Library of Celsus

An exceptional archaeological site and museum that is absolutely worth the visit. The setting itself is impressive, and the museum provides deep insight into ancient Macedonian history and the significance of Vergina (Aigai) as the royal capital. The exhibits are thoughtfully presented, with remarkable artefacts, clear explanations, and a strong sense of place that brings the history to life. Walking through the site feels immersive and meaningful, especially knowing the importance of the discoveries made here. Well organised, informative, and accessible, with plenty of time and space to explore at your own pace. A must-see for history lovers and anyone travelling through the region — one of the highlights of our visit.

Beautiful well-preserved site. I highly recommend arriving just before the site opens, when there aren’t any crowds. We were at the upper gate at 7:45am and able to buy tickets & enter at 8am. The first photo shows this, where we had the site to ourselves. We met one other person the entire time (aside from staff). The second photo is just two hours later at 10am; the tour groups start to arrive around 9am to 9:30am and the site becomes chaotic and full. It’s quite a magical experience to explore the ruins when they’re empty!

Part of Ephesus Ancient City, this particular ruin is probably the most impressive due to it's size. As you walk down what used to be central street, it already looks amazing but as you get up close and you have the chance to walk inside, you realize the absolute awesomeness of what was built.

I am always so impressed with this world reknown sight. We had Ephesus all to ourselves the day we visited. It was a very unique visit in the RAIN. . The Library of Celsus is an ancient Roman building in Ephesus, Anatolia, located near the modern town of Selçuk, in the İzmir Province of western Turkey. It is world famous. It was designed not only to store scrolls and books—holding an estimated 12,000 manuscripts at its peak—but also to serve as a monumental tomb for Celsus, whose sarcophagus lies in a crypt beneath its main floor.

This is located at one end of the ruins of city of Ephesus. The front part of the building still stands today. The wall has holes where the manuscripts were stored. You can visit some parts of this building only. It is definitely the highlight of Ephesus.

Commissioned in the years 110s CE by a consul of the Roman Empire, Tiberius Julius Aquila Polemaeanus for his father Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, it was completed during the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Celsus is buried in a crypt beneath the library. It was the third-largest library in the Greco-Roman world behind only those of Alexandria and Pergamum. Believed to have held around 12,000 scrolls. The facade was re-erected by archaeologists between 1970 and 1978.

Glad it's winter. Still busy, but not to bad. Amazing history. Plenty of info boards with historic info and pictures. Constantly developing as they restore.

Awesome ruins and facinating archeological site. We went with a guide so learned a lot of information.

Oh, this place was so cool! It's actually rather large, but there's surprisingly only 20% of the city that's been excavated. The rest is still underground and they're still working on restoring more of it. Our tour guide was amazing and took us from one end of the city to the other, explaining along the way. We entered through the government side of the city and saw the parliament building. Our guide found and pointed out to us the symbols in some of the ancient marble that Christians used to identify themselves to others--the ichthus. He described how the city was laid out, the terra cotta pipes for water, how the city used to be two-stories and covered. The scratches in the marble were done by the Ephesians to help make the stones less slippery. We saw the public toilets and latrines, the residential area, the library, the small theater, the merchant area and finally the large public amphitheater. It's not known exactly where Paul preached in the town, but they generally know it was somewhere the merchants were upset because they wanted people to still buy their handmade golden idols. There's a small castle like building on a hill not far off that is believed to be where Paul was imprisoned. Despite the heat, this was such a cool spot. So much amazing history. We absolutely loved it! There's shops and snacks at the end of the ruins where we were able to try authentic Turkish dornduma (ice cream) and they really do the funny tricks and jokes when they're making it for you!

Please refer to my prior review of our NCL Viva cruise ship arrival at the port of Kusadasi. As I previously stated, after our Viva cruise ship arrived at the port we took a cruise ship bus from the port of Kusadasi to Ephesus. The numbered buses were lined up outside on the adjacent dock to our Viva cruise ship. Ephesus is an ancient city in Turkey's Central Aegean region, near modern-day Selçuk. Its excavated remains reflect centuries of history, from classical Greece to the Roman Empire - when it was the Mediterranean's main commercial center - to the spread of Christianity. Paved streets wind past squares, baths and monumental ruins. We first visited the stone house of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is a Catholic shrine located on Mt. Koressos in the vicinity of Ephesus, 7 kilometers (4.3 mi) from Selçuk in Turkey. The house was discovered in the 19th century by following the descriptions in the reported visions of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774-1824), a Roman Catholic nun and visionary, which were published as a book by Clemens Brentano after her death. While the Catholic Church has never pronounced in favor or against the authenticity of the house, the site has nevertheless received a steady flow of pilgrimage since its discovery. Anne Catherine Emmerich was beatified by Pope John Paul II on October 3, 2004. Christian and Muslim pilgrims visit the house based on the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken to this stone house by Saint John and lived there for the remainder of her earthly life. The shrine has merited several papal Apostolic Blessings and visits from several popes including Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI. After above we visited the grave of the apostle St. John. It is believed that the evangelist St. John had spent his last years in the region around Ephesus and was buried here in the southern slope of Ayosolug Hill. Three hundred years after his death, a small chapel was constructed over the grave in the 4th century. There was lots of walking among these ancient ruins. I also did not know about the apostle John. Check out my many pics and videos. Ephesus was a very rewarding Catholic experience for me and our friends. We all enjoyed our visits here. The tour bus drove us back to our ship. Our next port of call is Istanbul, Turkey, which I am looking forward to being the cradle of civilization. Our ship departed from Kusadasi, but more to come regarding our next port of call: Galataport Istanbul.

