Photos of Ephesus

Architecture and ruins of ancient Ephesus

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Ephesus Archaeological Site near Izmir

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There is no urban district called Ephesus within Izmir city. The name usually refers to the archaeological complex of the ancient city, located in the southern part of Izmir Province near the town of Selçuk, about 70–80 km from central Izmir. For travelers based in the city, Ephesus is convenient as a day-trip destination and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Ephesus is not part of Izmir's urban public transport network — there are no metro, tram or city ferry connections to the site. Visitors reach it by regional trains to Selçuk, intercity buses or by car, then continue from Selçuk by shared minibus (dolmuş) or taxi to the site entrances. Movement inside the archaeological area is on foot, following paved streets and stone paths between the Upper and Lower gates.

As an urban environment, Ephesus is a large, open archaeological park without blocks of modern buildings or typical city streets and squares. The space is open and sunny, and the main monuments are linked by a walking route along the ancient city's main thoroughfares. Some areas have shade structures, and there are ticket offices and basic services at the entrances.

Ephesus: ancient heritage and easy day trips from Izmir

Ancient ruins within a day‑trip from central Izmir.

Ephesus near Selçuk — how to visit from Izmir

The archaeological area contains the main monuments of the ancient city: the 2nd-century AD Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, Curetes Street, the Temple of Hadrian, and both the Upper and Lower agoras. The Terrace Houses with mosaics and frescoes are open with a separate ticket. Interpretive panels along the route help you understand the layout and history of the complex.

Visits typically start at the Upper Gate and proceed downhill to the Lower Gate — both entrances operate independently and have ticket offices, restrooms and kiosks. The site is open, shade is limited in places, and the paths are stone and can be steep in sections. There are no hotels inside the archaeological area; cafés and souvenir shops are concentrated by the entrances.

From Izmir, regional trains run from Basmane station to Selçuk, then take a dolmuş or taxi to the Lower or Upper Gate; buses also run from the Izmir Bus Terminal (Otogar). By car the journey toward Selçuk takes about 1.5–2 hours. As a landmark, the site is close to Ayasuluk Hill and Selçuk town center.

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