It is possible to go with a minibus to the lower gate of the ancient city of Ephesus, which has two entrance gates. Those who want to go to the entrance gate with phaeton can start their trips from here. Vedius Gymnasium, Stadium and Gymnasium, Byzantine Baths, Double Churches (Consul Churches), Acropolis, Ephesus Great Ancient Theater, Liman Street (Arkadiane Street), Harbor Bath, Celsus Library, Kuretler Street, Domitian Square and Temple, Victory Goddess Nike, Tetrogonos Agora, Hillside Houses, Heracles Gate, House of Virgin Mary, Seven Sleepers Area and Cave, Ayasuluk (Selcuk) Castle and Hill, St Jean Church, Isa Bey Mosque, Isabey Bath, Artemis Temple, Mithridates Gate, Marble Street, Love House, Public Toilets (Latrina), Skolastika Baths, Hadrian’s Temple, Trajan Fountain, Memmius Monument, Freshwater Pipes, Pollio Fountain, Prytaneion (City Hall), Odeon (Bouleuterion Council Building-Concert Hall), Isis Temple, Varius Bath, Aqueducts, Belevi Mausoleum , Magnesia Gate, Eastern Gymnasium and State Agora, Oktogon, Alytarkhus Stoa, Heroon, Theater Gymnasium, Serapis Temple, Palace Structure, Stadium Street , Stadium and Gymnasium, Mary Church are the places that can be seen in the ancient city of Ephesus.
Vedius Gymnasium
The ruins at the entrance to the ruins of Ephesus are the ruins of the Vedius Gymnasium. The gymnasium was built in the 2nd century AD by a rich Ephesian named Vedius Antonius. It has a courtyard on the east side, a ceremonial hall in the middle, a dressing room and baths, and it is a building where sports and cultural education reflects the characteristics of the period. The reason for the construction of baths at the entrance of the city is for the people coming from the city to clean and enter the city
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Stadium and Gymnasium
Built after the Vedius Gymnasium, on the left side of the stadium is the Stadium and Gymnasium where all the races, games, car races, Olympic games and other races in a sporty sense were held in ancient times.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Byzantine Baths Built in the 6th century BC, the bathhouse is located in the middle of the square to the north of the ancient city. Made of cut stone and marble, the bath has a large hall on the west side. It is estimated that the hall was built for relaxation. In the southern part of the bath, there are also halls and cubicles which are not clear for what purpose they were built.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Acropolis
Across the stadium, there is a building built in the 6th century BC on the hill, which is accepted as the Acropolis. To the northwest of the hill is a temple dating back to 350 BC.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<The Great Theater of Ephesus
phesus Ancient Theater built after the entrance to the ancient city of Ephesus, with trees on the left and right sides at the end of the road, welcomes visitors with all its glory. The ancient theatre, which was first built in 2 floors during the Hellenistic period, was then built on the 3rd floor and its capacity was expanded and gained a magnificent appearance. In order to see the whole scene easily, the stands are constructed as a little steeper than normal. The gigantic structure, which was built during the reign of Emperor Trianus in 98 and 117 AD, hosted theatre performances as well as meetings and gladiatorial fights during the Roman period. The theatre, which overlooks the harbour street, has a total capacity of 24 thousand people. It is possible to see some of the ancient city of Ephesus from the ancient theatre which is 18 meters high. The building, which was damaged during the earthquake of the 3rd century AD, continued to be used and was added to the Byzantine walls during the Byzantine period Just behind the stage building of the theatre is a fountain structure from the Hellenistic period. It is thought that the water brought from the Marnas river was collected here and used in the ancient city. During the excavations conducted in 1898-1900, the entire structure was exposed and in 1997 excavations were completed.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Harbor Street (Arkadiane)
Opposite the ancient theatre, the street is 11 meters wide and 530 meters long. The street built in the late Hellenistic period connects the harbour with the ancient city and theatre. The street, which was illuminated at night in ancient times, was named Arkadiana because it was built during the reign of the Emperor Arcadius It is known that statues of rich families of the period were exhibited on this street in ancient times. In the years it was founded, Liman Street, where there are shops and galleries, had a very important function because the kings and emperors who came to the city were welcomed, religious ceremonies were held, and the loads going to and from the port were carried over this street. It was found that toys, spices, colourful fabrics, incense, food products and many other products were sold in the shops on the street.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Harbor Bath
The bath built in the 2nd century BC is a group of buildings at the end of the harbour street. The building group consists of hammam, gymnasium and palaestra. The building group, which has a symmetrical plan on the East-West axis, was built during the reign of Emperor Domitianus. Although the buildings destroyed by earthquakes have been partially repaired, they have not been restored fully.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Celsus Library