漫步在這土耳其古蹟中，這裡的每一磚每一瓦，都在訴說著的自己的故事～ 原來我們的行程還有包含土耳其， 我是上船了後才知道，第三次來這個國度了，還是被當地我們包車的導遊帶去三個宰遊客的工廠，雖然團員們什麼都沒買， 還是浪費了我們3個多小時的時間，害人家什麼都沒逛到

Visiting Ephesus was an amazing experience for me. I love ancient history and have always enjoyed exploring archeological ruins. When I booked my two week trip to Greece, I didn't know that a stop in Turkey to see Ephesus was a part of my Greek Island cruise. I was pretty excited once I found out. I spent the better part of my day exploring this ancient city made of marble and took lots of photos as well as notes from my tour guide. The city of Ephesus was built in the 10th century BC. It blossomed as a Greek city around the 4th century BC and eventually became a major Roman city. Ephesus was famous back then for being the home of the Temple of Artemis (or Temple of Diana). The Temple of Artemis is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and was destroyed around 400 AD. A lot of my own personal knowledge of Ephesus comes from biblical studies. The apostle Paul lived in Ephesus and wrote the book of 1 Corinthians while here. He then wrote an epistle to the Ephesians while he was in a Roman prison. The church in Ephesus was also one of the seven churches that the Book of Revelation was written to. One of the crazy things about Ephesus is that it is only 15% excavated. The city itself is huge and it will take decades before they ever finish excavating it. My tour was organized by my travel company and we had a guide from Turkey with a background in both archaeological and biblical studies. We wore headsets and spent more than half the day walking around and touring these amazing ruins. There were a couple of times that I slipped a little while walking on the marble streets. Curetes Street has a slight incline and you have to take small steps while walking on it. The Library of Celsus is the big highlight in Ephesus. Even though all that is left is its façade, you can still get a glimpse of how big is was. The Great Theatre of Ephesus is also a magnificent structure and I enjoyed walking around it. The Temple of Hadrian, the Gate of Augustus, the Fountain of Pollio and the goddess Nike stone carvings were other points of interest. I got a kick out of seeing the public toilets and cannot imagine what it was like being in that close proximity of each other while taking care of business. The House of the Virgin Mary is near the end of the tour if you want to check that out. As you depart Ephesus, vendors will hound you to buy something. I could go on and on about how much I enjoyed seeing this excavation. Ephesus was once one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It was completely abandoned by the 15th century. While on walking on the tour, I at times would put myself in the shoes of the people back in those days. I wonder what it was like to walk on these marble streets when this city was new. Or to see the Temple of Artemis before it was destroyed. I won't be alive when they fully excavate this site, but it would be awesome to see the whole thing.

If you're into history, this is a must see. It is a city from ancient Roman and Greeks. They preserved most of the city and you see a lot and you learn a lot. Parking has a fee but there's plenty of parking. Entrance also has a fee, but free if you have museum card. I suggest to start from the top door and walk towards the bottom door because it's the hill down direction. I also suggest to rent a tour guide if you have financial means. When you're at the bottom door, you can exit, call a cab or rent a horse cart to go to the top door for your car, or you simply walk back inside the ancient city again, it takes 15-20 mins to walk back. There are restrooms inside and they were very clean. There is also a coffee shop close to Celcus library.

Ephesus was an ancient Greek, and later Roman, port city.  Today, it's well-preserved ruins are truly impressive, giving a view into life in a Greco-Roman city during the reign of Caesar Augustus.  We spent several hours taking in the history and architecture of the city.  Interpretive signage was very good, but I'm happy that we came with a private guide who brought the ruins to life.

I had the incredible opportunity to visit the ancient Roman city of Ephesus in Turkey during my recent trip. After arriving in Bodrum via the Virgin Voyagers cruise, we embarked on a bus tour that took us to this magnificent historical site. Although the journey lasted around 9 hours, it was well worth it. As we approached Ephesus, I couldn't help but be amazed by the sheer grandeur and magnitude of this ancient city. Walking through its marble paths, I felt a profound connection to the past, as if I had been transported back 3000 years. The ruins, while resembling rock debris to some, held a profound significance for history enthusiasts like myself. One thing to note is that the marble paths can be slippery at times, and unfortunately, a few people in our group had minor falls. However, I believe that such risks are inherent when exploring historical sites of this nature, and it did not detract from the overall experience. I must commend Turkey for their remarkable preservation efforts. It is evident that they have taken great care to maintain and showcase this significant piece of history. The accessibility and availability of the site for tourists is truly commendable. For those with a love for history and a deep interest in experiencing the cradle of Western civilization, the ancient city of Ephesus is an absolute must-visit. Its rich historical significance and the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of ancient Greek and Roman civilizations make it an awe-inspiring destination. Highly recommend this visit and done with a local tour guide.

