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What should you wear in Ephesus?
Visiting Ephesus in February. Layers of clothing and light jackets are recommended.
- An open-air archaeological site
- Covered in marble streets that reflect sunlight
- Exposed to strong Aegean sun
- Spread across a large walking area (2–3 hours minimum)
That’s why smart clothing choices are essential.
Can I wear shorts in Ephesus?
What to Wear in Ephesus in Summer (June – September)
Light, Breathable Clothing
- Cotton or linen shirts
- Loose dresses or lightweight trousers
- Shorts are perfectly fine
- Light colors reflect sunlight better
Comfortable Non-Slip Walking Shoes
Ephesus has uneven marble streets that can be slippery.Best options:
- Cushioned sneakers
- Breathable walking shoes
- Secure sandals with straps
- High heels
- Flip-flops
- Smooth-soled shoes
Hat + SunglassesA wide-brim hat or cap protects you from direct sun exposure. Sunglasses are essential due to the glare from marble surfaces.
SunscreenUse SPF 30 or higher and reapply regularly.
What to Wear in Ephesus in Spring & Autumn (March–May / October–November)
- Light layers work perfectly
- T-shirt + light jacket
- Comfortable trousers or jeans
- Walking shoes are still essential
What to Wear in Ephesus in Winter (December–February)
- Windy
- Rainy
- Occasionally chilly
- Light sweater
- Jacket
- Comfortable waterproof shoes if rain is expected
Is There a Dress Code in Ephesus?
However, if your tour includes: House of the Virgin Mary It is recommended to dress modestly:
- Shoulders covered
- No very short shorts
- Avoid revealing tops
What to Wear When Visiting Isa Bey Mosque in Selçuk
For Women
- Shoulders must be covered
- Knees must be covered
- Hair should be covered with a scarf
- Avoid tight or transparent clothing
For Men
- No sleeveless shirts
- Shorts should cover the knees
- Avoid very tight or beach-style clothing
Shoes Inside the MosqueYou must remove your shoes before entering.
Wear:
- Easy-to-remove shoes
- Clean socks (recommended)
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Exploring Ephesus in One Day
Exploring Ephesus in One Day
Must-see places in Ephesus
- Temple of Artemis
- Odeon and State Agora
- Prytaneion
- Curetes Street
- Terrace Houses – Luxury Life in Ancient Ephesus
Tip: There is an additional entrance fee, but the experience is worth it. Please note that there is 160 steps up and down to visit Terrace Houses. It is not recommended for travelers who have walking difficulties.
- Library of Celsus – The Symbol of Ephesus
- The Great Theater – A Monumental Novel Structure
- Arcadian Street – The Ancient Harbor Road
It highlights the city's importance as a major trade and port center.
- Ephesus Experience Museum
- House of the Virgin Mary – A Sacred Pilgrimage Site
It is a significant religious site for Christians and Muslims.
Practical Tips for Visiting Ephesus
- Wear comfortable shoes (marble streets can be slippery).
- Between June and September, visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat.
- Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat in summer. Umbrella in the winter
- Consider hiring an Ephesus Tour guide or using an audio guide for a deeper understanding.
Why Ephesus Is a Must-Visit Destination
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History of Sardis one of the Seven Churches of Revelation in Asia Minor
Temple of Artemis in Sardis
According to some historians Lydians entered Anatolia with Phrygians in the 13th century BC. According to some, Etruscans and Hitites have the same origin with Lydians. There were 3 major dynasties who ruled the empire. In the 7th century BC, Heraklid dynasty took over the rule. According to the legendary story: In the 7th century BC the kingdom was ruled by Kandaules. Kandaules was admired by the beauty of his wife. He mentioned this beauty to his beloved friend commander Gyges. He forced him to see his wife while she was naked. Kandaules had Gyges hidden behind the door of his sleeping room. However Queen saw Gyges while departing and had no reaction. The other day she ordered Gyges to come and see her in the residence while Kandaules was away. She said to him 'Seeing a queen naked should have a punishment. You have two options you either going to kill my husband and become the king or you will die here now.' It was so hard to make this decision of Gyges and he decided to kill his friend Kandaules and became the next King of Lydia. This was the begining of a new dynasty to rule the Lydan Empire. This caused a rebellion, Gyges consulted to the Delphoi Apollon Temple. The answer was in the favour of Gyges. The treasury of Gyges in Delphoi Temple was a symbol of his appreciation.
