Knowing what to see in Ephesus isn't hard because the city has a set route for tourists. Signposts at all significant landmarks also give information about the structures and restored buildings, or you can buy audio guides from the entrance gate. Tour operators in surrounding resorts like Didim, Kusadasi, Bodrum and Marmaris also sell excursions to Ephesus.
The Turkish government requires them to use licensed guides who are fully knowledgeable about this ancient city. These private guides must study for years to gain qualifications and sit exams. Their knowledge enhances visits to this attraction and is worth the tour prices. But to give you a teaser of life in this ancient site and what to expect, we've listed significant landmark buildings you will see within a few hours. Remember to wear your comfortable shoes!
What to see in Ephesus Ancient Ruins
The Background Story
Ephesus was a city on the coast of Ionia, part of ancient Greece. Built in the 10th century BC, it belonged to the Ionian League but came under Roman rule in 129 BC. To understand its importance, it was second only to Rome.
After the Goths destroyed the city in 263, Ephesus was rebuilt, but at this stage, the harbour trade city declined because the water was receding away to the Aegean Sea. In 614, an earthquake hit, and over the centuries to come, citizens eventually abandoned Ephesus. By the 15th century, grass had grown over many structures of this fascinating city, now just scattered stones.
In 1863, an archaeologist named John Turtle Wood searched the area for the ancient ruins of the temple of Artemis. However, he stopped excavations because he didn’t expect to find anything else. In 1898, the Austrian Archaeological Institute resumed excavations, and they continued the journey through time. Ephesus was a great city in history, but these days is an impressive archaeological site. It is impossible to estimate the tremendous number of hours spent excavating and restoring the monuments and rich history.
Landmarks on the Stoa Basileios Royal Walk.
Coming in via the southern entrance, visitors find themselves on the Stoa Basileios, which was the Royal Walk. Constructed in the 1st century AD, this city street is 165 metres long and lined on both sides with Ioannina columns topped with bullheads. Also flanked by the royal gymnasium baths, 1500-seater Odeon, and government Agora, where the city council meetings took place, it is a subtle introduction.
Eventually, the 4th-century gate of Hercules marks the entrance to Curates Street, and the magnificence of ancient Ephesus becomes plainly evident as the 210-metre-long street widens. At the top is the 2nd-century marble statue of the goddess Nike.
Once lined by statues of prominent citizens, shops littered the left and right-hand sides, as well as highly treasured important landmarks like Hadrian's Temple. Perhaps the most comical structure here, though, is the public restrooms. Although innovative for their time, only wealthy citizens could use public toilets, and they even had their slaves warm up the stone seats.
Roman Terrace Houses
Sitting on the slopes of Bulbul Hill, a large tent-like structure covers the remains of two-storey Roman terraced houses, some of which measured 900 square metres. It is not the size, though, that garners intense admiration, but rather the intricate and immaculately preserved Roman mosaics and painted wall decor.
Inhabited until as late as the 7th century BC, they perfectly resemble Roman houses as seen in most blockbuster films. An entrance leads into a large courtyard lined on all four sides with rooms including dining, bed, guest, bath, and slave quarters. What is remarkable about these houses is that they had underfloor heating and sewage pipes, an innovative invention for that time that only highly wealthy Roman citizens could afford.
The Celsus Library
Coming out of the Roman terrace houses, at the end of Curates Street is the library of Celsus. Flanked by the gates of Mazaeus and Mithridates, the majestic two-storey landmark has a front façade to boast, yet it is impressively simple. Initially flattened by earthquakes and neglect, in 1905, archaeologists rediscovered the ancient library. Excavations started 65 years later, but it took 8 years to recover the stones in their original place.
It was the third-largest library in the ancient world, holding more than 12,000 scrolls. Constructed by Celsus Julius Aquila as a tribute to his Roman senator father, massive columns support the front façade, comprising three narrow entrances. Niches on either side contain replica statues of Arete, Episteme, Sophia, and Ennoia, representing knowledge, wisdom, intelligence, and courage in Roman times.
Marble Street for Ceremonies
Where Curates streets end, Marble Road starts, and marks the path to the great theatre. The quirkiest landmark on Marbles Street is small but humorous. An engraved footprint on a marble slab depicting a woman points to a house where mosaics and paintings of women lined the walls. Historians have concluded that this pointed to daily life's local brothel, otherwise known as the love house. Look out for statue bases that held up four magnificent Corinthian columns.
The Grand Theatre
Possibly, the best-known monument in this popular tourist destination is the 25,000-seater Grand Theatre. Embedded into the slope of Mount Pion, the Hellenistic-style theatre was of significant social importance. Archaeologists also discovered a gladiator graveyard, a violent playground for fights and animal shows.
However, in the Bible, this is also where Demetrius, the silversmith, started riots against Saint Paul because sales of his souvenir models of the goddess Artemis declined when Saint Paul preached Christianity. Pavarotti, Sting, and Elton John performed concerts in the grand theatre primarily because the intricate acoustics excelled their performances.
Tips for Visiting: Ephesus Ancient City is an open-air museum, and during the peak of summer, temperatures reach around 40 degrees. Exploring monuments is uncomfortable during these times due to the weather and heat, so visit in the early morning or late evening for cooler weather. Take along water bottles since shops and cafes are outside the main gates.
Check the cruise schedule for Kusadasi port city, and if cruise ships arrive, time your visit for another day since they bring thousands of passengers, and this tourist attraction gets very crowded. Also, remember sturdy walking shoes. If touring independently, give yourself 2-3 hours to see the best of the Ephesus ruins.
Did You Know?
Ephesus, an ancient Greek city, was a Biblical city. The famous riots of Artemis took place here, so they imprisoned the apostle, Paul. Some say John wrote his gospel here, and a small cave a short drive away is the place of the Biblical seven sleepers. Additionally, on a marble slab in Ephesus, there is a detailed carving of a fish sign, a secret signal showing where Christians were meeting in secret. The Christian history is strong, and Ephesus was one of the seven churches of revelation mentioned in the New Testament, a faithful city.
Additional Sites and Nearby Attractions
Virgin Mary's House: After visiting the historical site, a short drive into Mount Koressos of Selcuk will take you to a small old stone house. It seems like nothing, yet many Muslims and Catholics believe this is where Mary ascended into heaven. Run by the Catholic Church, which holds numerous services, Benedict XVI was the last pope to visit in 2006.
Ephesus Museum: This marvellous collection of artefacts, which includes ancient history from around the country, continues to tell the story of Turkey's most famous archaeological sites. Apart from the ruins, the town centre museum offers more comprehensive guides.
Saint John Basilica: Dating from the 6th century, this is another site depicting ancient life. Some say it was Saint John's burial place. In the background views, Selcuk Castle is present but check the opening and closing times first.
Temple of Artemis: Sadly, all that remains of the Artemis temple is a single column. Once noted as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, residents rebuilt the architectural marvel three times but an arsonist eventually destroyed it permanently. As you can see, when it comes to knowing what to see in Ephesus, the town and area are a treasure trove of landmarks.
Isa Bey Mosque: For more insight into cultural life, visit the famous abbey mosque in Selcuk. Dating from the 14th century and designed by a Syrian architect, it fell into disrepair by the 19th century., Yet, authorities restored the former glory and is a pleasant ending to a visit to Ephesus.
Fethiye 
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