Ephesus Ancient City Guide: The Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre

Located in the Selçuk district of İzmir, Ephesus is one of the best-preserved cities of the ancient world. Once among the Aegean's most important ports and trading centres, the city carries visitors two thousand years back with its marble streets and grand monuments. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Library of Celsus and Curetes Street

The city's emblem is the Library of Celsus, with its elegant two-storey façade; it once held tens of thousands of parchment scrolls. Along the marble-paved Curetes Street leading down to the library stand temple remains, fountains and mosaic floors. This street is the natural route for exploring the heart of the city.

The Great Theatre and the Terrace Houses

The Great Theatre, seating around twenty-five thousand, is still breathtaking with its tiers carved into the hillside; the view from the upper rows over the harbour road is striking. The Terrace Houses, visitable with an extra ticket, reveal the homes of the era's wealthy families, adorned with vivid frescoes and mosaics.

Around Ephesus and practical tips

The nearby House of the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St. John in Selçuk and the ruins of the Temple of Artemis can be added to your visit. The site has little shade; spring and autumn are the most comfortable, while summer calls for an early start, a hat and water. Entering first thing in the morning is a smart way to avoid the crowds.

Seeing Ephesus with its surroundings takes almost a full day. Planning your accommodation in the region in advance helps you make the most of the visit.