It was built on the tomb chamber with his magnificent view of 2 floors in 117 AD by his son Julius Agiula in his memory after the death of Celsus Polemaenus, the general governor of the Asian region and the book lover. The tomb of Celsus is also found in a lead chest in a marble sarcophagus under the ground. On the right and left of the stairs, there are writings about the life of Celsus in Latin. The magnificent building is also known as a heroic monument. Along the outer wall are four statues of women placed in the recesses. These statues symbolize Wisdom (Sophia), Knowledge (Episteme), Reason (Ennoia) and Virtue (Arete) Unfortunately, the original statues that were supposed to be here were taken to Vienna during the excavations. A door on the back wall of the Celsus library leads to the tomb of Celsus. The statue of Celsus, which is located next to the tomb, is now exhibited in the Istanbul Archeology Museum. Since the books were in the form of rolls in ancient times, the capacity of the library was 12 thousand rolls. The adorned and glorious door to the right of the Celsus library is called the southern gate to the Agora.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Kuretler Street: The road leading up from the front of the library is called Kuretler Street. The street was named after the Kuretler, which was known as a demigod in mythology and a priest class in Ephesus. The street, also known as the religious passage, has a length of 210 meters and a width of 8 to 10 meters. The construction of the street, mostly covered with marble, dates back to the 1st century AD. The sewerage system of the ancient city of Ephesus also passes beneath the street and it is known that statues were built to honour those who did useful works in the columns along the Kuretler street. There are also important buildings on the street, including the Trajan Fountain, Hadrian’s temple and Scholastika bath. The statue of Consul Stephanos found on this street is also exhibited in the Ephesus Museum. There is also a small ancient theatre after Kuretsler Street.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Domitian Temple Square and Altar: It was the first temple in Ephesus built on behalf of an emperor. The temple, built between the years 91 and 96 AD in the name of Emperor Domitian, is located at the end of the Kuretler Street, right across the state agora, in the most beautiful and central part of the city. A very small part of the temple has reached today. When the emperor Domitian, to whom the temple was dedicated, died, it was believed that the memory of the emperor was cursed and the temple was dedicated to the family of Flavius. There is a large temple to the south of Domitian Square, the Ephesus inscriptions gallery at the bottom, the Pollio Fountain to the east and the Memmius monument on the street to the north. Excavations include a large statue of Emperor Domitian with only his head and arm in the Izmir Archeology Museum, and beneath the temple and other gigantic pieces in the Ephesus Museum.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Nike, the goddess of victory
On a stone in Domitian square, Nike, the goddess of victory, is depicted, similar to the human appearance created with reliefs. There is a bay leaf in one hand and a palm branch in the other. Although it is not mentioned in the epics of Homer, it is known as Victoria in Roman Mythology.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Trade (Tetrogonos) Agora
This area, known as the Tetraanos Agora, was established by Lysimakhos, the founder of Ephesus in the 3rd century BC. The agora, established as a large complex, has 3 large gates. They are, where courtyard, the area surrounding the courtyard and the shops and workplaces are located, is 15 square meters long. In AD 54 and 68, a basilica was built on the upper floor of the complex, which served as a court building The agora, which is directly connected to the harbour, has doors on three fronts. The agora has temples, fountains, inscriptions, altars dedicated to gods and heroes, statues and monuments of people who served the city
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Yamaç (Hillside) Houses
When you return to Kuretler Street from Celsus Library, Yamaç houses which are located on the right side are also located on the road where religious ceremonies are held. The entrance to the Yamaç houses, which also host festivals organized in the name of Artemis, the goddess of Ephesus, requires an extra fee, as museum cards are not accepted. It is known that the rich people of the city lived in these houses built on the skirts of Bülbül Mountain. The facades of the houses are quite plain and the interior is designed as a show of wealth. The floors of these houses are decorated with mosaics and the walls are decorated with marble cladding and mosaics. There are fountains and underfloor heating in the houses. It was first estimated that the houses built in the 1st century AD were used until the city was abandoned.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Heracles (Hercules) Gate
The building called the Hercules Gate was built as a triumphal arch in the 4th century AD. The structure was built in a place that bordered Kuretler Street in the east direction. There are two columns adorned with reliefs of Heracles and it takes its name from it. The reliefs on these columns are associated with the 2nd century AD and it is estimated that the columns were brought here from another place. As the columns narrow the street and prevent the passage of cars, especially in the summer, it is very narrow and offers a spectacular view for taking pictures, so it is a scene of heavy pedestrian traffic
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Ayasuluk (Selcuk) Castle and Hill
