Ancient City of Ephesus

Ephesus, one of the most important port cities of Anatolia throughout history, is today one of the best preserved ancient cities in the world. This unique heritage, bearing the traces of human history, takes its visitors back thousands of years.

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History and Importance

Ephesus is one of the oldest settlements in Anatolia with a history dating back to 6000 BC. First ruled by the Hittites, then by the Ionians, the city experienced its golden age during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.

Ephesus, the capital of the province of Asia during the Roman Empire, was one of the largest metropolises of its time with a population exceeding 200,000. Being a port city, being located at the intersection of trade routes and being home to the Temple of Artemis were factors that increased the importance of the city.

Ephesus, which played an important role in the spread of Christianity, is known as the place where John the Apostle lived and where the Virgin Mary spent her last years. St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians was also written here.

The city lost its importance as a result of the filling of the port over time and the change in trade routes, and began to be abandoned from the 7th century onwards and was completely empty by the 14th century. Today, Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is visited by millions of tourists every year.

BC. 6000

Beginning of the first settlement, remains of the Neolithic period

BC. 1050

Ionian settlement in the region and the establishment of the city

560 BC

The construction of the Temple of Artemis and its status as one of the Seven Wonders of the World

334 BC

The capture of the city by Alexander the Great and the beginning of the Hellenistic period

129 BC

Becoming part of the Roman Empire and the beginning of the golden age

7th century AD

Filling up the port and the city losing its importance

İmportant Building

Celsus Kütüphanesi

Library of Celsus

The library, built in 135 AD by Roman Senator Gaius Julius Aquila in memory of his father Celsus, was one of the most important scientific centers of its time. Housing 12,000 manuscripts, it is one of the most beautiful examples of Roman architecture.

Büyük Tiyatro

Great Theater

Built in the Hellenistic period and expanded during the Roman period, the theater is one of the largest open-air theaters in the ancient world with a capacity of 25,000 people. It hosted plays, gladiator fights and religious ceremonies.

Artemis Tapınağı

Artemis Temple

The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, was built in 550 BC. Dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of fertility, the temple was one of the largest temples of its time with its massive structure of 127 columns. Today, only one column and the remains of its foundation remain.

Hadrian Tapınağı

Hadrian's Temple

Built in honor of Emperor Hadrian in 138 AD, the temple stands out with its Corinthian columns and rich reliefs. The temple, which has a Medusa relief on its façade, is one of the best preserved structures of the Roman period.

Yamaç Evleri

Slope Houses

The terraced houses where the rich families of the city lived were used from the 1st to the 7th century AD. Decorated with mosaics, frescoes and marble cladding, the houses reflect the lifestyle and luxury of the period. Today they can be visited under the roof of protection.

Meryem Ana Evi

The House of the Virgin Mary

The house, located on the top of Mount Bülbül, 7 km from Ephesus, is considered to be where the Virgin Mary spent the last years of her life. Discovered in the 19th century, today the house is an important pilgrimage center for Christians and a holy place visited by Muslims.

Recommended Travel Route

1

Magnesia Gate

The eastern entrance to the ancient city, you can start your visit here.

2

Yamaç Evleri

Luxurious residences of the wealthy Romans, magnificent mosaics and frescoes.

3

Hadrian's Temple

The magnificent temple built in honor of Emperor Hadrian.

4

Library of Celsus

The most iconic building of the ancient city, A masterpiece of Roman architecture.

5

Marble Street

The main street of the ancient city, marble paved road.

6

Büyük Tiyatro

25. 000 kişilik devasa tiyatro, muhteşem akustiğe sahip.

7

Liman Caddesi

Antik limana uzanan geniş cadde, çeşitli anıtlar ve yapılar.

Ziyaretçiler İçin Öneriler

En İyi Ziyaret Zamanı

İlkbahar (Nisan-Mayıs) ve sonbahar (Eylül-Ekim) ayları, ılıman hava koşulları nedeniyle ziyaret için en uygun dönemlerdir. Yaz aylarında sıcaklık 40°C'ye ulaşabilir.

Önerilen Ziyaret Süresi

It is recommended to spend at least 3-4 hours to visit the ancient city of Ephesus in detail. If you want to visit the Slope Houses and other historical sites in the surrounding area, it would be more convenient to plan a full day.

Clothing and Equipment

Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water are recommended. There are uneven and slippery surfaces in the ancient city. Don't forget to bring a camera.

Guiding Services

As Destina Transfer we promise to give you the best service with our guides.