The Ephesus Theatre is located in the archaeological area of ancient Ephesus, near the town of Selcuk in Izmir Province on the western coast of Turkey. It stands at the foot of a hill in the lower part of the ancient city and is clearly legible in the urban layout: Arcadian Street led to the theatre, linking the center of Ephesus with the former harbor.

The structure began to take shape in the Hellenistic period, while its final large-scale appearance was formed in the Roman period. The theatre is among the largest monuments of its kind in Asia Minor. The semicircular auditorium with tiered seating, the orchestra, and the stage area make it possible to understand how the public buildings of an ancient city were arranged and how architecture, engineering, and urban life were combined within them.

According to estimates, the theatre accommodated about 24,000-25,000 spectators. The rows rise high up the slope, so the upper levels offer a broad view of the ruins of Ephesus. Even today, the scale of the structure, the well-considered shape of the seating, and the acoustic qualities for which the theatre was built are especially noticeable.

For tourists, the Ephesus Theatre is interesting not only because of its size, but also because it helps to imagine the everyday life of the ancient city. Performances, assemblies, and public events were held here, and in Roman times the functions of the theatre expanded. A visit to this monument is usually included in the route through Ephesus and complements a visit to the Library of Celsus, the agora, and the main streets of the ancient city.