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Ephesus Ancient City
No. 7 of Night Attractions in Türkiye

Ephesus Ancient City

7.9
4.7/5
483 reviews
Ephesus Ancient City is located near Selcuk in western Türkiye and is one of the better-preserved classical city ruins in the eastern Mediterranean. Over two thousand years ago, it thrived as the capital of the Roman province of Asia, buoyed by maritime trade, and was often described as "not Rome, but surpassing Rome" in grandeur. Today, the coastline has receded several km due to silt accumulation, but the layout of its streets, temples, library, and theater remains clearly discernible, making it a representative site to experience urban life during the Roman era. At the end of the road stands the two-story facade of the Library of Celsus, where statues symbolizing wisdom and virtue in the niches are still distinct—its collection once held over ten thousand scrolls. Further ahead, the hillside Great Theater could accommodate around twenty thousand spectators, with the top tiers offering expansive views. A short walk from the theater along Harbor Street toward the old port leads to the ruins of the Church of Mary, where the Council of Ephesus was held in 431 AD. Visiting tips: The entire site is open-air with minimal shade, so sun protection and hydration are essential in summer. Given the extensive ruins, allocating half a day allows for a more leisurely visit. Note that the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is not within the ancient city grounds—its ruins lie near the town of Selcuk.Selcuk · 56.3 km from Izmir
Library of Celsus
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Ephesus Ancient City

Library of Celsus

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4.7/5
128 reviews
Library of Celsus is a landmark building within the ancient city ruins of Ephesus in Türkiye, built in the 2nd century AD by Gaius Julius Aquila, the son of the Roman consul Celsus, in memory of his deceased father. Celsus served as governor of the province of Asia and, after his death, was interred in a sarcophagus in a burial chamber beneath the library, a rare honor in ancient Rome. At its peak, the collection held about 12,000 papyrus scrolls, ranking among the largest in the Greco-Roman world. Today, the interior halls were long since destroyed by a fire in the 3rd century AD, and the main façade later collapsed in earthquakes, remaining in ruins until archaeologists reassembled and restored it from unearthed fragments between 1970 and 1978, when the east-facing façade was returned to its original appearance. Three entrances open above the nine-step platform, with a two-tiered colonnade stacked one above the other, the lower level in the composite order and the upper in the Corinthian order echoing one another. In the first-tier niches stand four female statues representing wisdom, knowledge, thought, and virtue. The ones seen today are later replacements. A closer look reveals a deliberate perspective trick: the side and central columns are intentionally staggered in height, making the façade appear taller than it actually is. This east-facing façade is illuminated by the morning sun and was once featured on Turkish banknotes.Selcuk · 56.5 km from Izmir

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Legendary Memories: Ephesus & House of Mary and Bath Experience
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Budget-Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir
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Izmir Shore Excursion: day trip to Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary
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Biblical Ephesus: Private Faith Journey from Bodrum
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Pamukkale+Hierapolis1-day Tour [From Izmir]
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No Shopping Stops, No Hidden Fees Ephesus 3/4 hour Tours
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What travelers say about Izmir

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LeMurrSeptember 28, 2026
5.0
Ephesus is one of the most impressive historical places to visit in this part of Turkey. The ancient city is much larger than it may seem at first, with highlights including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, marble streets and many well-preserved ruins.I recommend allowing at least 2–3 hours for the visit, or 3–4 hours if you want to explore everything at a relaxed pace. The entrance ticket for foreign visitors is around €40 and includes both the ancient city and the Ephesus Experience Museum, a modern multimedia museum with immersive projections, sound and visual effects that help bring the history of Ephesus to life.Wear comfortable shoes because there is a lot of walking on uneven stone. Water and sun protection are also essential, especially in warm weather. It is best to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the strongest heat and the biggest crowds.Business Hours: Daily, approximately 8:00 AM–6:45 PM.Address: Ephesus Archaeological Site, 35920 Selçuk, İzmir, Türkiye.Reason to recommend: A fascinating combination of real ancient ruins and an immersive museum experience that makes the history much easier to understand.

Ephesus Ancient City

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杉尼May 16, 2020
5.0
The Aegean Sea is intoxicating. The blue water 🌊 ripples against the shore, stirring up ripples. This is heart-touching. It is as clear as spring rain, and nourishes silently. Facing the sea, spring flowers are blooming. Standing by the Aegean Sea, your heart will become infinitely broad... The afterglow of the setting sun dyes the Aegean Sea crimson. The water and the sky become the same color. Like a piece of red silk, it connects the sky and the sea. Immerse yourself... The Aegean Sea in Turkey 🇹🇷 does not have the blue and white tones of Greece 🇬🇷, but the beauty it conveys is the same. Palm trees, white houses, few impurities, harmonious coexistence of the water and the shore, allowing the love of the sea to be released. Couples looking for love, nestling on the Aegean Sea reflected by the sunset, weaving a beautiful picture scroll. This love is warm, accompanying the rhythm of the end of life. Isn’t the pursuit of happiness in life so simple and pure?...

Aegean Coast

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胡大老顽童January 25, 2020
4.0
The town of Silinge is the most European-style town in Turkey. It is a popular check-in spot and many tourists visit it. It is particularly quiet, like a paradise, and the environment is very beautiful. Although it is a quick visit, it is worth visiting!

Sirince

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sculptorOctober 21, 2022
4.0
塞尔苏斯图书馆是一座古罗马建筑, 建于公元 110 年。图书馆的内部及其内容在公元 262 年的火灾中被摧毁,外立面在 10 或 11 世纪的地震中被摧毁,之后一直处于废墟之中,直到 1970 年代由考古学家重新竖立了外墙。

Library of Celsus

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西沙群岛司马亮July 12, 2025
5.0
"Stand in the center of the stage and roar, the sound waves will hit the mountain wall and echo back three times! The stone steps of the 25,000-seat theater are like giant hands holding up modern people. When the sunset shines on the marble, it seems that you can hear the roars of gladiators mixed with the cheers of the audience - how can this be a ruin? It is a fossil of sound waves that has solidified for two thousand years!"

Ephesus Ancient Greek Theatre

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蓝星旅行者November 26, 2025
5.0
The Temple of Hadrian originated from the Roman emperor's journey to Ephesus, and Medusa's statue was created to bow down to passersby 🤷‍♂️. This explanation seems a bit unbelievable, doesn't it? 🎃

Temple of Hadrian

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travelerererOctober 1, 2019
5.0
Stop by the Aegean Sea and experience the grandeur of ancient Rome at the 3,000-year-old city of Ephesus - Temple of Artemis. From the only remaining towering columns, imagine the magnificence of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World!

The Temple of Artemis

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Miko FujieFebruary 9, 2025
5.0
The elevator tower comes into view after passing through the stylish restaurant street. It's free to ride, and from the top you can see the city of Izmir and the Aegean Sea! It was the most beautiful view I've seen in the city. When you get off the elevator, there is a restaurant on the right where you can have a light meal. I recommend going at sunset!

İzmir Historical Elevator Building

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Sarah Jesse PretoriusMarch 16, 2025
5.0
Kemeraltı Market in Izmir is a bustling historic bazaar filled with vibrant shops, local eateries, and hidden courtyards. From spices and textiles to handmade crafts, it’s a paradise for shoppers and culture lovers. A must-visit for an authentic Turkish market experience! 🏺🛍️✨

Kemeralti Market

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