Ancient Metropolis of Ephesus
UNESCO Sites in Turkey: Ephesus (visited January 2023)
To an inexperienced eye, Ephesus might look like just another collection of ruins – but it’s like a time machine, taking you back to the time when Ephesus was a place of power, commerce, and culture.
It was once home to over 250,000 people, one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire and one of the most important cities of the ancient world.
About the Site
The Archaeological Site of Ephesus, located on Turkey’s Aegean coast, is one of the most well-preserved and historically significant ancient cities in the world. A major center of culture, trade, and religion, Ephesus thrived under Greek and Roman rule, serving as the capital of Roman Asia Minor.
The city’s iconic landmarks include the Library of Celsus, the Grand Theatre, and the remains of the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
As an early center of Christianity, Ephesus is also linked to St. Paul and the Virgin Mary, adding to its historical and religious significance. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ephesus continues to draw visitors eager to walk its marble streets and experience its timeless legacy.
Key terms explained
Asia Minor: Asia Minor, or Anatolia, is a vast peninsula in modern-day Turkey, historically serving as a crossroads for civilizations including the Hittites, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. Its strategic location between Europe and the Middle East made it a center for trade, culture, and empire-building throughout history.
Celsus: Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus was a Roman senator, consul in Rome (92 CE), and proconsul of Ephesus (105–107 CE), overseeing public buildings and amassing great wealth. The Library of Celsus was built as a grand memorial and burial site in his honor, reflecting his status as one of Ephesus’ most influential figures.
The Library of Celsus
If there’s one image that defines Ephesus, it’s the striking Library of Celsus. Even in this partially restored state, its grand columns make it one of the most impressive sights of the ancient world.
The library was built in the 2nd century AD and is one of the few surviving examples of grand libraries from the ancient world within the Roman Empire. As the third-largest library in the Greco-Roman world, following those of Alexandria and Pergamum, it is believed to have housed around 12,000 scrolls.
Beneath the library, Celsus, the Roman governor of Asia, is buried in a marble sarcophagus, making the structure both a monument to knowledge and a grand mausoleum.
The statues on its façade represent Wisdom, Knowledge, Intelligence, and Valor — a reminder of the values that shaped the city.
The Grand Theatre
Not many ancient theaters can compare to Ephesus’ Grand Theatre. Built into the hillside, this enormous amphitheater could seat 25.000 spectators – one of the largest of its kind in the ancient world. For comparison, Aspendos Theatre could seat “only” up to 13.000 spectators.
The theater hosted gladiator battles, theatrical performances, and political speeches, but perhaps its most famous moment came when St. Paul preached here, urging the people of Ephesus to convert to Christianity.
Even today, the acoustics are remarkable. Stand in the center and speak – you’ll hear your own voice echo back. For a panoramic view of the ruins, climb to the highest rows.
Walking Down Curetes Street
One of the most surreal experiences in Ephesus is simply walking down its streets, it’s easy to get drawn in. Curetes Street, one of the city’s main avenues, is lined with ruined temples, statues, and ancient homes. It’s very easy to imagine merchants, scholars, and senators in white togas walking these same marble paths centuries ago.
Some fascinating stops along the way include:
the Temple of Hadrian, an archway dedicated to Emperor Hadrian
public latrines/toilets, among the best-preserved
ancient homes, some with carved symbols.
The Temple of Artemis
Not far from Ephesus, you can see the remains of the Temple of Artemis. It was once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and it was larger than the Parthenon, with 127 gigantic columns dedicated to Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt.
Today there is only one lone column since the temple was destroyed by floods, invaders, and even an arsonist. Still, it’s easy to imagine what it must have been like in its golden era.
What Makes Ephesus So Special?
It isn’t just its remarkable history – it’s the way it still feels alive. This was once one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire, a place where traders, philosophers, emperors, and early Christians walked the same streets. And even now, every column and every stone tells a story – if you want to hear it.
Have you been to Ephesus? What ancient site left you in awe?
Let me know in the comments!
For more things Turkish, check out these posts on Turkey:
The Turkish Evil Eye or Nazar: Is It More Than Just a Symbol?: About the protective power of the Nazar
Inside Istanbul’s Topkapı Palace: A Journey Through Ottoman History: UNESCO Sites in Turkey, Historic Areas of Istanbul
The Theatre and Aqueducts of the Ancient City of Aspendos, Turkey: A Timeless Marvel of Roman Engineering
What I Like to Eat and Drink in Turkey: Because Turkish food isn’t just a meal — it’s an experience.
Plus, February of my “2025 Calendar: 12 Countries in 12 Months” is dedicated to Turkey and its cultural gems.
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What an amazing place! Thank you for all of the photos and explanations. I will only get to see it through your eyes and that’s okay. 👍 ❤️
This looks amazing and so impressive! I never been there, I have been to Pompeï also so impressive. Thank you for sharing!