it was rediscovered during an expedition led by British engineer, John Turtle Wood.
Excavations of the Ephesus ruins continue to this day and various European archaeologists from Britain, Germany and Austria have been involved. And in 2015, the ancient city of Ephesus was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Thought to span as much as 1600 hectares, currently only around 20% of the site has been excavated. It’s a huge undertaking and much of the ongoing work has to also be dedicated to the continued restoration of the already uncovered ruins.
Importance to Christianity
Ephesus played a crucial role in early Christian evangelism and it is mentioned in the Bible several times. It was a hotbed of some of the most significant teachings, most notably by the Apostle Paul who lived there between AD 52–54.
It is the subject of the Book of Ephesians, a text detailing a list of moral and ethical behaviours, designed to ensure believers are living up to their calling to heaven.
The nearby House of the Virgin Mary, a domed cruciform chapel, is also said to have been where Mary, mother of Jesus, lived in her final years. Since the 5th century this part of Ephesus in particular has been a major place of Christian pilgrimage.
What To See In Ephesus
If everything so far is floating your boat, let’s dig into some of the top attractions within Ephesus' ancient city that you’re not going to want to miss if you do decide to visit.
Library of Celsus
One of the most striking and best preserved structures within the ancient city of Ephesus is without a doubt, the Library of Celsus.
Notably it was the third-largest library in the Greco-Roman world behind only those of Alexandria and Pergamum. And it was once believed to have held more than 12,000 scrolls.
But not only is it a library, it is also a mausoleum as well. For beneath this spectacularly ornate building is a crypt containing a marble sarcophagus with the remains of its namesake, Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus.
Celsus served as a consul of the Roman Empire in AD 92 and became the governor of Asia in AD 115. His son, Tiberius Julius Aquila Polemaeanus, who was also a consul commissioned the Library of Celsus as a memorial to his late father.
It was completed in AD 135 and truly is an architectural marvel. The two storied façade in particular is decorated with intricate marble work and spectacular mosaics and frescoes.
Theater of Ephesus
Cut into the west slope of Mount Pion, the first construction of the Great Theatre of Ephesus happened during Hellenistic times under the the reign of Lysimachos in around 250 BC.
Then beginning around 40 AD, in the Roman period that followed, it was then expanded and renovated to become the impressive structure that remains today.
The grandeur and size of the theatre symbolises the prominence and wealth of Ephesus and reflects the influence status it had across the ancient world.
During its prime, the Theatre of Ephesus could accommodate a vast 25,000 spectators. And over the centuries, the commanding stage hosted a variety of performances. There were theatrical performances, musical events and of course brutal gladiatorial contests.
But one of the most remarkable aspects of the structure was its exceptional acoustics. Even to this day, voices from the stage can clearly be heard in the farthest row. And in fact it is still in use for special occasion outdoor concerts. It really is a masterpiece of ancient engineering.
Terrace Houses
The Terrace Houses of Ephesus, otherwise known as 'The Houses of the Rich' are luxury Roman Villas located within the city of Ephesus. The oldest building dates back to 1 BC and they provide a fascinating insight into family life during the Roman period.
Based around interior courtyards, the upper floors of these magnificent two story structures have collapsed over time. But on the ground floor were the living and dining areas and on the first floor the bedrooms.
Given they are over 2000 years old, the mosaics on the floors and the frescos on the walls are extremely well preserved. Yet the most impressive aspect of the Terrace House of Ephesus is that they had both heating via clay pipes beneath the floors and also hot and cold water.
The Temple of Artemis
Despite being one of the original Seven Wonders of the World, little remains of the Temple of Artemis. There are just foundations and a single column rebuilt with various fragments marking the site.
It began being constructed in BC 550 and took 120 years to complete. It was double the size of other Greek temples including the famous Parthenon.
But it isn’t actually located within the ancient city of Ephesus grounds, rather on the edge closer to the modern town of Selçuk. The reason for that is because the Goddess Artemis was thought to preside over boundaries, animals, and nature.
Tragically in BC 356 it was burnt down by one of history's most infamous arsonists, Herostratus, who deliberately set fire to the wooden roof beams.
But so was its importance, it was rebuilt again but was plundered during the Gothic invasion of AD 267. After being rebuilt for the second time it was torn down completely in AD 401 by a Christian mob.
In the following centuries, despite Ephesus continuing to be an important city until AD 1304, it gradually became covered by silt from the regular floods of the nearby river Kaystros.
That is until it was discovered in AD 1869 by an archaeologist called John Turtle Wood. He was working with the British Museum in London. Which disgustingly is where the best preserved ruins were taken and still remain.
