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What are must-see places in Ephesus.

tags: what to see in Ephesus

What are must-see places in Ephesus.

Editor: Rasim Terzi (Tue, Feb 22, 2022 4:21 PM)

We want to help you to make your own İtinerary in Ephesus.


What are must-see places in Ephesus.

**Discover the Marvels of Ephesus: An In-Depth Exploration**

The ancient city of Ephesus, nestled in the Selcuk district of Izmir, is a treasure trove of history and culture. Just an hour away from Izmir airport and the center of İzmir, and a short 20-minute drive from Kusadasi, Ephesus is a must-visit destination. Explore this enchanting city with our guided tour, priced at 90 USD per person. Here's a comprehensive guide to the wonders that await you:

### Guided Ephesus Tour Itinerary

1. **Pick up from Hotel, Cruise Harbour, or İzmir Airport by Luxury Minivan:**
   - Enjoy the comfort of a luxurious start to your day as you are chauffeured to Ephesus in a private minivan.

2. **Tailor-Made Ephesus Tour:**
   - Customize your Ephesus tour based on your interests. For inspiration, [click here](#) to explore remarkable Ephesus sites.

3. **Visit a Local Restaurant for Lunch:**
   - Indulge in an authentic Ephesian culinary experience at a local restaurant. [Discover what to eat in Ephesus](#).

4. **Shopping at Local Stores in Ephesus:**
   - Immerse yourself in a delightful shopping experience, exploring local stores and adding authenticity to your journey.

5. **Return to Hotel, Cruise Harbour, or İzmir Airport:**
   - Conclude your Ephesus adventure with a relaxing journey back to your chosen destination.

### What to See in Ephesus Ancient City

#### Inside the Ancient City of Ephesus

- **Nike Statue in Ephesus:**
  - Discover the Nike statue in the middle square of Ephesus, adorned with the iconic logo of the American company Nike.

- **Herakles Gate:**
  - Explore the Herakles Gate, dividing the ancient city into residential and ruling sections.

- **Trianus Fountain:**
  - Witness the Emperor Trianus Fountain, showcasing a globe representing the Earth during the Roman Empire's widest borders.

- **Hadrian Temple:**
  - Marvel at the Temple of Hadrian, dedicated to the most touring emperor in Roman history.

- **Latrina (Toilet):**
  - Visit the ancient Latrina, revealing amusing stories about Roman toilet traditions.

- **Terrace Houses:**
  - Explore the Terrace Houses, offering insights into the lifestyles of Ephesus's wealthy residents.

- **Celsus Library:**
  - Admire the iconic Library of Celsus, the third-largest library in the ancient world, and take photos with the replica sculptures.

- **First Advertisement in Ephesus:**
  - Discover the first advertisement in Ephesus, a humorous story depicted on a marble piece.

- **Ephesus Theater:**
  - Experience the grandeur of the Ephesus theater, hosting famous concerts by artists like Elton John and Sezen Aksu.

- **Ephesus Church:**
  - Visit the church within Ephesus, significant in Christian history.

- **Ephesus Harbour:**
  - Explore the ancient port city, now located 5 km from the sea, with future plans for a canal project.

#### Outside the Ephesus Ancient City

- **Temple of Artemis:**
  - Visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World, with remnants exhibited in the Ephesus Archaeological Museum.

- **Ephesus Virgin Mary House:**
  - Experience the spiritual atmosphere at the house of the Virgin Mary, believed to be her last residence.

- **Tomb of Saint John:**
  - Pay respects at the Tomb of Saint John, a significant Christian pilgrimage site.

- **Ephesus İsa Bey Mosque:**
  - Witness religious harmony with the İsa Bey Mosque located next to St. John's basilica.

- **Cave of the Seven Sleepers:**
  - Explore the cave where seven Christians sought refuge during times of persecution.

- **Ephesus Museum:**
  - Dive into the details of Ephesus's buildings, showcased in the Ephesus Museum.

