Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary
One of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean.
About Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary
Ephesus was one of the most important cities of the ancient world, capital of the Roman province of Asia and home to more than 250,000 people at its peak. Founded in the 10th century BC, it was the centre of the cult of Artemis, whose temple was counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Walking down Curetes Street, the main avenue of Ephesus, is an awe-inspiring experience. On either side rise monumental façades, fountains, mosaics and the legendary Library of Celsus, one of the most iconic images of Türkiye. The Great Theatre, which held 25,000 spectators, is where St Paul preached to the Ephesians.
A few kilometres away stands the House of the Virgin Mary (Meryemana), a modest chapel where, according to Catholic tradition, the Virgin Mary spent her last years. It is a place of pilgrimage recognised by the Vatican. Nearby, the village of Şirince, with its Ottoman houses on the hillside and its handmade fruit wines, is the perfect stop to round off your visit.
What to See in Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary
Library of Celsus
The most photographed façade in Türkiye. Built in AD 117 as a tomb and library, it held 12,000 scrolls. Its two-storey façade with Corinthian columns and statues represents the four virtues: Wisdom, Knowledge, Intelligence and Valour.
Read more about Library of CelsusGreat Theatre
With room for 25,000 spectators, it is one of the largest theatres of the ancient world. Here St Paul preached against the cult of Artemis, sparking the riot described in the Acts of the Apostles. The acoustics are still impressive 2,000 years later.
Read more about Great TheatreHouse of the Virgin Mary
A small 1st-century chapel on Mount Koressos where, according to tradition, the Virgin Mary lived her last years after St John brought her to Ephesus. Discovered in 1891 following the visions of a German mystic, it has been recognised as a place of pilgrimage by several popes.
Read more about House of the Virgin MaryTemple of Artemis
One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today only a single reconstructed column remains, but the story of the site is fascinating: the temple was four times larger than the Parthenon in Athens and took 120 years to build. The site lies 1 km from the centre of Selçuk.
Read more about Temple of ArtemisTerrace Houses (Yamaç Evleri)
Luxurious Roman residences from the 1st–3rd centuries with mosaic floors, frescoed walls and underfloor heating. They show how the Ephesian elite lived. They require a separate ticket but are an absolute must.
Read more about Terrace Houses (Yamaç Evleri)Must-See Places
Food in Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary
The Ephesus area, in the province of Izmir, offers deliciously Mediterranean food. Wild greens (ot) take centre stage, alongside boyoz (Izmir's Sephardic-origin pastry) for breakfast, stuffed artichokes, and kumru (a Çeşme-style sandwich with sucuk, cheese and tomato).
In Şirince, don't miss the handmade fruit wines: peach, blackberry, cherry and the popular pomegranate wine. Enjoy them with home-made gözleme on the village terraces. The region is also known for its olive oil, fresh figs and the handmade lokum (Turkish delight) of Selçuk.
Practical Tips
- Visit Ephesus first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and the heat, especially in summer.
- Bring sun protection, a hat and water: the route through Ephesus is about 2 km in the open with almost no shade.
- The Terrace Houses (Yamaç Evleri) require a separate ticket but are well worth it for their spectacular frescoes and mosaics.
- Combine Ephesus with an afternoon stop in Şirince to enjoy the village and taste its handmade wines.
- If you have a religious interest, the Basilica of St John in Selçuk and the Grotto of the Seven Sleepers complete the itinerary.
Getting There
Ephesus lies 80 km south of Izmir. The nearest airport is Izmir Adnan Menderes (ADB), with frequent flights from Istanbul (1 hour) and international connections. From the airport there are buses and trains to Selçuk (1 hour), the base town for visiting Ephesus.
If you're travelling from the south (Pamukkale, Antalya), bus companies drop you directly in Selçuk. The ruins are 3 km from Selçuk and can be reached by taxi, dolmuş or on foot.
On the private tours I organise, Ephesus is usually combined with Pamukkale in an Aegean itinerary with private door-to-door transport.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary
How many days do I need to visit Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary?
I recommend spending at least 1 day in Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary so you can see the main sights at a relaxed pace. If you have more time, you can combine it with nearby destinations to make the most of your trip.
When is the best time to visit Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary?
The best time to visit Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary is March to May, September to November. That said, every season has its charm, and Türkiye is a destination you can enjoy all year round.
Can I visit Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary with an English-speaking guide?
Yes. As a licensed, English-speaking tour guide in Türkiye, I organise private tours and day tours in Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary. Every itinerary can be tailored to your interests.
How do I get to Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary from Istanbul?
Depending on the destination, you can get there by domestic flight (1–1.5 h), by coach or by private car. On the tours I organise, transport is included and planned to make the most of your sightseeing time.
Can I include Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary in a longer tour of Türkiye?
Of course. Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary combines easily with other destinations in Türkiye. I design tailor-made itineraries of 7, 10, 12 or 15 days that include this and other fascinating places.
Want to visit Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary with a licensed, English-speaking guide? Book your private guide in Türkiye and we'll plan the itinerary together.
Read More about Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary
Guides, tips and stories to help you plan your visit.
Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre: Highlights of Ephesus
A two-storey façade that fronted the third-largest library of the ancient world, and a theatre where a mob of silversmit
House of the Virgin Mary, Ephesus: History, Getting There and Tips
In a pine forest above Ephesus stands a small stone chapel that tradition holds was Mary’s last home. How it was found b
Basilica of St John and the Temple of Artemis: Selçuk Beyond Ephesus
Just outside Ephesus: the tomb of St John beneath a 6th-century basilica, the last column standing of one of the Seven W
Terrace Houses of Ephesus: Why the Extra Ticket Is Worth It
Under a protective roof near the Library of Celsus, seven homes of wealthy Ephesians survive with their mosaics, frescoe
Aphrodisias: the City of Sculptors and the Best-Preserved Stadium
Aphrodisias, the city of Aphrodite, was the Roman Empire’s school of sculpture, and it shows: reliefs, statues and an in
Ephesus Archaeological Museum, Selçuk: the Many-Breasted Artemis
The two statues of the goddess of Ephesus, Eros on a dolphin, the bust of Socrates and the frescoes from the Terrace Hou
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