Excellent experience visiting Ephesus! No waiting in line, ticket was 250 TRY a person to see everything. We spent about two hours walking around without a guide but I'm sure you could do a half day tour learning about everything. There are some English speaking guides that wait at the entrance if you want to try to do your own private tour. Easy to find parking, it was 20 TRY cash if you go on your own. They have a few places outside to buy souvenirs, food and drinks. There is also one stand inside that sells refreshments.

At Ephesus you feel like you transport back in time (truly!!) I walked through and paused many times to simply imagine what that section/building must have looked like way back when, the people walking through, how busy it must have been. Very historic and very surreal feeling. I highly recommend to go and even more highly recommend going with a tour to get you here easily and safely and have someone guide you through and let you know of the history. *IMPORTANT TIP* wear VERRRRYY sturdy and comfortable shoes because it is so very slippery here and easy to lose your balance. Be careful and alert (don't try to take pictures while walking)

This is a must stop on your Turkiye trip if you are planning some time outside of Istanbul. Continuing on with the early Greek mythology and the Christianity trail, Ephesus is one of the ancient seven wonders of the world where the Temple of Artemis, Library of Celsus and Temple of Hadrian once stood. I could not believe how free we were allowed to wander through this actual archaeological site as ancient as 4th Century BC. It was huge, I think maybe about 3 miles from one entrance to another. I was also very surprised not to find any traces of vandalism or graffiti at the site. I guess it is Banksy approved haha. Prepare for lots of sensory overload as you look at all the details in the columns and arches of the marbles stones used to built this massive Roman city at one point of time. You don't have to be a history buff to be enchanted by this beautiful site. If you come during peak season, I heard this place is a sea of crowded tour groups. Lucky for us, off-season travel means more opportunities for taking great photos but we had to be prepared to dress warm. It was a cloudy and drizzly day on the day we visited with lots of outdoor walking on miles and miles of cobblestones. It was such a worthwhile visit and definitely the top highlight of our travel to Turkiye!

Amazing historical landmark & experience! A lot of history from BCE & various other centuries! Hands down a must do experience.

While we were in Turkey, we took a tour of Ephesus which is one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean. The tour guide, a retired history teacher was very knowledgeable and spoke English fluently so we got a lot of good education on our tour. It was very cool to see and hear about so much history. If you go during the summer, bring a hat, water, and lots of sunblock. There's some shade throughout the route however it gets very hot. Make sure you start at the top so you are walking down versus up if you start at the bottom entrance. Wear shoes with good traction as the marble grounds can be slippery. There are vendors and toilets at the top and bottom entrances. While we were going down just past the theater, there was a nice short show they put on the for the visitors. Bring cash if you need it as there is no ATM. Most of the vendors take credit card. Depending on your own pace, the time to experience everything will vary however plan for at least an hour.

I mean, what can be said in a Yelp review about one of the greatest archeological sites in the world? Well it's fantastic, of course! So I will more address the logistical aspects of this, and surrounding, attractions. First off, you should buy the museum pass rather than separate tickets. If you are like me and have strict schedule and limited time, you might be tempted to run the gauntlet and try and buy separate passes to save a few extra dollars, but take it from someone who has now made this mistake TWICE, buy the museum pas because you will find random sites that you want to visit and then end up paying extra because you didn't get the pass. Next, arrive early. This place becomes incredibly crowded later on in the day once buses start arriving. Get here right as it opens and try to get to the Library early if you want anything resembling a nice picture. Even being here during COVID, it was crazy busy. You'll have to fight off sorority girls taking selfies if you want any photos. Finally, bring water and good shoes. Lots of walking, especially if you explore around the site beyond the main path (which you absolutely should do!).

I am no history buff, but I still found our visit to Ephesus in Turkey to be awesome!!! Ephesus is the home of the Temple of Artemis which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World!! As the other Yelpers mentioned, the ancient ruins are amazing!!! If you find yourself in this part of the world, then go to Ephesus!! It is one of the most historical ancient places in the world that is well worth the price of admission. Don't forget your camera!! Enjoy!!

GO! I did not know much about this ancient city---taking a trip and tour there brought all the topics of elementary school social studies flooding back to me. What an amazing place to be in. I highly recommend hiring a guide to get the full story/history lesson of the place. This ancient Greek city is in Kusadasi, Turkey. It was built in the 10th century BC and was once a part of the Roman Empire. This may be the oldest place I have ever visited in my life. Freaking history. Also I can't believe how many earthquakes destroyed this place and each of the leaders it went through kept rebuilding it. Imagine living this way? I absolutely loved the amphitheater, seeing the famous Roman and Greek structures/ruins throughout (Arches, bath houses, columns, goddesses...etc) and the limestone/thermal waters that flow throughout. The Gladiator graves throughout was eerie for me as I always feel a bit uneasy among the dead. Make the trip and learn!