- **Ephesus Storks:**
  - Spot storks, heralding the arrival of summer in the Selcuk district.

- **Ephesus Sirince Village:**
  - Discover the picturesque Sirince Village, known for olive oil and fruit wines.

### Istanbul Guide Services - Your Trusted Companion

Istanbul Guide Services, with over two decades of tourism experience, offers enriching regular and private tours. Explore destinations like Cappadocia, Ephesus, and Pamukkale with our dedicated services. For testimonials and more information, visit our [Testimonials](#) page. Follow us on social media - [Facebook](#), [Instagram](#), and [Youtube](#) - for the latest updates.

Feel free to ask any questions and embark on a journey of discovery with Istanbul Guide Services!

 

Where is the ancient city of Ephesus?

The ancient city of Ephesus is a ancient city located in the Selcuk district of Izmir. It is approximately one hour away from Izmir airport and the center of İzmir  by car. It is 20 minutes away by car from Kusadasi, the closest port to Ephesus.

Guided Ephesus Tour  90 USD per person 


what to see in Ephesus Ancient City

There is so much to see in the ancient city of Ephesus. for this reason, we should group the things to see in Ephesus in two ways as those inside the ancient city of Ephesus and those outside the ancient city of Ephesus. You can now see some of these places and eliminate others according to the duration of your trip.But we suggest that a person planning to visit Ephesus should spare at least four hours. Of course, it is up to you to increase this period up to 2 days.

 

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Istanbul Must See

 


What are the things to see in the ancient city of Ephesus?

Ephesus has two entrances. These entrances are named south and north. Those who plan to visit Ephesus generally go to the northern gate of Ephesus, they use the southern gate as an exit.There is a distance of 2 km between the two gates of Ephesus. It takes about an hour and a half to explore this city. The two km distance can be a bit of a challenge for people with walking difficulties.When you enter Ephesus from the north gate, you can see the state agora and the parliament building called the Odeon.


Nike in Ephesus Ancient City

One of the interesting places in Ephesus is the nike statue displayed in the middle square of Ephesus. It is one of the must-see places in Ephesus.You can find the logo of the American company Nike on this statue.This is a detail that you need to see when you are in Ephesus. But finding it can be a bit difficult for a solo traveller. Therefore, I strongly recommend you to visit Ephesus with a professional tourist guide.


Herakles Gate in Ephesus Ancient City

The ancient city of Ephesus consists of two parts, the place where the people live and the place where the rulers live. Divide the ancient city of Ephesus, which is Herakles. In the ancient city of Ephesus, there is the Heracles Gate in the middle. The Nike statue we mentioned above is also an ornament, which is normally this door. Herakles Gate is one of the important places to see in Ephesus.If you are someone who likes to play backgammon, you have the chance to see the ancient backgammon in Ephesus. You can see an example of backgammon near the Heracles gate.


Ephesus Ancient City Trianus Fountain 

The place you should not miss while in Ephesus after the Heracles gate is the Emperor Trianus Fountain. During the Trianus period, the Roman Empire reached its widest borders. To illustrate this, next to the statue of the emperor Trianus, you can see a globe representing the Earth. In this way, we can understand that people in Roman times knew that the Earth was round. This fountain is a replica of what you see. real objects are exhibited in the Ephesus museum today.


Ephesus Ancient City Hadrian Temple

The most touring emperor in Roman history is undoubtedly Hadrian. He traveled almost all over the Roman lands. Ephesians built a temple and a gate in the name of the Emperor for Hadrian, who visited Ephesus. Temple of Hadrian is the most memorable image of the ancient city of Ephesus, like the library of Celsus.It is one of the must-see places in Ephesus. You can see the gods, goddesses and depictions of the founding story of Ephesus in these temple decorations. The decorations seen here, such as the Trianus fountain, are replicas. The facts are exhibited in the Ephesus Museum.


