Best things to do in Ephesus
Find out more about those top places in Ephesus
Ephesus: A Journey Through Turkey’s Greatest Ancient Treasure
If you’re a fan of ancient ruins and world-class sightseeing, then Ephesus should be at the very top of your places to visit in Turkey. This historical gem is a travel guide dream, offering a glimpse into one of the most magnificent cities of the ancient world. Overlooking the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, Ephesus is a city frozen in time, boasting some of the top attractions in all of Europe. But what makes this place so special, you ask? Let’s dive in and explore.
Ephesus: Europe’s Largest Classical Metropolis
Ephesus might not be the biggest city you’ll visit today, but back in its prime, it was a major player in the Roman Empire—so much so that it was the fourth largest city in the empire! Despite the fact that only about 20% of the site has been excavated, it’s still considered Europe’s largest classical metropolis, which is no small feat. So, when you walk through its impressive ruins, you're stepping into history on a scale few cities can match. Things to do here aren’t just about sightseeing; they’re about time traveling.
The Temple of Artemis: One of the Ancient Wonders
Let’s start with one of the biggies—the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Though much of the temple has been reduced to ruins, its Corinthian columns still stand tall as a tribute to the grandeur of the past. And while you can’t exactly marvel at the massive structure in its entirety, just standing on the grounds and imagining how magnificent it must have been is a top attraction in itself. It's a little like seeing a famous celebrity but with no chance of a selfie—just pure admiration.
Library of Celsus: An Ancient Bookworm’s Paradise
Okay, let’s get to the real star of the show: the Library of Celsus. This isn’t just any library—it was the third-largest library of the ancient world and is one of the best-preserved buildings in Ephesus. Think about it: a place where ancient scholars came to gather knowledge, debate philosophy, and probably bicker over whether Aristotle’s views on ethics were actually any good. Today, the Library of Celsus stands proud, its elegant façade still striking visitors with its well-preserved grandeur. It’s a perfect stop for those wanting to see the past come to life—and maybe even inspire your own inner bookworm.
Ephesus: More Than Just Ruins
While many Roman cities are reduced to little more than rubble, Ephesus is a shining exception. As you wander through the sprawling ruins, you’ll come across ancient theaters, grand temples, and public baths that are almost entirely intact. It’s not just a walk through history; it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the ancient world. From the Great Theatre—where the Apostle Paul once preached to thousands—to the Terrace Houses, where you’ll find stunning mosaics, Ephesus brings ancient history to life in a way few other places can.
A Day in Ephesus: What You Can’t Miss
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The Great Theatre: Not to be confused with a Roman amphitheater for gladiators, this one’s all about performances and plays. Things to do here include standing in the center and imagining what it must have been like to perform for 25,000 people. Who knows, maybe you’ll be tempted to put on a Shakespearean monologue just for fun.
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The Temple of Hadrian: A beautiful, well-preserved temple dedicated to the Roman Emperor Hadrian, this spot is perfect for snapping photos of its ornate carvings. It’s almost like the ancient version of a celebrity cameo—just with fewer selfies.
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The Fountain of Trajan: A stunning structure dedicated to the Roman Emperor Trajan, this fountain used to supply water to the city. Today, it’s a great place to cool off while taking in the history and enjoying the scenic views.
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Curetes Street: The main thoroughfare of the city, lined with marble columns and statues. You’ll feel like a gladiator walking down this road—minus the sword fighting, of course.
Ephesus: A Hidden Gem for History Buffs
Though it’s one of the top attractions in Turkey, Ephesus doesn’t get quite as much attention as other ancient sites like Rome or Athens. And honestly? That’s probably a good thing. You’ll have the chance to roam the ruins without bumping into too many other tourists, making your experience even more magical. Plus, you can take all the time you want to explore the history without feeling rushed.
Final Thoughts: The Ancient World Comes Alive at Ephesus
In conclusion, Ephesus is one of those places that feels like a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply marveling at ancient wonders. The ruins may be old, but the stories they tell are timeless. Whether you’re standing before the Library of Celsus, imagining what the Temple of Artemis once looked like, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of this incredible ancient city, Ephesus is sure to leave you in awe.
So pack your camera, your walking shoes, and your curiosity—Ephesus is waiting for you to come and discover one of Turkey’s finest treasures.
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Temple of Artemis
This temple is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world as it was the first marble temple to be built. The Westward facing temple was built in 6BC on the order of the King of Lydia. Although the temple lies in ruins today, it still receives thousands of tourists and pilgrims all year round.
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House of Virgin Mary
According to the Bible, the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, was brought to Ephesus after the resurrection of Jesus. Virgin Mary lived out the rest of her life at this new location, and a long time after she had died a church was erected on the same spot where the house had been. The history backing up this site makes it a favorite spot for not just tourists, but pilgrims as well.
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Library of Celsus
The Library of Celsus was one of the largest libraries of ancient times. Although you might not find it looking as glorious as it used to be, the library still has its charm even in the ruins it lies in. An interesting fact about the library is that it was once rocked by an earthquake before it was set ablaze by invading Goths. Despite all these, the library still attracts a good number of tourists.
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Basilica of St. John
After the death of St. John, the famous apostle who was the only disciple of Jesus to escape martyrdom, Emperor Justinian ordered that a monument be built on top of his grave. After, when the Basilica was built, it became one of the biggest monuments. Today, the Basilica lies in ruins but tourists and pilgrims still gather here to see it.
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Camlik Museum of Steam Locomotives
The steam locomotive was a great invention in its time as it greatly reduced the stress of transportation. The Camlik Museum of Steam Locomotives has about 24 steam locomotives displayed. Also, Atatürk was said to have his headquarters in this town and kept his own personal train at this station before he died.