Wow! It was because of places like this that I got interested in archaeology. (I even became am archaeologist for a while before switching to working in museums.) Unfortunately we don't have sites like this in the United States. (We do have some cool stuff though.) This is one of those places that you know exists, you've seen pictures in books, seen it on TV, but until it's right there in front of you it can't really exist. I already said "wow" didn't I? Walking through this ancient Greek/Roman (in use for a long time) city is truly a wonderous experience. Be sure to tour the covered area where ongoing excavations are taking place. The raised walkway offers spectacular views of the rooms and manor of the ancient frescoes and tiled floors.

There are two entrances to Ephesus. This one, where you enter near the huge Roman style theater and one more a kilometer + away. You can walk through this entrance thru the historical site and reach the other entrance. This is an incredible site and well worth the time it takes to travel here.

Ephesus is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Artifacts found in the area, Cukurhoyok, date back to 6,200 BC. but an actual settlement was not established until the 4th century BC. During ancient times Ephesus was much closer to the sea and was probably a port city. Geological forces including earthquack disruptions changed the topography. It was the capitol city of Asia Minor from the 4th century BC until the 15th century AD. The city was visited by Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Mark Anthony and Cleopatra, as well as, being the home to St. Paul, St. John and the Virgin Mary in her final days. Nearby the Greeks built the Temple of Artemis in 356 BC which was one of the 7 ancient wonders of the world. Other reasons that make Ephesus an important destination include: the Celsus Library which was only second to the great library of Alexandra, it had the largest amphitheater of the ancient world, the Ephesus Museum of archaeology, and the fact that so many of the structures are still in tact compared to other historical sites of this time period make Ephesus worth seeing. The entrance fee is $11, the Archaeological Museum $3, House of the Virgin Mary $3, and St. John's Basilica $3. Ephesus is 45 minutes from the International Airport in Izmir and 20 minutes from Kusadasi cruise port. To be a guide at Ephesus is a very competitive position. The guides have an extensive education and speak several languages fluently. An interesting fact. Julius Caesar took many of the scrolls from the library of Celsus to the library of Alexandria at Cleopatra's request.

This is a must see. We were in Istanbul and that was close enough for the trip to Ephesus. So much history and a great renovation of the ruins. Everyone must come learn about Ephesus

Many historical places are just ruins that are kind of run down and not much to see, Ephesus (Greek) or Efes (Turkish) was not one of those places. I mean they are ruins but theres still plenty of existing (and partially restored) structure for you to see without having to use your imagination and listen to what your tour guide is telling you. Ephesus was really cool, and lots of historical things to see, definitely a site worth visiting. Hercules gate - OK it's just a gateway, but it well preserved. It's easy to miss if you don't have a tour guide because the direction of traffic is one way, and you actually walk thru it with the plain back side facing you. You have to turn around to see the side with the carving on it. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/efes-ephesus-izmir?select=iAyhxPrhuh9iW00F-XbeHg#stsZchoPh0WOH3aY3jNKpQ Library of Celsus - Also well preserved and many small details and original carvings remain. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/efes-ephesus-izmir?select=iAyhxPrhuh9iW00F-XbeHg#SoksxtFKC3SiKo5SHE9Hkg large open air theater was very impressive it could hold 25,000 people! http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/efes-ephesus-izmir?select=iAyhxPrhuh9iW00F-XbeHg#4eV219rZYb9LjFslIRPwqg My favorite thing here was the toilets! Yes toilets! They had running water and all the statesmen and businessmen used these communal toilets together and talked business while "doing their business" which is where the term comes from. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/efes-ephesus-izmir?select=iAyhxPrhuh9iW00F-XbeHg#1mK7Iq36O9Qdl7UlK-8ugg There was even running water to wash up after "doing your business" in shallow troughs in front. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/efes-ephesus-izmir?select=iAyhxPrhuh9iW00F-XbeHg#91U2SrwtrYnJlzPmzQQkfg Amazing right, the first flushing toilet! Can you imagine doing business like that though?! Ok so we're going to offer 4 million (Fart) for 49% of the company (plop) and you'll still have the majority of the shares, but with our marketing (squeak) we should be able to grow your company (pooot, splash) so what do you say? do we have a deal? Lets shake on it!