The castle is located at the highest point of Ayasuluk Hill. The area where the castle was located was found during the excavations and researches, which was the first settlement of the Ephesus region. The settlement, which dates back to 3,000 BC, includes a castle, a bath, a castle mosque, ancient ruins, a cistern and 15 towers of the St-Jean church of the Byzantine period and 2 gates. The walls of the castle, which is seen today, belong to the Byzantine, Aydınoğulları and Ottoman periods. The entrance of the castle is provided from the entrances in the east and west parts. Entrance to Selcuk Castle is for a fee and museum cardholders can visit for free.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Isabey Mosque
The mosque, which was built by Isa Bey during the Seljuk period in 1375, is located at the top of Ayasuluk Hill. It is located on the western slope of St Jean Basilica. Having a magnificent courtyard, the mosque is one of the must-see places in Ephesus. The mosque, including the bust of Jesus, is considered one of the most important works in Turkish art history. The UNESCO-listed mosque was used as a caravanserai in the 19th century. The western walls of the mosque were covered with marbles and some parts of the mosque were decorated with Seljuk tiles.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<The Temple of Artemis
The temple, which was started to be built in the 7th century BC, was completed in 550 BC. The ancient city, estimated to have been founded in the 4th century BC, is located in the Anamur district of Mersin, 7 km from the city centre. The temple was built by Croesus, king of Lycia, dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of fertility The temple, which was designed by the greatest and leading sculptors of the period to consist of 127 columns of 18 meters in height, was also decorated with bronze statues. The temple, which is estimated to be 125 meters in length, 65 meters in width and 25 meters in height, was built from marble and became the first temple built in marble in ancient times. The temple of Artemis, shown as one of the seven wonders of the world, was burned by a Greek named Herostratus who wanted to immortalize his name in 356 BC, causing the destruction of some of the magnificent structure. Almost none of the remains of the temple have survived to the present day. It is known that the first settlements of the Ephesians started where this temple was located. Excavations began in 1870 in the area where the temple was located, and as a result of the excavations gold coins and gold items, ivory items, clay pots and many works were found. Some of the artefacts are exhibited in the Istanbul Archeology Museum and in the British Musem in London. The entrance to the temple is free, which is a five-minute walk from the Ephesus museum.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Mithridates Gate
The gate leading from the Celsus Library to the Trade Agora is also called the South Gate and is located on the right side of the square where the library is located. It is known that the gate was built by Emperor August in the 3rd century BC. The reliefs on the door, which was built to complement the library architecture, is remarkable.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Marble Street
It is a street that extends from the Manesia gate in the southeast of Ephesus to the Koresos gate in the northwest. In other words, it is the street that extends from the Library square to the theatre. The street, which is approximately 400 meters long, has marble floors and was built in the 5th century AD. Under the street, there is an advanced sewage system that carries the city’s wastewater.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Love house (Paidiskeion)
When you climb up the marble street, the Love House, located at the intersection with Kuretler Street, was built by Emperor Traian (Trajan) in the 1st century AD. In the house, there are many rooms that open to the main hall and a hole, as well as mosaics on the floor of the house telling about the four seasons and girl mosaics on the walls. The portraits of girls made of mosaics are thought to belong to girls working at home. Built-in the 2nd century AD, heating and cooling systems close to today’s air conditioning system were used within the walls of this house. From the statue of Venus in the love house, it is understood that the house was dedicated to Venus, the goddess of beauty Aphrodite. In ancient times there were bedrooms, conference halls, wine cellars, giant hearths, pools, baths and a magnificent library. The footprint and the heart figure inscription at the entrance of the building are known to be the first advertising board in history. It is thought that the upper floor of the two-storey building belongs to the girls and the lower floor belongs to the guests. The statue of Priapos, God Bes, exhibited in the Ephesus Museum was found here.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Public Toilets (Latrina)
The toilets built in the 1st century AD are among the buildings that attract the most attention of the visitors and archaeologists of the ancient city of Ephesus. The toilets also provide information about the life of Ephesus in ancient times. It is known that the people lived in the period were using the toilets also for chatting and as a socializing area. There was clean water flowing from the canals right in front of the people who made their toilets here, and people used this water to clean up after the toilet. There is a sewerage system 3 meters below the toilets and the water coming from the Scholastica Baths is prevented by the bad smell and it is kept clean at the same time