Latrina (toilet) in Ephesus Ancient City

One of the most interesting places in Ephesus is undoubtedly its toilets (latrina). As the Roman Emperor Vespasian said, money does not smell, so the toilet should be taxed. The stories told here really make people laugh. The toilet traditions of antiquity are really funny. Your guide will explain these to you. Wherever you go to the toilet in the world, your memories of Ephesus will come to your mind.


The terrace houses of Ephesus Ancient City

The terrace houses of Ephesus, opposite the Temple of Hadrian, are full of mosaics. The terrace houses where the wealthy of Ephesus lived can find the answer to the question of how people lived in ancient times. You need to buy an extra ticket to visit Ephesus Terrace houses. And There is also a cascading excursion route upwards. It is a place that people with physical ability can visit. But if you are not . don't worry. You can see some mozaics in front of Terrace House of Ephesus. thanks to this mosaic. you can get some idea about inside.


Celsus Library in Ephesus Ancient City

When you google the ancient city of Ephesus, the first picture that pops up will most likely be the Library of Celsus.This library, built by his son on behalf of the Roman's Asian governor Celsus, is the third largest library in the ancient world in terms of book collection. It is one of the must-see places in Ephesus. Library You will see 4 replica sculptures. These statues depict the personal characteristics that a Roman governor should have. Do not leave without seeing this place in Epheste. And don't forget to have a photo taken with the Celsus library, especially as every tourist does.


The first advertisement in Ephesus Ancient City

After Celsus Library, you will see a piece of marble on the side of the road where you follow the marble street. On this piece of marble is a picture of a woman and a heart shape. This piece of marble is said to be a simple billboard in Ephesus. Your guide will tell you a funny story about this simple billboard.It is one of the must-see places in Ephesus.


Theater in Ephesus Ancient City 

The Ephesus theater is truly gigantic. It is large enough to fit over 20,000 people. The sound system in the Ephesus theater is as good as the first day. A person in the very corner of the theater could listen to the play performed on the stage very easily.It is one of the must-see places in Ephesus. Thanks to this, famous singers such as Elton John and Sezen Aksu give concerts in the ancient theater of Ephesus. If you search for "Ephesus concerts" on Youtube. You can watch these concert videos.It is also said that when Saint Paul was caught in Ephesus, he was judged in the Ephesus theatre.


Ephesus church

The ancient city of Ephesus is a very important city for the Christian world. Because Ephesus also sent a letter from Saint John to Ephesus. And in his letter he praised the Ephesians.In addition, the first Ephesus consul convened in Ephesus in 431.In addition, the first Ephesus consul convened in Ephesus in 431. The church where this consul was held can be visited in ruins in Ephesus.


Ephesus Harbour 

The ancient city of Ephesus was a port city. Thanks to this port, the ancient city of Ephesus prospered. But today the Port is located 5 km from the sea. The area from the port to the sea was filled by the Maindros River. According to recent media reports, a canal project between the port of Ephesus and the Aegean Sea is on the agenda. Thanks to this canal, today's ships will be able to come to the ancient city of Ephesus, as in the ancient times.


Places to see outside of  the Ephesus Ancient City

Artemision Artemis Temple 

The Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World, although it consists of only one column today (Two of them are in the territory of Turkey. The other is the Bodrum Halikarnosos Mausoleum.) is located approximately 2 km from the ancient city of Ephesus. The inhabitants of the ancient city of Ephesus believed that they were protected by the goddess Artemis. They pulled a rope between the temple of Artemis and the ancient city of Ephesus. They believed that the Goddess Artemis would protect Ephesus with this rope. Every year, they carried out holy walks from Ephesus to the temple. The temple of Artemis, which has many more stories, was destroyed due to earthquakes. Only a few historical stones can be seen today. Today, two large statues of Artemis, used from the Temple of Artemis, are exhibited in the Ephesus Archaeological Museum.


