Ephesus

Travel tips you can trust

Why Ephesus
in Turkey is special

Two thousand years ago Ephesus was one of the world's biggest and most important cities. Today's ruins are sufficiently preserved to give you an impression of what it was like in a large Roman-era city.

Top 3 Ephesus
attractions

Library of Celsus

Its facade is striking (see left side of the photo above).

Curetes Street

It's lined with significant ruins including the Temple of Hadrian and Houses on the Slope.

Great Theatre

This amphitheatre could seat 25,000 spectators.

More Ephesus
tips and insights

How to pronounce

Ephesus: eff-uh-suss.

History in brief

Ephesus was ruled by the Greeks, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. During Roman times, the city had hundreds of thousands of residents, a booming trade-based economy, and widespread influence. All this came to an end when the thriving harbor permanently silted up.

Temple of Artemis

It is one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and is only a short distance from Ephesus. Although only one column still stands, it's worth a visit to experience being at this historic site. Click Temple of Artemis to learn about it in my website's Seven Wonders of the World section.

Location in Turkey