Ephesus was an ancient Greek city, and later a major Roman city, on the coast of Ionia, near present-day Selçuk. The City was famed for the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. Ephesus was also cited in the Book of Revelation and the the Gospel of John may have been written here. Although it was relatively hot and crowded, Gayle and I really enjoyed our visit here. We loved strolling the broad boulevards, marveled at the pillared facade of the Library of Celsus, walked up and down a larger version of Berkeley's Greek Theater, wondering about the lifestyles of the rich and famous at the Terrace Houses, hearing countless stories and observing the associated ruins, and taking pictures of all the cats that were hanging out in between. The Tour Bus dropped us off at one end, and our Tura Tour Guide led us through to the other end on a fascinating time-travel back to the grandeur of Rome. There's also a lot of souvenir opportunities (in tents) at the end and folks that will offer you a bargain price on bracelets at the entrance to the bus. I was partial to buying a signature glass pieces to help ward off the evil eye. Better yet, I found the limited peaks of Izmir province to be fascinating and maybe worth another look on a future non-Cruise related trip.

Ephesus is an interesting place. There were ongoing excavations as we toured the ruins. They showed us the graves of gladiators, we got to see one first known symbol doctors use today, the Celsius library that was built to honor Roman Senator Tiberius, Temple of Hadrian and the Great Theatre of Ephesus. On the way out they have an outdoor souvenir shop before you get back on the buses. Additionally, they had a camel you could pay to have a picture taken with if you wanted too. Make sure you have water, especially if you go in August. There is very little shade and hotter than the blazes. All-in-All not a bad experience if you are a history lover.

Yes, another essential place to see for visitors to Turkey. Amazing what they built so long ago (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/efes-ephesus-izmir?select=XG24VU0r2O9FGPU962Z8Xw#hUUWy_jPHFNdYn15j6RFww) and how much remains (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/efes-ephesus-izmir?select=XG24VU0r2O9FGPU962Z8Xw#Z25Zb5fJchJgmF96to_4mQ) There are still active excavations so some areas are sealed off(http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/efes-ephesus-izmir?select=YNvDG8ACGfmepBvaZtqO5A#Ydunw_Z1_IX1sOX12IFeOA http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/efes-ephesus-izmir?select=YNvDG8ACGfmepBvaZtqO5A#C3Hs9NYAngmtnGiHlvZCmg) Bring something for the team that's hard at work to keep the ruins rodent free (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/efes-ephesus-izmir?select=XG24VU0r2O9FGPU962Z8Xw#V8mf2DdnFUeGwE8Kc673ZA) And when you're done, you can buy a fake watch at a shop by the parking lot (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/efes-ephesus-izmir?select=XG24VU0r2O9FGPU962Z8Xw#XG24VU0r2O9FGPU962Z8Xw)

Incredible, huge city with amazing ruins. So much to see and learn about. Hire a guide if you can! And the Terrace Houses with all the mosaics are well worth the extra ticket price. It does get super crowded, so be sure to also visit plenty of the ruins throughout the country so you can really get a sense of how connected Ephesus is to a network of classic sites across the landscape, even though this one is the most visited and most iconic.

It has all been said before, and there really is nothing that you cannot say about this World Heritage site other than it is amazing. However, in the spirit of the review I will list some points as to why Ephesus rivals, and in some cases surpasses, Pompeii. I will also offer a small tour warning at the end: 1) HISTORY IS COOL: Ephesus story is amazing, and the guides do a wonderful job of painting the picture. From its possible downfall due to a plague of mosquito to the Apostle Paul being forced out of town after calling for an end to the worship of more than one God...It seems monotheism wasn't popular with the merchants selling icons of the Gods 2) EVERYONE LOVES A GOOD BATHROOM STORY: Ephesus quirky and public bathrooms are a bit weird by modern standards, and certainly entertaining. I personally get a bit of a chuckle when I think of the toilet being treated as a refined Gentleman's Club. And don't even get me started on the purpose of the sponge and a stick. Yup, Pompeii may have it's brothels for shock factor, but Ephesus public toilets are equally interesting. 3) IT IS ALL DOWNHILL: The buses take you to the top of Ephesus and you make your way down which makes for a fairly easy tour. 4) WALK AMONG THE RUINS: As of this writing-- unlike Stonehenge, Chichen Itza, and many other archaeological sites-- you can still walk through most of the ruins. Ephesus Library is its signature structure and you can walk right through it, which is kind of like walking through Stonehenge. However, I fear it is only a matter of time before some stupid tourist attempts to carve his name on its walls, and they rope it off to the public. 5) THE AMPHITHEATER ROCKS!!!: Test out the acoustics in what is arguably one of the best amphitheaters of the ancient world..Hey, if it was good enough for Elton John, it's good enough for you. 6) TAKE A PICTURE WITH A CAMEL: At the end of the tour, You make your way through a market were you will a camel. Pay your euro and Saddle up for a photo. Nothing says vaca than looking like Laurence of Arabia. 7) TASTE SOME FRUIT: Near the camel stop a few vendors sell fresh fruit which is safe. So nibble on a grape or have a preach. However, the guy selling peaches is likely to be a bit aggressive as per the following conversation.. Merchant: "Taste this, my friend, You have nothing of this quality in your country." Me (taking a slice of peach and discovering that it was ok but not great) "You obviously haven't heard of the George Peach, my friend." Merchant: "Pah, What is Georgia to this?" Me: "Nevertheless, I think I will stick with Georgia" 8) THE NOT SO MAGIC CARPET; Finally, if you are on one of the cruise line's excursion tours, you will be taken to a carpet factory. This short side trek will eat up all your free time to explore the port, leaving you only about 30 minutes at the most to do anything at the port. Trust me, the buses will not take you back until every possible euro has been milked from your fellow excursionists' hands. And since it is in the middle of nowhere, you are basically trapped for the duration. And if you do decide to buy, just know that Turkish merchants invented the art of haggling, so you won't find much of a deal here. On one trip, a member of my party was ecstatic that she had scored a small table runner for $1500...I didn't have the heart to tell here that I had seen a similar thing for less than half the price in Asian and Turkish carpet store back home.

