Ephesus was one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire. Now, it’s one of the most impressive ancient cities in the world located in the İzmir Province of Turkey. Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site to track back time and experience the ancient Roman world. 

Here are some highlights of Ephesus you must see during your visit.

The Library of Celsus

The library of Celsus is one of the most famous structures of Ephesus. This library was originally built in memory of Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, an Ancient Greek governor of the Roman Empire. Today, this library is all that remains of the great ancient Roman era and is considered an architectural marvel. It was the third-largest library in the Greco-Roman world.  It was destroyed by an earthquake. The facade of the library we see today has been carefully reconstructed by archaeologists using the original pieces.

The Ephesus Theatre

Located in the western part of the city, Ephesus Theater is considered an ancient engineering masterpiece. Featuring a semicircular auditorium, tiered seating, and a stage, this huge structure was built to accommodate almost 25000 spectators. In ancient times, this theater was used as a central place for gathering during entertainment events like performances and gladiatorial flights. It was designed for excellent acoustics. 

Terraced Houses

Visit the Terraced houses also known as “houses of the rich”, to get a glimpse into the luxurious living lifestyle of the Roman elite. The excavation and restoration efforts have unveiled the houses in their former glory – revealing beautiful mosaics, frescoes, marble floors, and well-preserved decorative elements. Each house consists of multiple levels and has gorgeous courtyards and gardens. You will need to pay an additional fee on top of the general admission ticket to visit this site.

Public Toilets

During your trip to Ephesus, you will see public toilets built over a channel of flowing water. Toilet seats were created by cutting holes into marble benches and were arranged in three rows along three sides of the wall. Using the toilet in a group was normal practice during the Roman Empire.

During ancient times, having a private toilet was a luxury that was only granted to wealthy people. The rest of the poor people in the city used these public toilets at a fee. They used sponges attached to sticks to clean themselves. The sponges were kept in vinegar for hygiene and then washed in fresh running water before use. Sounds disgusting? Well, that’s how the ancient Romans did it. You will learn a lot more interesting things about the ancient lifestyle during your visit to Ephesus. 

Temple of Artemis

The Temple of Artemis is known as one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Originally this temple earned the status because of its impressive size, architecture, religious, and cultural significance. Artemis is known as the daughter of Zeus and is associated with the hunt, wilderness, and childbirth. This site is located just outside of Selcuk. If you visit this place today, you will find a solitary column constructed from disassembled fragments. There is not much to do here but exploring this place will give you a perspective on the iconic temple from history. 

Ephesus Archaeological Museum

During your visit to Ephesus don’t forget to visit the Archaeological Museum where you will see several findings from the Ephesus archeological site excavations. 

How to Explore Ephesus?

You can explore the incredible ruins of Ephesus independently or with an experienced guide. While going solo allows for personal exploration, doing your research is essential. A knowledgeable guide, however, will help you uncover both the major highlights and hidden gems, creating a truly memorable experience. For history buffs and curious travelers, having a guide is invaluable!

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