Other Notable Sites
As if that isn’t enough, there are also plenty of other smaller, lesser-known, but just as fascinating places dotted around the city of Ephesus. The Odeon is a smaller theatre with a 1500 spectator capacity and was used for political meetings as well as social events.
There’s also the Roman Baths, which is one of the largest complexes with Ephesus. The complex marble structure is officially known as the Baths of Varius. They were fitted with clay pipes to heat the rooms and you can see a sunken area where the cold pool would have been.
If you decide to visit Ephesus, also don’t miss The Basilica. Constructed at the location where John the Apostle was thought to have been buried it took 17 years to complete (AD 548 - 565).
READ NEXT: 21 Awesome Things To Do In Canakkale
How To Visit Ephesus
If you’re hooked on the history of Ephesus this far, here’s everything that you need to know about planning your visit.
How To Get To Ephesus
The closest city to Ephesus is Izmir and the closest airport is Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB). The closest modern town to Ephesus is the town of Selçuk. The nearby beach resort town and cruise ship destination of Kusadasi is also a popular option to stay in.
Most people therefore travel either from Izmir, Selçuk or Kusadasi to visit Ephesus. But plenty of people also make the trip from Istanbul, so we'll cover all of the options here.
How To Get From Izmir to Ephesus
By Train: Trains run from Basmane Garı, the train station in Izmir city direct through to Selçuk. They run every couple of hours throughout the day and evening and take around 90 minutes.
You can either buy tickets at the train station or book them online here.
By Car: It is almost exactly an hour's drive from Izmir city centre to the ancient city of Ephesus.
If you are thinking of renting a car, you can arrange to pick one up in advance at the airport.
Selçuk to Ephesus
From Selçuk to the ancient city of Ephesus it's less than a 10 minute drive. The best option is to either jump on a Dolmus minibus to go by public transport, or grab a local private yellow taxi.
You can also walk the 6km, but it will take around an hour.
Ephesus Tour From Izmir
The most convenient way to visit Ephesus from Izmir is however on a tour. This full day tour is the one that we recommend as it includes stopping by the House of the Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis. Plus lunch, wine tasting and exploration of the old village of Sirince.
How To Get From Kusadasi to Ephesus
Ephesus Ancient City is 20 kilometres from Kusadasi, and it takes around 25 minutes by road.
By Bus: To get from Kusadasi to Selcuk by public transport you can take a local Dolmus bus from the minibus stop on Candan Tarhan Bulvari. They leave every 15 minutes and cost 75TL.
From April - September they run from 7am - midnight and October - March from 7am until 9pm.
The stop is just a roadside pull over, you will know you are there as the driver will shout “EFES” (which means Ephesus in Turkish). You then need to walk around 1 km to reach the lower gates of Ephesus. The return stop is just on the opposite side of the road from the drop off.
By Taxi: If you prefer the private option, you can get a yellow taxi from any taxi rank. Be sure to agree on the price beforehand. But to give you an idea, the cost will be around €80-100 (Euros).
There are taxi stands at both the lower and upper gates of the ancient city of Ephesus so if you are going by cab it’s a good idea to come in one end and go out the other. Preferably downhill.
Ephesus Tour From Kusadasi
One of the most popular options for visiting Ephesus from Kusadasi is to take a guided tour with transport included. This 6 hour Ephesus tour is the top rated one. It includes lunch and stopping by the House of the Virgin Mary.
Alternatively this 4 hour Ephesus tour without lunch or the extra stop is also a popular option. Just be aware that for tours from Kusadasi to Ephesus, you will have to make your way to Kusadasi port for pick up as the majority of people taking them arrive by cruise ship.
How To Get To Ephesus From Istanbul
Ephesus is approximately 550 km (340 miles) south of Istanbul, so it is in no way close, but it is perfectly possible.
By Road: The journey by car takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes door to door, while the long distance public bus ride takes around 9 hours.
Several bus companies operate regular services from the main bus terminal in Istanbul to the nearest town of Selcuk. It’s a good idea to book tickets in advance. You can try Pamukkale and Metro Turizm, but Flixbus is probably most helpful as it is in English.
By Plane: Several airlines offer flights from Istanbul to the nearest airport in Izmir, including Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and AJet.
By Ferry: It is possible to take a ferry from Istanbul to Bandirma which takes around 2.5 hours. Then from there jump on a train to Izmir (6 hours) and then another train to Selcuk (1.5 hours). This option is only really worth doing if you plan to visit Bandirma or Izmir on route.
But you can check out train times and book online here.
Ephesus Tour From Istanbul
If you are planning on visiting Ephesus from Istanbul because you have limited time, the most convenient will likely be to take a tour so that everything is coordinated efficiently for you.
There are a number available both as day trips or over multiple days that include other sites too.