5 STARS BECAUSE: EPIC HISTORY IS EPIC! 9:10 archeologists agree that Ephesus (Efes) is a wonder to see. So much history and it's open to the public. You can walk around and touch history. Amazing experience that everyone should take part in if they make it over to Western Turkey!!!

If you love seeing ancient ruins in faraway places(faraway from USA), then you'll enjoy a visit to Ephesus. I have been here twice with cruise tours stopping in Kusadasi, Turkey. I have had a guide both times. I won't go into the history here because I still don't know it all. The ruins leave much to the imagination, but it's nice to hear a story about how civilized people lived. You'll hear about the hospital and the public bathroom. You'll want to take a lot of pictures of yourself amongst these ruins in Turkey.

The Ephesus archeological site is located 11 miles north-east of the port town of Kusadasi. Before going here I'd never heard of it, and for me it was stopover on a Greek island cruise. However, I'm glad I did see it. This place has a lot of history. Established before the birth of Christ, the city grew to over 250,000 people and was apparently the world's fourth largest city in the first century BC (behind Rome, Alexandria and Antioch). It started as a Greek city and was later invaded by the Romans because of the strategic location in a fertile valley and close to the Agean Sea. Ephesus is the best-preserved Roman city in the Mediterranean region, and has better ruins than Rome. The city was famed for the Temple of Artemis (completed around 550 BC), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Roman Emperor Constantine I expanded the city and erected new public baths. The city was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 614 AD. It was a mob scene outside The Magnesian Gate, but once inside it was not crowed in the spacious area. The ruins are magnificent, especially the stadium. The marble-paved Sacred Way still has shop buildings on each side still intact, and a water canal running behind the stores. Very sophisticated and impressive architecture, and an elaborate water and sewer system. Several of the building structure facades have been restored, including the town hall and Celsus Library. They have an interesting procession show with a Roman gladiator battle enactment. It would have been better if there was some shade from the oppressive sun in August. Bring in your own water or you will wither away in the heat. Located just two miles outside the town of Selcuk and near the port town of Kasudasi. Many people who come here also go to the nearby House of the Virgin Mary. I couldn't imagine a better Roman archeological site, but Pompei would be very cool also. Now that I've been here I recognize it from seeing concerts on TV at the Great Theatre by people like Pavorati, Elton John, Sting, Diana Ross and Ray Charles.

If I remember what the guide said Ephesus started as a Greek city that later was taken over by the Romans. It was coastal, but silting from the river has resulted in it being several miles inland now, which is why it was ultimately abandoned. It's a very large site and having a guide is helpful. The Terrace Houses which are within the site have some really nice frescoes and mosaics, though not as much as Herculaneum (which I reviewed previously). The amphitheater is in generally good condition (as "ruins" go) and is very cool. Apparently they are trying to restore parts of it, but it's a slow process. It might be interesting to come back in 20 years and see if the site is in better condition. Be sure to bring water as there are no services within the site (though there are many vendor outside the exit, and they're fairly aggressive so don't give them any encouragement if you don't want anything...just say 'no' and keep walking). We enjoyed our day here. Well worth the visit.

