Ephesus is on the list of the top 17 attractions in Europe, and it is easy to see why. It is one of the best preserved ancient cities of the Mediterranean, with a theater, a library and marble streets still standing, near the town of Selçuk on Turkey’s Aegean coast.
| Where | Near Selçuk in İzmir Province, on Turkey’s Aegean coast |
|---|---|
| Status | UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015 |
| Main sights | Library of Celsus, Great Theater, Curetes Street, Temple of Hadrian |
| Nearby | Temple of Artemis, Basilica of Saint John, Ephesus Museum |
The Ancient City of Ephesus was featured in the list of the 17 best destinations recommended by CNN’s travel edition*. CNN drew attention to the care of both the archaeological excavations and the restoration works in Ephesus. Editors recommend not to visit Ephesus without a guide in order not to miss the details.
What Makes Ephesus One of the Top 17 Attractions in Europe?
Mostly the size of what is left. Ephesus was one of the biggest cities of Roman world, and you can still walk its marble streets from the Upper Gate down to the Library of Celsus.
Most guided walks go to that direction, so you walk downhill most of the way. Walk slowly and you pass a library, a theater, a fountain and a temple one after another.
The library is the best known building. It dates to the 2nd century AD, and its two-story front was put back together from fallen pieces in the 1970s. Look up at the niches: the statues in them are replacements, not the originals.
A short walk along Marble Street brings you to the Great Theater, which held 24,000 to 25,000 people. From its top rows you can see Harbor Street running toward the place where the sea used to be.
Curetes Street has more. The Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan and the Gate of Hercules all stand along it. CNN’s travel edition also interviewed me about the west coast of Turkey, and I wrote about my interview on CNN International Travel Edition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ephesus in Europe or Asia?
Ephesus is on the Asian side of Turkey, on the Aegean coast near Selçuk. Turkey lies on two continents, which is why travel lists about Europe often include it.
What else can I see around Ephesus?
Selçuk has more. A single column marks the Temple of Artemis, the Basilica of Saint John stands on Ayasuluk Hill, and the Ephesus Museum shows finds from the city. The Ayasuluk Fortress above the basilica is open too.
Contact Ephesian Tour Guide and Explore Ephesus
Ephesus Ancient City and its surrounding attractions have always been included in the must-visit traveling lists. Contact me to learn more about Ephesus and let’s discover the reasons why Ephesus was featured in the mentioned lists! See you soon, Hasan Gülday