Ephesus Virgin Mary House 

Located next to the ancient city of Ephesus, the house of the Virgin Mary on the Bulbul mountain top is considered the center of the cross by the Catholic World. It is considered to be the place where the Virgin Mary spent her last days.There is a rule to go to the house of the Virgin Mary with appropriate clothes.It is believed that the waters flowing next to the house are healing. It also has a wish wall where people can write and hang their Wishes.Inside the house, you can see a statue of the Virgin Mary and the gifts of the popes who visited this place.A larger version of the same statue can be seen on the right as you pass Ephesus and go to the Virgin Mary's house.Located next to the ancient city of Ephesus, the house of the Virgin Mary on the Bulbul mountain top is considered the center of the cross by the Catholic World. It is considered to be the place where the Virgin Mary spent her last days. There is a rule to go to the house of the Virgin Mary with appropriate clothes. It is believed that the waters flowing next to the house are healing. It also has a wish wall where people can write and hang their Wishes. Inside the house, you can see a statue of the Virgin Mary and the gifts of the popes who visited this place. A larger version of the same statue can be seen on the right as you pass Ephesus and go to the Virgin Mary's house. Like the Christ statue in Brazil, the construction of a statue of the Virgin Mary in Ephesus was discussed by politicians for a while.


Tomb of Saint John near Ephesus

As you know, Jesus entrusted his mother to his apostle John. St. John and the Virgin Mary came to Ephesus to spread Christianity. But it is known that St. John started to write his own gospel while he was in Ephesus. In fact, it is known that St. John wore a dark outfit by not following the order of the emperor Domitina to wear white clothes. Saint John, who was punished thereupon, got rid of the punishment with a miracle. When St. John died in Ephesus, a cemetery was built for him. Later, this cemetery was turned into a larger church by the Byzantine emperor Justinian. But due to the earthquakes that took place, this church today is in a state of ruin.


Ephesus İsa Bey Mosque

Turkey is a special land where different religions can coexist. Right next to St. John's basilica, you can see the mosque built by Aydınoğlu Isabey, the head of the principality, in the 14th century. The local people used the surrounding stones and marbles as spolia while building this mosque. For this reason, you can also see marbles from the temple of Artemis and the basilica of St. John in this mosque.


Cave of the Seven Sleepers

In the period when Christianity was forbidden, the secret Christians living in Ephesus lived in secret caves. In a cave on the Panayır mountain next to Ephesus, 7 secret Christians and their dogs lived. These 7 people who fell asleep wanted to buy something in the ancient city of Ephesus when they woke up. but the 200 they gave was the previous money. In this way, it was decided that these 7 people slept for 200 years and became saints.There are shabby restaurants around this cave where you can taste local dishes. Unless you're someone who likes to overeat. You can consider this place for lunch.

Ephesus Museum 

As we mentioned above, you can see the details of the buildings that you will see as replicas in the ancient city of Ephesus in the Ephesus Museum. In addition, the two Artemis statues in Ephesus Artemis temple, which was one of the seven wonders of the world at the time, are truly wonderful.


Ephesus storks

Storks are the harbingers of the future of summer in Selcuk district, where Ephesus is also located. You can sometimes see these storks in the temple of Artemis, and sometimes you can see them in the minaret of a mosque near the Ephesus museum. We advise you not to see the stork in the air, otherwise you will always travel like a stork. Because Turks have such an idiom.


Ephesus Sirince Village 

When the Ephesians lost the port, they started to look for a new place. Local people say: People who lost their hope from the sea started to migrate to the Mountains and established a new settlement. This settlement is today's Sirince Village. The village of Sirince, which is famous for its olive oil and fruit wines, is very popular with local and foreign tourists. Also, at the end of the Mayan calendar, when there was a rumor that life would continue only in Şirince village when Life on Earth ended, Hollywood celebrities such as Tom Cruise came to Şirince village to continue their lives.Everyone who plans to visit Ephesus should see Şirince Village, where it can take beautiful shots for photographers.

 


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Tue, Feb 22, 2022 4:21 PM


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