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<The Baths of Skolastika
The bath, which was built at the beginning of the 2nd century BC, was named after it was restored by Skolastika, a rich Roman woman who lived in Ephesus in 400 BC. Located at the northern end of the Kuretler street, the bath consists of four sections: cold room, warm room, hot room and relaxation room. The marble used in the central heating system of the bath was designed in a very systematic way. Another feature of the bath is that it is the 6th best toilet in the world due to its extraordinary appearance. Everyone could use the bath in ancient times while the poor could use it free of charge. The rich people came to the baths in the afternoon and could benefit from the baths for a longer time.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Trajan’s Fountain
After Hadrian’s temple, the fountain on the left side was built in 114 AD in the name of emperor Trajan. There is a statue of Emperor Trajan at the water flow of the fountain, which has a large pool. Today, the sphere under the statue’s feet symbolizes the world. The statues adorning the floors of the fountain are exhibited in the Ephesus Museum today.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Monument of Memmius
The monument built during the Hellenistic period was named after the inscription engraved on it. The inscription states that Gaius Memmius is the son of our saviour Gaius, the grandson of Cornelius Sulla. Gaius Memmius was one of the descendants of the Roman dictator Sulla. Among the columns on the upper floors of the monument are examples of statues of members of the Memmius family. The sculpture figures represent and depict soldiers wearing the headgear of Memmius, his father Gaius and his grandfather, the dictator Sulla. A fountain was added to the northwest of the monument built in the 1st century AD, in the 4th century AD.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Freshwater Pipes
A pipe system made of terracotta was used to bring water to the city from distant points and to distribute it to the city. With this system, which is considered as a marvel of engineering, the water requirement of the ancient city of Ephesus was met and water was delivered to every point of the city in this way.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Pollio Fountain
East of the Domitianus Square, the fountain was built in conjunction with the western edge of the agora. It was built in 97 AD by C. Afillius in the name of C.Sektilius Pollio. The structure of the fountain is made of marble and has a high and wide arch. It has a very small pool compared to other fountains in Ephesus and the water of the fountain reaches here from the agora walls. Odysseus and Polyphemos statues adorning the fountain are exhibited in the Ephesus Museum today.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Prytaneion
The Prytaneion is the present-day town hall, where political affairs are held, as well as important ceremonies, feasts and official receptions. It is understood that Prytaneion is also an important place in terms of religion since two Ephesus Artemis statues are also present here. Because of the statues of emperors, gods and goddesses around the place, it is among the holy places. On the right side of the Prytaneion, which is considered the most sacred place after the Temple of Artemis of Ephesus, is the altar of the goddess Hestia. In this altar, there was a constant fire and the burning fire was considered sacred and represented the independence and immortality of the city. The extinction of fire was regarded as bad luck and an effort was made not to extinguish it. One of Prytaneion’s most important duties was to prevent the fire from extinguishing. Since it contains the religious and administrative functions of the city, such buildings are accepted as the heart and the most important structure of the city. First built in the 3rd century BC, the building’s current ruins date back to the 1st century AD.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Odeon (Bouleuterion Parliament Building-Concert Hall)
It was understood that it was built from the ruins of Oden, which was built by Publis Vedius Antonius and his wife Flavia Papina in the 2nd century BC. This area, which was built in the form of a theatre, was used as a parliament building. The Prytaneion and State Agora buildings next to it are thought to have been used for the management of this area. In this area with a capacity of 1400 people, classical music concerts, various events and entertainments are held today.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Bath of Varius
This area, which is located in the immediate vicinity of the city walls, was built as Gymnasium and was opened between 147 and 149 AD. The Varius Bath, which overlooks Kuretler Street, was built in the 100s AD and put into service. During the Roman period, baths had an important place and these were the places where the people socialized and gathered and used as libraries. As in the other baths, there are cold, warm and hot rooms. There is a sitting statue of Skholastikia in a niche of the bath which was repaired during the Byzantine period. There is a letter written by Emperor Valens, Valentinian and Gratian to Ephesians in the 4th century AD.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Aqueducts: The aqueducts of the Byzantine period were used to meet the water needs of the ancient city of Ephesus The remains of the aqueducts coming from the east to the Ayasuluk Hill are easily seen today. The restored aqueducts have become the shelter and breeding ground for the storks which are the symbol of Selçuk.