This 10 hour day trip with return flights, air-conditioned transfers, expert guide and lunch has really great reviews. Plus as a bonus includes visiting the House of the Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis on the itinerary too.
Alternatively there’s a 15 hour day trip. Which includes visiting both the city of Ephesus and the nearby natural wonder of Pamukkale formed by hot springs that you will be able to bathe in. Of course it's a long day, but totally worth it if you want to see most of Turkey in a short time.
If you have another day to play with, then this two day trip to visit Ephesus and Pamukkale with an overnight stop in the gorgeous beach town of Kusadasi is more worthwhile.
Best Time to Visit Ephesus
When considering if Ephesus is worth visiting, an important thing to take into account is the time of year it is. The best times of year to visit Ephesus are during April, May, October or November. This is because the weather is neither too hot nor too cold and it is unlikely to rain.
The coldest and rainiest time of year is January-February. The hottest is July-August when midday temperatures can rise to as much as 43°C/110°F. Having said that, summer is also peak season so plenty of people do go then. Just be aware that there is little to no shade available.
Guided Tour vs. Self-Guided
Something else to consider when visiting the ruins of Ephesus is whether it is better for you to take a guided or self guided tour. And there’s pros and cons for each.
If you go by yourself you can take your time and wander around at your own leisure, but you will have to make your own way there. And although you can hire an Ephesus audio guide, it obviously won't be a live guide who can answer specific questions.
On the other hand, the majority of guided tours also provide transport and also lunch options. You will be with a group, so you have to move around the ruins of Ephesus together. But it will be much more of an interactive experience with an expert in person guide.
If you do decide to go without but get there and change your mind there are private guides that can be hired at the lower and upper entrances. Just be sure to agree on a price beforehand and beware that they are more expensive.
Ephesus Ticket Costs
Sometimes when people learn the price of the entrance fee to Ephesus they are dismayed. But it is important to take into account that the cost reflects the historical importance and ongoing conservation efforts of the ruins.
There are also different costs attached to different elements of the Ephesus ruins.
- Ephesus + Museum: €40
- Ephesus + Terrace Houses + Museum: €52
- Ephesus Museum: €10
- House of Virgin Mary: €13.50
- St. John's Basilica: €6
- Temple of Artemis: Free of Charge
- Sirince Village: Free of charge
Please note that although prices are advertised in Euros, you can only pay by cash in the local currency of Turkish Lira. Credit and debit cards are accepted though. And if you are not doing a tour with a ticket included you can just buy them at the entrance booths.
There is no admission fee for children under 8 years old. But you may need to show a copy of their passport as proof of age.
Alternatively it is also included in the Turkey Museum Pass which covers over 300 museums and archaeological sites.
So if you are visiting other more expensive attractions such as Pamukkale Hierapolis or Troy it might be worth getting. You can buy the pass online or at most attraction ticket offices
Ephesus Opening Times
When planning on visiting Ephesus, it is important to know the opening times so that you can get the most out of your experience.
From April to October the ancient city of Ephesus is open from 8am to 9:30pm and from November to March from 8am to 5pm.
But the closing times for some specific Ephesus ruins within the city vary slightly. Ephesus Terrace Houses are until 6:30pm April to October and until 4:30pm November to March.
The House of Virgin Mary is only open until 5pm year round.
As most tour groups don’t arrive until mid morning, if you are opting to visit on your own steam, it’s a good idea to get there early to avoid the crowds.
Alternatively visiting the ruins at Ephesus later the day is a good time too, the place looks absolutely incredible at sunset.
Dress Code and Preparation
The location of Ephesus' ancient city is very exposed. So during the peaks of summer and winter the temperatures and conditions can be very harsh.
When visiting Ephesus in summer go prepared with sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water. In winter you will need a warm jacket with a hood or woolly hat. At all times of year, it’s best to wear comfortable shoes that are suitable for walking on uneven terrain.
READ NEXT: 21 Must See Things on The Datca Peninsula
What To Expect From The Experience
The Atmosphere
It matters not which of the two entrances you enter the Ephesus ruins through, the impressiveness that you will be greeted with will have the same awe-inspiring effect.
From the lower gates you will first meet the Theater of Ephesus, a huge amphitheatre carved into the side of Pion Mountain. From the upper gates you will walk down Curetes Street with a view of the grand Library of Celsus at the bottom.
As soon as you step into the ancient city, walking through the same streets as The Ephesians once did, you will be able to feel the history of the place envelop you.
The ruins at Ephesus are incredibly well preserved and the sheer size of the place is really just quite breathtaking. It’s also immediately evident how sophisticated it was and you can’t fail to be amazed at the skills required to build such a place.
Crowd Factor
Ephesus’ ancient city is one of the most famous landmarks in Turkey and is considered Europe’s most complete ancient city. This of course makes it one of the best ancient ruins to see and hence a major tourist attraction.
