Things to do — Ephesus

The visit of Ephesus organises around a dozen major monuments on the main site, plus 3-4 annex sites in Selçuk and surroundings.

Ephesus main site (Efes Antik Kenti) — entry 1500 TRY (€45), terrace houses 700 TRY additional (€22). Open 8am-7pm in summer, 8am-5pm in winter.

- Magnesia Gate: main entrance (parking, ticketing), recommended starting point to descend the site - Arcadian Way: colonnaded street leading to the ancient port - Odeon (small 1,500-seat theatre): for concerts and Boulé (local senate) meetings - Town Hall and Prytaneion: seat of civic government - Temple of Domitian: first imperial temple dedicated to a living emperor (partly demolished) - Trajan Fountain (Trajan Çeşmesi): monumental, 2nd century - Curetes Street: 350 m colonnaded street, former main via - Temple of Hadrian (2nd century): reconstituted façade, sculpted frieze representing the mythical foundation of Ephesus - Public latrines: emblematic photo, 36 aligned marble seats (water-flow evacuation system) - Terrace houses (Yamaç Evler): Roman elite dwellings, exceptional preserved frescoes and mosaics under modern roof — paid supplement but absolutely worth seeing - Library of Celsus: signature monument, façade restored in 1978, 12,000 papyrus scrolls originally, third largest ancient library - Mazaeus Gate: monumental, 3rd century BC - Commercial agora: market square of ancient Ephesus - Great Theatre: 25,000 seats, Apostle Paul's preaching (Acts 19), still used for concerts and operas in summer - Marble Way leading to Magnesia Gate

Annex sites in Selçuk (3 km from main site):

- Temple of Artemis (Artemision): one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world, now reduced to a single standing column (blocks were looted in the Middle Ages). Free entry. 15 min visit. For archaeology enthusiasts only. - Basilica of St John (Saint Jean Bazilikası): large Byzantine basilica built by Justinian (6th century) on the tomb of Apostle John the Evangelist who is said to have ended his life in Ephesus. Panoramic view of Selçuk from the hill. Entry 240 TRY (€7). 1h visit. - Ayasuluk Byzantine Citadel: 14th century, panoramic view - Isa Bey Mosque: 1375, Seljuk period, Ottoman fountain - Ephesus Museum of Civilisations (Selçuk): collections of objects unearthed from the site, colossal statue of Artemis with multiple breasts. Entry 200 TRY (€6). 1-2h visit.

House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi, 7 km from the site, in the Bülbüldağ hills): place where according to Catholic and Orthodox tradition the Virgin Mary lived her last years under Apostle John's protection. Major Catholic pilgrimage site recognised by popes. Entry 280 TRY (€8). 1h visit. Spring water reputed to be miraculous. Bus from Selçuk or taxi.