Allow 2.5–3 hours to see the Ancient City of Ephesus comfortably; add the House of the Virgin Mary and half a day is enough. The ancient city, 3 km south-west of Selçuk, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015 and is about an hour's drive from Izmir Airport.
What Is There to See in Ephesus?
The structures not to miss in Ephesus are:
- The Library of Celsus: built after the death of Celsus, governor of Ephesus, in 106, by his son as a funerary monument to his father; the most photographed façade in the city.
- The Great Theatre: with a capacity of about 24,000, one of the most impressive structures in the city.
- The Terrace Houses: multi-storey homes of the city's wealthy, built on terraces; seen on a separate ticket, with mosaics and frescoes.
- The marble streets: fountains, temples and the agora along Curetes Street and Marble Street.
The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was also in Ephesus; today a single column stands at the site in Selçuk.
How Long Does It Take to Visit Ephesus?
Visiting the Ancient City of Ephesus takes 2.5–3 hours; add an hour if you also want to see the Terrace Houses. The site runs down a slope and has two entrances, upper and lower; entering at the upper gate and walking down is less tiring, which makes it the easiest approach for visitors arriving with a driver.
When planning, keep in mind:
- In summer go in at opening time or late in the afternoon; at midday the site is very hot and crowded.
- Wear closed, non-slip shoes for the stone ground.
- Bring water, a hat and sunscreen; there is little shade.
- Visiting hours and ticket conditions can change, so check the Ministry of Culture and Tourism museum page before you go.
Where Is the House of the Virgin Mary and How Do You Visit It?
The House of the Virgin Mary is a Catholic shrine on Mount Bülbül near Ephesus, about 7 km from Selçuk, where Mary is believed to have spent her last years. The house was rediscovered on 29 July 1891 by Lazarist missionaries.
The shrine was visited by Pope Paul VI (1967), John Paul II (1979) and Benedict XVI (2006). Every year on 15 August a mass is held here to commemorate the Assumption of Mary. Half an hour to an hour is enough for a visit.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Ephesus?
The best time to visit Ephesus is spring and autumn; in April, May, September and October the weather suits walking and there are fewer crowds. In July and August the midday heat makes the site tiring, and on days when cruise ships call there are queues at the gates.
In winter Ephesus is quiet and cool; on rainy days the marble can get slippery, so walk carefully. Whatever the season, opening time is the easiest way to avoid the crowds.
How Do You Get from the Airport to Ephesus?
The road from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Selçuk is about 75 km and takes about 1 hour on average. Because Ephesus has two entrances and the House of the Virgin Mary is on a mountain road, a car that waits for you all day saves time.
You can get a quote for a car and driver on our Izmir Airport to Selçuk (Ephesus) transfer page.
Who Is Ephesus Suitable For?
Ephesus suits history lovers, families with school-age children, cruise passengers and photographers. The site is large and hilly in places, so those who find walking difficult should start at the upper entrance and see only the main street. A pushchair struggles on the stone ground.
To combine Ephesus with Şirince and Selçuk on the same day, see our Selçuk and Şirince one-day route; for the Byzantine heritage nearby, see our Ayasuluk Castle guide; and for a quieter neighbour of Ephesus, see our Belevi Mausoleum guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours does it take to visit Ephesus?
Allow 2.5–3 hours for the ancient city; with the Terrace Houses 3.5–4 hours, and with the House of the Virgin Mary half a day.
When did Ephesus become a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Ephesus was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.
How far is Ephesus from Izmir Airport?
The road from Izmir Airport to Selçuk is about 75 km and takes about 1 hour on average.
Is the House of the Virgin Mary close to Ephesus?
Yes. The House of the Virgin Mary is on Mount Bülbül near Ephesus, about 7 km from Selçuk, and is easy to add to the same day.
Can you visit Ephesus with children?
School-age children manage it easily; pick the morning hours on hot days. A pushchair struggles on the stone ground.