"Ephesus (Efes) and Nearby Selcuk" Top 5 Page for this destination Ephesus by Paul2001

Ephesus Travel Guide: 637 reviews and 1,908 photos

Ephesus (Efes) and Nearby Selcuk - Ephesus

Ephesus is generally considered to be the best preserved Roman ruins in the Eastern Mediterranean. This makes the site one of the most important attractions in Turkey and for certain, one of the most crowded.
The history of Ephesus begins with actually serving as a port for in ancient times, the seacoast was much further inland than it is today. During these times it was sort of a prosperous city-state. Unfortunately, the locals were not all that keen on military affairs and envious neighbors attacked and destroyed the place. The city was rebuilt but fell under the political control of the series of invaders that dominated the region. Eventually the city fell under the control of the Romans. They much admired the city and its premiere attraction, the Temple of Artemis. Each succeeding emperor would do what he could to enhance its beauty, hence such stunning buildings like the Library of Celsus were built. The city fell into decline when its port began to silt up. By the 7th century A.D. it was basically nothing more than a provincal town.
Thankfully, as in the case of the most great ruins, because the city was essentially ignored over the centuries, the ruins were not built over by other buildings. Therefore the city survived relatively well preserved. Today it is visited by hordes of tourists in the busloads. This means that you should visit the city early in the day. It is open from 8am to 7pm during the tourist season. It cost $10.00 for admission.

Pros and Cons

Pros:One of the great archeaological ruins in the Mediterranean
Cons:Sometimes very hot and always very crowded
In a nutshell:A visit to Turkey is not complete until you have visited Ephesus

Last visit to Ephesus: Oct 2003
Intro Updated Jan 5, 2006
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (19)

The Church of the Blessed Virgin - Ephesus

The Church of the Blessed Virgin Off The Beaten Path (5)

Not much remains of the Church of the Blessed Virgin. It was built in the late 5th century B.C. The church had various... more travel advice

The Castle of St. John Tourist Traps (2)

Standing high over a hill near the Basilica of St. John is the Castle of St. John. How inviting it is for someone like... more travel advice

The Grand Theatre Things to Do (9)

The Grand Theatre is one of the most spectacular monuments in Ephesus. It is dramatically set against the slopes of Mt.... more travel advice

The Gate of Augustus Things to Do (9)

The Gate of Augustus is the entry point into the Agora. It is also known as the Mazaeus-Mithridates Gate, named after... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
Great Mid-priced Hotel in Selcuk close...
Been to Ephesus?
Share your travels with the world!

Comments (17)

deecat Feb 22, 2009 at 8:38 AM Report Abuse

What an HONEST, informative, interesting introduction. Sure glad I visited in early Spring because there were no crowds. Having seen and loved Ephesus, I admire your personal insights and outstanding photos.
albaaust Sep 28, 2007 at 11:19 PM Report Abuse

Once again some detailed, useful tips Paul.
Diana75 Jan 20, 2007 at 10:14 PM Report Abuse

Wonderful page and very beautiful pictures, Paul. Actually the first one with the library without someone in it, really surprised me. It is always so croweded. But is one of Turkey's must visit places.
traveldave Jun 9, 2006 at 8:36 AM Report Abuse

Usually I'm not very interested in ruins, but these sure look interesting. Probably because they're so well preserved compared to others.
Nemorino Jun 2, 2006 at 11:10 AM Report Abuse

A very impressive site -- no wonder it's so popular!
hindu1936 Apr 28, 2006 at 12:05 AM Report Abuse

Thanks paul. your comments make the prospect of visiting ephesus more enjoyable.
windsorgirl Nov 24, 2005 at 1:06 PM Report Abuse

I really enjoyed my visit to Ephesus, and your pages brought back fond memories. Excellent photos and descriptions! Thanks for visiting my San Ignacio page.
JLBG Nov 22, 2005 at 8:47 PM Report Abuse

Very good page that reminds me my visit to Ephesus ! Haha, I did not know that Artemis might wear not breasts but severed testicles ! In Marseille, another Artemis statue is on display with even more UHO (unidentified hanging objects)
ebenezerscrooge Sep 21, 2005 at 1:24 PM Report Abuse

a very historic page
belgianchocolate Jun 24, 2005 at 6:33 PM Report Abuse

I once hope to see a lot more of Turkey...To do some travelling around. I do like Side... The best fish I've ever ate. lol