Getting around Ephesus
Minibuses depart from Selcuk, in Izmir, to the Ephesus Ancient City.
Ephesus Ancient City Sightseeing
Origins of Ephesus Ancient City dates back to 6000 B.C. And today, it is one of the biggest ancient settlements in the world with its more than eight thousand years. Therefore, it is mostly recommended to spend more than a day in order to have a complete-tour around the ancient city.
Although the ancient city has two entrances, which are from the Magnesia Door, and the down entrance, you can visit the most important places regardless of which one you enter.
Here are the most important locations in Ephesus Ancient City. If you get a map from the entrance, you can locate these places on the map and get additional pieces of information.
Commercial Agora
Commercial Agora is the most crucial commercial and cultural place of the entire ancient city. It was built in 3rd century BC and become a commercial center during the Augustus’ era. Neron had contributed to developments of this place and Karakalla restored the place.
When you walk around the Commercial Agora you will see a lot of ancient stores that show how important this place was for both international and domestic trades.
State Agora
State Agora, or also known as the Upper Agora, is the city square located in front of the Odeon. This place used to be a location where state ceremonies, state commercial activities, and religious rituals used to be held. On the other hand, you can reach the basilica, which was the stock market of the entire Ephesus, nearby the Agora.
Gate of Hercules
This gate probably is the most photographic place of the Ephesus Ancient City. The gate is made of two strong columns, on which the figures of Hercules were pictured. You can come across the Gate of Hercules while passing down Kuretler Street.
Odeon in Ephesus
In almost every ancient Rome cities you can see great theatres, also great odeons, which are the meeting locations. At these odeons, the noble people of the city used to come together and make decisions about the city’s future.
Ephesus Ancient Theatre

This ancient theatre is the world’s biggest open-air theatre. When you stand on the top of the theatre, you can see the entire stunning view of Ephesus.
Activities to do in Ephesus Ancient City
As an ancient residual, Ephesus provides its visitors all about ancient history. Besides the ancient city, you can visit the Ephesus Museum, the House of Virgin Mary, Selçuk Castle, and the Ruins of Artemis Temple. Moreover, you can visit neighbor locations like Şirince, and try delicious silky types of wines.
The House of Virgin Mary

The House of Virgin Mary is the house in which the Virgin Mary is believed to have spend her last days. The house is currently a Christian pilgrimage site where people all around the world come to visit. You can also make a wish to Virgin Mary on the wishing wall.
Artemis Temple
Artemis is the ancient Greek goddess of hunting and wild animals. The goddess was believed to be the protector of the city of Ephesus. Though it’s in ruins right now, this temple used to be a mighty structure.
Şirince

This cute village is a touristic hotspot. As well as having many photo-ops in this village that looks like a movie set, you can also check out the historical churches and enjoy the local tastes. We recommend Turkish coffee made in hot sand.
Hotels around Ephesus
As the Ephesus Ancient City is protected, there are no hotels. However, there are numerous hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs in the towns and cities nearby, including Selcuk and Izmir.
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Additional Information about Ephesus Ancient City
You can get information about how magnificent Ephesus is anywhere you search, but there are some additional information may help you in Ephesus, which are:
- It is exhausting to explore the ancient city. Thus, you may feel hungry after your vocation. Unfortunately, restaurants and cafes are quite rare around the ancient city. But you can easily visit Selçuk, and try the most popular local dish “çöp şiş” at any place.
- Ephesus used to be one of the biggest cities of Ancient Greece. Moreover, it was one of the 12 Ion cities.
- You can have little trips to Şirince Village or other popular touristic destinations like Kuşadası while visiting Ephesus.
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