Why Do You Need A Tour Guide In Ephesus?

The ruins of Ephesus attract travelers from all over the world, therefore every year almost two million tourists visit this open-air museum. Only 20% of the city has been excavated so far; however, the site is large, well preserved, archeologically interesting and historically significant. It contains the largest collection of Roman ruins in Eastern Mediterranean. Some of the highlights of ancient Ephesus are The Library of Celsus, The Odeon, The Temple of Hadrian, The Great Theater…

About Ephesus

This ancient UNESCO World Heritage site of Ephesus, know as Efes in Turkish, which dates back perhaps as early as 7th Century BC is Turkey’s historical jewel. Ephesus was a Greek, Roman and Byzantine city at different points in time and each of these people left their mark on the city, making Ephesus unique and fascinating.

Ephesus is within proximity to the temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders Of The World. As the cult of Artemis declined with the rise of Christianity, the temple’s marble was looted and used for private homes and churches. Today, a single column and a small pile of rubble is all that remains.

Saints John and Paul the Apostles called Ephesus home in 42 and 53 AD respectively. Alexander the Great rode in to liberate (or conquer) the city in 334 BC. The most famous resident of Ephesus by far is Mary, The Mother Of Jesus – although her presence in the town has never been verified with 100% certainty.

How to Visit Ephesus?

Although parts of Ephesus were destroyed over the centuries, the many layers of history can still be seen today at what is one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean. Archeological excavation remains ongoing: at its heyday, Ephesus had a population of up to 55,000 people (double the size of modern-day Selcuk nearby), but only 20 percent of the city has been excavated, so far.

The ruins at Ephesus are spread out over a large area and are mostly unshaded. So, arrive early in the day (especially in the hotter summer months), wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat, bring plenty of water (that available on site is very expensive), and be prepared to walk.

Entrance to Ephesus is ticketed, with separate entry fees for the main site and the House of Mary and the Terraced Houses. Opening hours vary depending on the season and daylight. If you're very interested in ancient history you could spend the whole day here; otherwise, two-three hours is sufficient. If you're short on time, plan your route in advance, so you don't miss the highlights. Simply wandering through the city without a plan can take hours, and you may get hot and tired before you've seen everything you want to see.