But it is heavily touristed for a good reason, because it is both so unique and so impressive. So yes, in peak season, expect peak crowds. But given that as many as 300,000 people used to live here, a bustling atmosphere only really takes it back to what it was like in its heyday.
And if you prefer to visit without the crowds you can also try visiting earlier or later in the day.
Accessibility
There’s no getting that there is a lot of walking to do at Ephesus and on plenty of uneven surfaces with lots of steps too. Unfortunately, it is certainly not wheelchair or pushchair friendly.
So those with limited mobility will struggle. If you are visiting with young kids you will probably want to have them in a carrier so that you can move around more easily.
How Long To Spend in Ephesus
The highlights can be seen in a couple of hours, but you’ll need more like three or four if you want to take photographs and properly appreciate the impressive architecture.
Other Nearby Attractions
Sirince Village
Şirince is a tiny picturesque village just 12 km east of the city of Ephesus. Its name literally means ‘cute’ in Turkish. But fun fact, it was once ironically called ‘Çirkince’ which means ‘ugly’.
Set on a lush green hillside surrounded by vineyards and fruit trees, it’s so pretty it looks more like an imaginary postcard. But the cobbled streets wind through a perfect blend of charming real life Greek and Turkish architecture and culture.
Some of the houses are open to the public to visit, whilst other things not to miss are the bazaar and the incredible Turkish breakfasts. Don’t leave without trying some of the local oil, it’s divine.
Kusadasi and Beaches
This nearby beach resort town on Turkey’s western Aegean coast is both a popular cruise ship and general vacation destination. It has all the usual modern tourist attractions such a seafront promenade lined with restaurants and hotels, but there’s also a deeper history to the place.
For example, just offshore is Pigeon Island with a connecting causeway and 13th century walled fortress which once guarded the town.
The gorgeous sandy beaches with crystal clear water are also one of the biggest attractions too.
Pamukkale and Hierapolis
Located around two and a half hours west is the rarest geological phenomenon of Pamukkale.
Meaning Cotton Castle, mineral rich thermal waters that flow over the hillside have over thousands of years created white crystalised travertines.
One of the most unique things about Pamukkale is that you can actually walk up and over the natural wonder. But what’s more, at the top you’ll find the ancient Greek city of Hierapolis. And on top of that you can even swim in the thermal waters amongst the ruins.
Read our guide on what to expect when visiting Pamukkale here.
Pergamon
A couple of hours north, sat atop of Kale Hill are the ruins of the Greek acropolis of Pergamon.
Founded in the 3rd century BC as the capital of the Attalid dynasty, it then passed to the Romans in BC 133. But they maintained the already existing structures of the Hellenistic Period, and just added new structures such as an amphitheatre and an aqueduct.
Later the Ottomans built baths, bridges and covered bazaars into the ancient city.
It was a place of both huge cultural and religious importance. And truly is a fascinating window in Turkey’s layered history.
Ephesus Compared to Other Ancient Sites
How It Stacks Up
Despite attracting crowds, when compared with other well-known ancient sites like Pompeii or Athens, Ephesus is much less busy. And even with plenty of people, because it is surrounded by nature and greenery it still retains a serene and tranquil vibe in my opinion.
Of course the ruins in Athens are clusters embedded within a bustling modern city, much like in Rome. And in contrast to Pompeii also, Ephesus feels much more open and spacious. It being a whole city certainly makes it all the more impressive too.
Uniqueness
After Rome, Ephesus is thought to have been the second and most important city in the Roman Empire. And because it simply faded away and quietly died it is remarkably very much intact.
Moreover, for buildings of this age, some of the more delicate interior designs such as mosaics and frescoes are undamaged by fire or vandalism. Which adds to its richness.
But it is probably the Library of Celsus that steals the show at Ephesus, offering one a photo opportunity that simply cannot be matched by most other ancient Roman ruins.
Not forgetting, right nearby there’s the one of the original Seven Wonders of the World, The Temple of Artemis.
Final Verdict: Is Ephesus Worth Visiting?
To recap, the history of Ephesus is one of the longest and richest amongst the ancient world. Of course the structures are ruined, but it is also an entire intact city with an incredible level of preserved detail given its age.
In my opinion it definitely deserves a place amongst the big bucket list items. But more than that I think it is one of those underrated places that you honestly can’t fully appreciate until you are standing within it.
The giant outdoor museum is much more than a tourist attraction, it’s a journey through time.
And even if you aren’t that interested in history, it’s kind of impossible not to be impressed by the ancient city of Ephesus. Honestly you would have to be a little bit dead inside not to be wowed by at least the Library of Celsus and the Theater of Ephesus.
