The ancient Greek city of Ephesus was built in the 10th Century BC. It was home to over 300,000 people at its peak.
A succession of empires from Neolithic to Roman to Ottoman have ruled over Ephesus. The well-preserved ruins are one of the most incredible sights in Turkey.
The highlights of Ephesus are the magnificent Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, the Terraced Houses, the Temple of Hadrian, the temple of Artemis.
LIBRARY OF CELSIUS
This magnificent library dating from the early 2nd century AD, the best-known monument in Ephesus, has been extensively restored.
Originally built as part of a complex, the library looks bigger than it actually is. The convex facade base heightens the central elements, while the middle columns and capitals are larger than those at the ends. Facade niches hold replica statues of the Four Virtues.
GREAT THEATRE
The construction of the Great Theatre of Ephesus began in the reign of Claudius (AD 41-54) and finished in the reign of Trajan (AD 98-117).
It is particularly impressive. Both for its great size and for the excellent state of preservation of the orchestra and the stage buildings.
THE TERRACED HOUSES
These luxurious residential villas were the houses of the rich. The houses are an indoor excavation site with a walkway leading visitors above the luxurious villas.
The mosaics and frescoes rapresent animals and gladiators.
THE TEMPLE OF ADRIAN
The remains of the Temple were unearthed in 1956 during excavations.
Due to its excellent state of preservation and historical importance, it was rebuilt with original building elements in 1957/1958.
TEMPLE OF ARTEMIS
The Temple of Artemis is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a title bestowed on only the most incredible ancient constructions.
Dedicated to the goddess Artemis, only a single column stands tall among the fragments of ruins that remain from the once magnificent temple. Despite the sparsity of the ruins it is incredible to stand in front of one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and a site with such significance.