Kimberly Peloquin
Nov 18, 20212 min
Updated: Dec 1, 2021
Ephesus is a famous biblical city to which Paul wrote the book of Ephesians. Walk the marble streets that Paul and the disciples walked. It is one of the most well preserved cities of antiquity in the world. The city has a legend that gods founded the city in 1000 BC. Gaze upon the goddess Artemis. See the very theatre where the religious leaders tried to stone Paul.
Alexander the Great fell in love with Ephesus and the beauty of Artemis's temple. He offered to pay for the temple's reconstruction if the citizens dedicated the temple to him.
Once a port city and bustling metropolis, the city's residents abandoned Ephesus when the sea's shoreline receded.
In Turkish, Ephesus is Efes. The city of Ephesus is Efes Antik Kenti.
Ephesus is a well preserved ruined city. You will be able to walk down marble streets, see ruined structures, and even see the community toilet. The front of the library is an impressive work of architecture and design. You can see Greek god and goddess statues all along the city. The Ephesus amphitheater has amazing acoustics. If you whisper on one side of the stadium, someone on the other side can hear you.
Many people like to visit Mary's House, the place where it is assumed that Mary, the mother of Jesus, lived out her last days.
You should allot at least half a day to explore the ruins of Ephesus. You could easily spend the whole day exploring the area.
Ephesus is a great option for kids! They can climb over the ruins and touch rocks and structures that are 2000 years old.
If you bring a stroller, then consider a jogging stroller. The terrain is not smooth and flat. Another option is to consider baby-wearing smaller children.
There are no age restrictions but there is a lot of walking.
Ephesus is near Selcuk in Izmir on the western edge of Turkey.
After flying into Selcuk, you can take a tour bus to Ephesus from the airport.
If you tour with SilkRoad Moments, we will arrange all transfers and transportation for you with licensed and English speaking guides.
As of 2021:
Ephesus: 120 Turkish Lira
Mary's House: 60 Turkish Lira
Terrace Houses: 45 Turkish Lira
Basilica of St. John: 25 Turkish Lira
Museum of Ephesus: 25 Turkish Lira
Temple of Artemis, Sirince Village, Isa Bey Cami: Free
To see everything: 275 Turkish Lira per person
You can purchase tickets at the entrance of Ephesus. If you travel with SilkRoad Moments, all entrance and transportation fees are included.
Acarlar
Efes Harabeleri
35920
Selçuk/İzmir