Even though it has been about 2.5 years since I have been to Turkey, I am posting here only so that readers are aware of the existence of another page for Selcuk/Efes! I was reminiscing when I suddenly saw a link to this current page, and saw the many more positive reviews. Here is the other page that is also very useful: http://www.yelp.com/biz/efes-antik-kenti-izmir?page_src=best_of_yelp ORIGINAL REVIEW ( 9/29/2013) My friend and I took the train from Izmir to Selcuk ( about an hour and 45 minutes) for about 4.75 TL ( that's $2.40 for about 80km!). In the morning, there are seats galore, so do not worry about not having space ( on the way back though, be prepared to stand up). You pay 25 TL to enter the site. At first I was jealous of all the other foreigners who had tour guides. But really, you can do this yourself if you remember to read up on the site before hand and ask locals down in Selcuk what to do ( we had an amazingly hospitable and kind hearted travel agency person lend us a tour book and give us pointers, no money asked. Even added in tea. Now that's priceless, memorable Turkish care and hospitality). Enter always from the top entrance, and try to come before the sun comes up ( this way you walk downhill, rather than uphill). It gets very hot ( this was in July). And stock up on water before coming here, because water is very hard to find once you're inside ( we essentially took some water from the Austrian archeological water tank, which was actually an old ceramic water jug millenia ago. Kinda cool. Even cooler is how the archeaologists left their books and tools under temporary tarps, so this is legit a current excavation). Wear a hat, long sleeves so you don't roast alive, come with extra batteries, bananas or some other power food, and good walking shoes. WALKING SHOES ( and sunblock). These archeological sites will take a greater portion of your day, so be ready for it. Read the signs up in the top entrance if you want a background, but don't waste your time there. There are greater things to see as you walk down. Don't get fooled by the mini amphitheater you immediately see and think "YES! Photo Session!" It is indeed a great photo spot, but the bigger coliseum comes after Celsus Library. When you walk past the ancient marina, walk on the beaten path to the ruins of the Church of Mary,where the 3rd ecumenical council met. There are a lot of other ruins around this area, but remember, it is a far walk off the normal path. These ruins are in ruin, but the amount of history in this spot alone is mind boggling ( as is with the entire area, of course). After you leave the Celsus Library area and walk toward the large ampitheter/colisuem, don't jog past the short building to the right. Inside the gated off building are artifacts that were once housed in museums ( but I think are being temporarily stored in the current location because of restoration? Funnily enough, it is in an area fenced off for "the visually impaired" but no one can get to it really). For example you will see the Lady of Ephesus, and other artifacts commonly seen in history textbooks. When you exit from the lower entrance/exit, you will see lots of cafes. Of course, its over priced, but this is the last time you'll see food for a bit if you're not in a tour group. Definitely replenish yourself, and then walk out through the parking lot to the lone tree, which serves as a minibus stop. It will take you in the general direction of the Temple of Artemis. If you are in the Aegean Sea region or in neighboring provinces, you must come to Ephesus.It is not hard to get to at all. This will change your life, and your perception of ancient history. I guess it's fitting that Ephesus is visited by a huge variety of tourists. Hearing Russian, Turkish, English, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin all in the walkway going towards the Celsus Library on Curetes Street is one of the audible memories that transported me to what Ephesus must have been like during its heyday. It is a memory that I will never forget.

Wowzers. The ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus are really something to behold. If you're a lover of culture, history or of walking around in sensational sunshine then you simply must visit Ephesus. A city bubbling over with ancient history which has been preserved wonderfully and provides a real sense of walking around an ancient site. What I knew about Ephesus before seeing it, was that it was the setting of Shakespeare's breakneck paced 'Comedy of Errors'. I would recommend starting at the top gate, and walking down through the city. Not only does this make the walk a more pleasant downwards gradient, but also saves the best til last. Columns and old drainage pipes are littered about at the top entrance. A good spot to catch up on the general history of the city before setting off to see the magical set pieces. The streets themselves are something special - walking on them with sandals on gives you the feeling of strolling to the senate. The first really exciting bit is the ampitheatre, which is actually only a small ampitheatre and was probably the city consul. Half is reconstruction due to the damge done by hasty excavation work trying to discover the Temple of Artemis. As you descend the hill the library of Celsus comes into view and it is breathtaking. I can't explain how magical it is to stand in front of it. Then you turn a corner and walk down the market street towards the main ampitheatre. Wowzers! Boom! Bang! It's so impressive! It's massive! And wonderful! Apparently the largest outdoor theatre in the world, and according to my hotel's newletter has played host to Diana Ross and Stings (sic). I think Ephesus is a beautiful, magical place and I cannot recomend it enough to history/culture lovers.

Ephesus (Efes in Turkish) is an extremely important historical site. The Anatolians had a city here over two thousand years ago with a temple to Cybele. When the Greeks came, they transferred the temple to their goddess of hunting, Artemis. Later the Romans took over, and later the Christians. The site of Ephesus has incredible archaeological remains of the city. Also, Saint John came here in his old age to write his biblical letter to the Ephesians. Even more, Mary mother of Jesus supposedly came here to live her final years. The archaeological site is 3 km south of Selçuk in İzmir Province. These are very impressive ruins, with temples, fountains, streets, the library, public toilets, aquaducting, and a 25,000-person stadium! The Temple of Artemis is a highlight, for sure. Also impressive are the facade of the Library of Celsus and the Gate of Hercules. It took us a couple of hours to see it all; real buffs could spend a day. The feeling of history you get by not only seeing these buildings but by walking the ancient paved roads and passing through the gates is awe-inspiring. Anyone with any interest at all in history or archaeology will be fascinated by the place. Save money and bring your own water, though: it can get pretty hot and dusty here.

Amazing place. Well worth the visit. Even in the blistering heat! Take a drive, 40tl pp entrance and 20tl pp audio guide. All you need to soak up some of the ancient history of this region. Beautifully restored and maintained ruins. Didn't go to the hillside residences as we were getting short for time. But imagine they are well worth the extra entrance price and are covered from the sun too if you need a bit of respite! Cards taken for entry and audio guides.