The aqueducts in the ancient city of Ephesus include the Pollio Aqueduct, Aristion aqueduct, Değirmendere aqueduct, Şirince aqueduct, Sultaniye aqueduct and Lysimaksos aqueduct built in August.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Magnesia Gate:
It is the gate uncovered during the excavations in the field between Mount Panayır and Mount Bülbül. It is also known as the eastern gate of the city walls surrounding Ephesus. It is also the starting point of the Artemision road and the roads leading to Menderes Manesias and Kaystros valley. It is thought that the gate, which only a small part of it remains to date, was built by Emperor Vespasian between 67-69 AD.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Eastern Gymnasium and State Agora
Built in the second half of the 2nd century AD, the building is located just north of the Magnesia gate. It covers an area of approximately 130×107 meters and has the Bath- Gymnasium (Roman Age School) complex. The floors of the baths are covered with mosaics.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Oktogon
It is an octagonal tomb monument built on a square podium. It is presumed that it was built on behalf of a young girl belonging to the Ptolemy family of King of Egypt, one of the generals of Alexander the Great, or for the sister of Cleopatra Arsinae the 4th.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Alytarkhus Stoa
It was built between the slope houses and Kuretler Street between 440-441 AD with a length of 50 meters and a width of 5 meters. There are 10 shops to the south of the building and a row of coloured marble columns to the north. The floor is furnished with mosaic panels with colourful and geometric patterns.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Heroon
The Androklos Monument for the founder of Ephesus has a U shaped dor planned structure. There is a monument with a regular pediment on the substructure and war scenes are painted on it. During the Byzantine period, a fountain pool was built in front of the monument between 526-565 AD.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Theatre Gymnasium
The building, which is one of the four big gymnasiums in the ancient city of Ephesus, measures 70×30 meters. There is a frigidarium in the south part and a tepidarium with a pool in the middle part. The large hall in the northern part is known as Emperor Hall.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Temple of Serapis
It is known that the temple behind the library of Celsus was built by the Egyptians and turned into a church during Christianity.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Palace Structure and Stadium Street
The Byzantine palace and stadium in the eastern part of the car park are known as the area where competitions and sports games were held in the ancient era. There are a gymnasium, hammam and school beside the area where gladiator games were also held in the Roman period.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Virgin Mary Church
It was built as a complex in the ancient period into the part of the southern stoa of the Olympia. The eastern part of the structure was transformed into a palace-like building. It is thought that this church, where the 3rd Christian Council was gathered, was built in the name of Mary in 431. It is thought to be the first church built in the name of Mary.
>>> ERROR: Contact the Administrator to see this content <<<Ephesus Museum
The Ephesus Museum is located opposite the Selcuk bus station. In addition to the ruins in and around the Ayasuluk castle, the museum exhibits artefacts from the ancient city of Ephesus. For those who would like to learn about the ancient city of Ephesus, a 30-minute promotional film is shown in the museum. Among the exhibited works is the arrowhead of the Polished Stone Age, sickles, stone axes, hand-made terracotta pots, as well as 50,000 artefacts from the Mycenaean, Archaic, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman periods. Among the exhibited works, Ephesus Artemis Statue, which is the symbol of fertility, stands out as the most original work. The Yunus Eros statue, the head of Socrates, the Isis statue and the Priapos statue is among the world-famous works of the Ephesus Museum. Visiting Hours: From April 15th to October 2nd, between 08:00 and 19:00. From October 3rd to April 14th between 08:00 and 17:30. The entrance to the museum is provided for a fee and museum cardholders can visit for free.
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