The House of the Virgin Mary

Situated on the top of Bulbul Mountain about 9 kilometers from Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary is believed to be where Mary spent her last days. The stone structure shows typical Roman architecture and includes an anteroom, bedroom, prayer room used as a Christian church area, and a chapel area used by Muslims. A church combining the house and grave was built here in the 4th century AD.

45 min

Ephesus Ancient City

Ephesus presents archaeological remains from several civilizations. Founded by Greeks in 356 BC with the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders, it later became the fourth largest city in the eastern Roman Empire. Key sites include the Artemision Temple, Library of Celsus, and the medical school. The site balances preservation with access for visitors.

90 min

State Agora

Located on the southern part of the Basilica, the State Agora was built in the 1st century BC and functioned as a government meeting place rather than a commercial market. Excavations in the northeast corner uncovered numerous graves from the 7th-6th centuries BC, a stone-paved road, and an archaic terra cotta sarcophagus. This indicates that during the archaic period, this part of the Agora served as the necropolis of Ephesus. A water reservoir at the corner of the Agora was supplied by the Pollio Aqueduct, the remains of which are visible 5 kilometers away along the Selçuk-Aydin highway.

15 min

The Odeion

This small theater-shaped building functioned both as a Bouleuterion for senate meetings and a concert hall. Built in the 2nd century AD by wealthy citizens Publius Vedius Antonius and Flavia Paiana, it seated 1,500 people. It featured a two-story stage with columns and was originally covered by a wooden roof. The Odeion was one of two councils managing Ephesus.

15 min

Temple of Hadrian

Built before 138 AD by P. Quintilius and dedicated to Emperor Hadrian who visited in 128 AD, this temple on Curetes Street features a façade with four Corinthian columns supporting a curved arch containing a relief of the goddess Tyche. The side columns are square. Pedestals with inscriptions in front of the temple served as bases for statues of emperors Diocletian, Maximian, Constantius I, and Galerius dating between 293 and 305 CE; the original statues have not been found.

10 min

Temple of Domitian

Found at the south end of Domitian Street, this was the first emperor-dedicated temple in Ephesus. Built on a 50 by 100 meter terrace with vaulted foundations, the temple followed a pro-style plan with eight columns on the short side and thirteen on the long. It included a U-shaped altar now in Izmir Museum. The temple marked Ephesus receiving the honor of 'neocoros' during Domitian's reign.

15 min

Hercules Gate

Located near the end of Curetes Street, the gate bears a relief of Hercules dating to the 2nd century AD but was relocated here in the 4th century AD. Only the column sides remain today. A relief of the flying Nike in Domitian Square is believed to have been part of this gate. The gate narrowed street access, limiting vehicle passage as the area became pedestrianized from the 4th century.

Ephesus Terrace Houses

Opposite the Temple of Hadrian on a hillside, these houses belonged to wealthy Romans and provide insight into family life during the Roman period. Built according to the Hippodamian street plan, six residential units sit on three terraces. The oldest dates to the 1st century BC, with use continuing until the 7th century AD. Protective roofing covers the mosaics and frescoes; two houses operate as museums.

30 min

Celsus Library

Constructed in 117 AD, this library was a monumental tomb for Gaius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, governor of Asia province. His grave lies beneath the ground floor with a statue of Athena above. The library held over 12,000 scrolls stored in wall niches with double walls to protect against humidity and temperature. It was the third largest ancient library after Alexandria and Pergamum.

15 min

Ephesus Theatre

Located on Panayir Hill slope, near the south entrance to Ephesus, this large theatre dates originally from the 3rd century BC and was expanded during the Roman period. It seats 25,000 people with 66 rows of seats divided by two walkways into three sections. The theatre hosted concerts, plays, religious and political events, as well as gladiator and animal fights.

15 min

Basilica of St. John

Built over the believed burial site of St. John on Ayosolug Hill’s southern slope, the original 4th-century chapel was expanded into a basilica during Emperor Justinian's reign (527-565 AD). Tradition holds that John lived his last years near Ephesus, wrote his Gospel here, and brought Mary to the area after persecution of early Christians.

30 min

The Temple of Artemis

Once one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, the Temple of Artemis was located on a flat area near Ephesus which later turned into a swamp. Today only the foundation ruins remain, with marble columns and capitals removed long ago; many are now displayed at the British Museum in London.

25 min

Okuz Mehmet Pasa KervansarayI

Commissioned by Öküz Mehmed Pasha between 1615 and 1618, this caravanserai was built in the form of a fortress and functioned as a customs house. Renovation of the nearly ruined structure was carried out by the Directorate of Foundations from 1954 to 1966. The renovation cost totaled ₺2.1 million (approximately US$0.21 million), excluding expenses related to the nationalization of shanties on three sides of the building.

10 min

Kusadasi Bazaar

The tour concludes with free time in Kusadasi’s large local market area. The bazaar offers a wide variety of goods including Turkish products, leather items, sweets, souvenirs, and imitation clothing and watches.

60 min