These are the frequently asked questions about Ephesus that my guests ask me first: the history, the Library of Celsus, getting there, how long to stay, tickets, crowds and the language spoken today. My short answers are below. After them I add the route through the ruins and five dates that explain the city.
What is the history of Ephesus?
Ephesus is an ancient city located in modern-day Turkey’s west coast that was once considered the most important Greek and later Roman city in Asia Minor. Its settlement history can be traced back to the seventh millennium BCE. In the ancient world, Ephesus was a center of travel, religion, and commerce. Today, the well-preserved ruins and attractions of Ephesus are a popular tourist attraction and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What is the significance of the Library of Celsus in Ephesus?
What is the best way to get to Ephesus from nearby cities such as Izmir or Kusadasi?
What is the layout and organization of the ancient city of Ephesus, and how long would it take to explore?
Are there any tours or guided visits available in Ephesus?
What is the cost of admission to Ephesus, and are there any discounts available?
There is a free ticket options for the kids below 6 years old. Admission for Ephesus is currently 700 Turkish Lira.
What is the condition of the ancient ruins in Ephesus, and are they well-preserved?
Ephesus is amongst the most well-preserved ancient cities of the Roman Empire. You can see ruins of all types and cultures in Ephesus.
What is the story behind the Terrace Houses in Ephesus?
Terrace houses of Ephesus were inhabited by wealthy families and were decorated with exquisite mosaics and frescoes, and even had central heating systems. Terrace Houses remained buried until they were rediscovered during a series of archaeological excavations in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, terrace houses are in Ephesus and require additional admission.
Is it possible to visit the nearby House of the Virgin Mary from Ephesus, and how far is it?
It takes about 10 minute to drive from Ephesus Ancient City to the House of Virgin Mary.
What is the best way to explore Ephesus, by foot or by vehicle?
What is the best way to avoid crowds at Ephesus Ancient City?
The best way to avoid crowds at Ephesus Ancient City is to visit the ruins very early in the morning or late in the evening.
Which Gate Should You Enter Ephesus From?
Most guided visits start at the Upper Gate, also called the Magnesian Gate, and walk downhill along Curetes Street to the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater and the Lower Gate. This way you go down the hill instead of up. It is the route behind your questions about the layout, walking and vehicles.
If you come on your own you can start at Lower Gate too, but then you climb the hill and walk back. I explain both choices in my post Ephesus Upper Gate or Lower Gate: Which to Choose.
Prices and opening hours change from year to year, so I keep them in one place, my post Ephesus and Nearby Attractions Entry Times Update. The road from Istanbul is in my post 12 Questions and 12 Answers About Ephesus.
Ephesus in Five Dates
Ephesus was founded by Ionian Greek settlers in the 10th century BC, and five dates between then and the year AD 431 tell most of its story. Let’s have a look at them.
- 10th century BC: Ionian Greek settlers found the city, and the first settlement was on Ayasuluk Hill, nearby the later Basilica of Saint John.
- 27 BC: Augustus makes Ephesus capital of the Roman province of Asia.
- Early AD 50s: Apostle Paul lives and teaches in the city (Acts 19).
- 2nd century AD: the Library of Celsus is built.
- AD 431: the Council of Ephesus meets in the Church of Mary near the old harbor.
More Questions About the Sights of Ephesus
Where is the Library of Celsus in Ephesus?
The Library of Celsus stands at the lower end of Curetes Street, and the Marble Street leads on from it to the Great Theater. If you walk down from the Upper Gate, you reach the library after the Temple of Hadrian and the Terrace Houses.
Where is the Temple of Artemis near Ephesus?
The site of the Temple of Artemis is not inside the ancient city. It lies beside Selçuk, a few minutes by car from the ruins. The temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and only one column stands there today.
When did Ephesus become a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Ephesus was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015. The listing has four parts: the ancient city, Ayasuluk Hill with the Basilica of Saint John and the Temple of Artemis site, the House of the Virgin Mary and the old settlement mound of Çukuriçi.
