Ephesus Turkey ToursGuided Tours of this famous ancient city
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2024
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Adults (18+)
Children (0 - 17)
The city of Ephesus
Ephesus is a city rumoured to have been founded all the way back in the 13th century BC. The city was the Roman capital of Asia Minor and profited heavily from its port location and visiting pilgrims who came to see the great Temple of Artemis, one of the seven ancient wonders of the world. Today, however, you will find Ephesus quite far from the coast. This is because the harbour sited up many years ago and cut Ephesus off from is prosperous port causing the city to fall into ruin. With its main source of income being removed the city’s wealth began to decline and by 6 AD the city had been replaced by Ayasoluk Hill in Selcuk as the city centre.
Today the once prosperous city is a hot spot for tourists as it is an excellently well-preserved example of Roman architecture. The city was carefully restored and now visitors can see sights such as the Great Theatre, the Temple of Serapis and Façade of the Library of Celsus just to name a few.
Tours of Ephesus
Take a guided tour of this legendary ancient city and take in all the historical sites. From what remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven ancient wonders of the world, to the enormous amphitheatre once capable of holding 25,000 people making it the largest amphitheatre in the ancient world. There is no better way to explore Ephesus than on a guided tour with one of our knowledgeable tour guides to make sure you get the absolute most out of your visit to this ancient city.
Is Ephesus worth visiting? What to expect
Visiting Ephesus on a guided tour promises a journey through time and culture. As you stroll through this ancient city you'll marvel at its remarkably preserved ruins. Led by knowledgeable guides, tourists can expect to uncover the stories behind iconic landmarks such as the Library of Celsus, the Grand Theatre, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. With each step, the rich history and architectural brilliance of Ephesus come to life, offering visitors a profound insight into the past glory of this once bustling hub of trade, religion, and culture. From the grandeur of marble streets to the intricate details of ancient carvings, a guided tour of Ephesus promises an unforgettable experience steeped in history and wonder.
What to do in Ephesus Turkey
The Temple of Artemis
One of the seven ancient wonders of the world, the Temple of Artemis was once one of the largest Greek temples thought to be at least double the size of the Parthenon. The Temple was torn down and rebuilt twice before being torn down for the final time in 401 AD. Today only a solitary column stands as a reminder as to where the once great temple stood. Visiting the site acts as a reminder to the ingenuity of ancient civilisations, with one of our tour guides you can learn all about the history of this grand temple and you can see just how much space this temple would have covered in ancient times.
The Grand Theatre
The Grand Theatre at Ephesus is an ancient amphitheatre thought to be the largest of its kind. Construction of the theatre began in Hellenistic times and was finally completed in Roman times during the reign of Emperor Trajan between 98-117 AD. With enough seating to fit around 25,000 spectators the Grand Theatre is an enormous structure that would have been home to many performances, with space for an orchestra and a raised stage it is safe to assume the theatre saw some wonderful performance during ancient times. In the modern day the theatre has seen performances from the likes of Elton John, Sting and Diana Ross amongst many other talented musicians.
The Clesus Library
The Celsus Library is the third largest known library in the Greco-Roman world. Thought to have housed around 12,000 scrolls, the library is an architectural marvel and is one of the only remaining examples of the great libraries of the ancient world. The rebuilt façade is in excellent condition given its age complete with statues and ornate carvings that have survived for over a thousand years. Inside there are three levels of bookcases that would have been accessible by staircase. Below the library there was a crypt containing the decorated marble sarcophagus of Celsus, whom the library was built in honour of, it was unusual for a someone to be buried in a library, so this was a special honour for Celsus reflecting his role as a prominent public official.
Frequently asked questionsFrequently Asked Questions
Where is Ephesus located?
Ephesus is in western Turkey close to the shores of the Aegean Sea. Around 80 Kilometres south of Izmir.
How old are the ruins of Ephesus?
The earliest remains of Ephesus date back to around the 10th century BC, but the city reached its peak during the Roman period, between the 1st century BC and the 3rd century AD.
How extensive is the archaeological site of Ephesus?
The archaeological site of Ephesus covers a vast area, with highlights including the well-preserved Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, the Temple of Artemis, and the Terrace Houses, offering visitors a comprehensive glimpse into the city's ancient splendour.
When is the best time to visit Ephesus?
The best time visit Ephesus Turkey is during the Spring and Autumn months. When the weather is mild and comfortable, and the crowds aren’t too big.
Conclusion
Exploring Ephesus is a journey through time, offering a profound connection to the ancient world. With its rich history, well-preserved ruins, and captivating stories, a tour of Ephesus is an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a culture seeker, or simply a curious traveller, Ephesus is the perfect place to explore and learn. Embark on a guided tour and let the echoes of the past guide you through this remarkable city, where history comes alive at every turn.
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The kind-hearted hospitality of the locals is unlike anywhere else. Whether you're being offered a cup of traditional Turkish tea or chatting about local life and Turkish culture, you'll leave with the fondest memories. And that's not the only thing that stands out about our Turkey trips. From Istanbul's Blue Mosque to the underground cities of Cappadocia, here are some of the country's main highlights, and places you simply can't leave Turkey without visiting.
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