Mind boggling multi-millennia ruins. Walking the marble streets of Ephesus gives one a true appreciation for all humankind was able to achieve with primitive technologies and sheer will power. The scale of the city is impressive as are it's noteworthy monuments including amphitheaters, libraries, bath houses, markets, brothels, and temples. It's surreal to ponder you are walking the same streets as emperors, generals, common men, and slaves dating back to the Bronze Age. One marvels at the bath houses with its toilet rooms with primitive toilets which operated on running water. Yes running water. Heated bath house floors powered by clay pipes conveying hot water. The preserved facade of the Library of Celsius with its columns, carvings, and statues is a truly breathtaking site. It's a very impressive testimony as to what humans can achieve under the shroud of civilization. It doesn't take much imagination to put yourself there at another time as you are surrounded by locals and tourists speaking dozens of languages all around you as was likely the case at this ancient center of commerce where the Greek and Roman cultures absorbed and/or traded with eastern cultures. There are two entrances. The main (north) gate coming from the road to Selçuk and the opposite south gate. The north side has more souvenir shops and food and beverage options including a variety of fresh squeezed juices (orange, lemon, pomegranate etc). South side has fewer but ample facilities. Ticket sales are reasonable and they offer passes that grant you access to other historic sites and museums. If you are going to visit a second attraction it's worth the pass. You can also purchase electronic audio or guided tours. On my visits I've purchased guided tours which are affordable with mixed results on the quality of the tour guides. Some were spectacular guides and others were less passionate and informed. Photo opportunities are endless. If you your Ephesus in the summer months but lots of water and bring a hat. The sun is scorching hot and the shade is as scarce as the Greeks and Romans. ;)

"Ancient City of Ephesus" A very interesting place. Our tour group spent about 3 hours walking the ruins which was plus on this location there is lots to see....we could have easily spent 3 more. The excavations are on the go. The renovated buildings & statues are impressive. The Ampitheatre is huge and in fantastic condition, try clapping and see how the sound goes around. Another wow moment.

a must-visit if you're a history buff, the ruins of Ephesus are amazing. we had a guided tour of the city ruins (with a radio and earpiece) and it took perhaps two hours to walk through (mostly due to the number of people there and the slow speed of our fellow tour members) but was totally worth it. as another reviewer pointed out, it's surprising how much of this you can walk through, stand on, and touch. unlike some other historical sites where everything is roped off. walk through the library, brothel, restrooms, theater, market, arena, amphitheater, and more and feel yourself traveling through time (as best as one can do without Delorean or TARDIS). it's all downhill walking, but there's a lot of walking to do and you may experience slowdowns/bottlenecks by key locations due to the number of people. no restrooms or shops throughout the ruins, so pack a water bottle but know that you can't go to a restroom until you get to the end. there's a bunch of shops as soon as you exit, which all seem to sell the same trinkets, cloth, and whatnot (even our guide said so), as well as a guy with a camel (it looked fake and didn't move). there's also vendors trying to sell you "Turkish saffron", which our tour guide informed us is not only not really used in Turkish cooking but usually isn't even real saffron. you've been warned. thankfully the merchants aren't that pushy here, and when we did buy a few trinkets they happily took credit card and knocked a few Euro off the total price (I assume it's all probably still marked up, but saving a few bucks is fine in my book). after our tour, there was a show with dancing girls, gladiator fights, and more. it takes all of about 10 minutes and it's a lot of cheesy fun to watch.

We loved Ephesus on our visit to Turkey, but if you are visiting in the height of the summer, take a hat/shade as there is none available there. It really is a beautiful and haunting place and walking around, it was quite a revelation to see the buildings and you could just imagine what it must have been like. The amphitheatre is something special too and I understand that some quite famous celebrities have performed there - like Diana Ross! It is quite something to behold. If you are visiting this area of Turkey, don't miss out on being able to walk on history and admire the place.

Like all the major historical places in the world, this is a place to visit. its trully amazing to see what a former civilisation looked like all be it just the surface remians. The marble streets and colums clearly visible. The huge amphitheartre with amazing sound qualities. The front of the Library still standing with ornate carving and mozacs. I really enjoyed the few hours I had at Ephesus, particularly with a guide from the tour as its would be almost impossible to sit a read from a book what you are looking at. It gets extremly hot as its situated in a ravine/valley with barely any wind. Make sure you take plenty of water and pee before you enter as there are no facilities on the site only at either end. its better to enter from the top and walk down hill.

This place was one of the most amazing places I have ever visited. This is an enormous city that will keep showing more and more of itself as they excavate more of it. Here you can see the world's first advert, a beautiful depiction of Nike and the incredible library. Also the amphitheatre. This is the first place I have been to which I had read about in The Bible and I found that quite amazing in itself. Beautiful place!

The best archeological site to see in turkey. Best to go with guide to tell the various stories. Don't go in summer because it's really hot.

the city is uninhabited and is a huge ruin. this city features in the Christian Holy Bible and has a book named after the people that lived there at the time. It is too hot in the turkesh summer, best to go when its cooler.

A historic place that everyone must have seen!