The peak times for Lydians and their capital city Sardis was over 150 years from 7th century till 546BC. In that time Phyrigians were at the mid part of Anatolia there were Persian and Kimmerian attacks to western Anatolia. Sardis was a very rich capital where Greek and Oriental cultures meet. Sardis was a city which is known with a sculpturing school. Aeolian and and Ionian cities was under rule of Lydians till 546BC. Smyrna was the port city of Lydian Empire.
The first coins were invented by the Lydians. They also invented electron, a coin mixture of gold and silver. In the beginning the ratio was %60 gold, %40 silver. This ratio changed by years.
The King of Lydia was Croesus and he was very rich. He is even referred to in the saying "as rich as Croesus". Much of the wealth of Sardis is thought to have come from a gold-bearing stream that ran through the city called the Pactolos River (Sartcay). Pactolos stream assumed Midas`s Golden Touch when the Phyrigian king bathed in the headwaters and forever after flowed with gold. Lydians were known as refining of Gold. They made small hollows in the ground and used as hearths to melt down the gold dust panned from the Poctolus stream. The native gold was purified further in the banks of small furnaces.
After prosperous days of Lydian period, Persian attacks dangered cities peak times. In 585BC during a battle with Persians a solar eclipse was experienced. This shocked the people and interpreted as the gods was not in the favour of this war. This solar eclipse was estimated by Thales of Miletus who was considered as one of the 7 geniuses of the ancient world. Croesus consulted oracles regarding the future of the empire. Oracles advised him that he will be incharge for the destruction of an empire. He thought the empire will be destroyed will be Persia. However Sardis fell to Cyrus the Great of Persia in 546 BC. According to the legend King of Lydia had a lion son born from one of his concubines. For this miracle Lydian King consulted to the Apollon Temple. The prophecy was if the lion is toured around the city walls of Sardis, no one will conquer the city. Since some parts of the city was on very high slope, some parts were missed during touring. During the Persian siege, a Persian soldier saw a Lydian who dropped his helmet and went down to take it and climb back from the missed parts of the toured areas. The day after from the same area Persians climbed and captured the city and Croesus.
The city was the satrapy (goverment) center during the Persian rule. During the Ionian rebellion the city was destroyed by the Greeks. The city continued to flourish through the periods of Alexander the Great, Romans and Byzantines until it was inhabited by the Turks and then deserted.
It was here at Sardis that one of the "Seven Churches" had been founded. Investigations begun in 1910 by an American expedition exposed a well-preserved temple of Artemis along with a series of Lydian tombs dating from the 7th century BC and later. Since 1958 ongoing archaeological research at the site has uncovered, in addition to important Lydian-period finds, several later monuments, notably a gymnasium and synagogue of the 2-3C AD and several Byzantine shops.
Sardis also became the westernmost terminus of the Royal Road from Susa.
Synagogue is from the 3rd century AD and once was a part of the gymnasium and restored to be a synagogue. Sardes has the largest known ancient synagogue. The synagogue in Sardis boasted an impressive capacity of accommodating up to 1000 people. Its size and grandeur are a testimony to the prosperity of the Jews in Sardes during Roman times and to their eminent position in the city. It was probably not originally planned to be a synagogue as it has a very different layout. It faces the direction of Jerusalem and the entrance is also from the same side through three gates, which open from the courtyard into the main assembly hall. After entering, one has to turn back to see the two shrines between the gates. At the opposite end of the hall there is a semicircular apse with three rows of marble seats which were thought to be for the elders. The floors were mostly covered with mosaics.
Gymnasium is a large 'Imperial Type' complex consisting of a palaestra next to the synagogue, colonnades on three sides and the main building with the recently-restored ornate facade. According to its inscription, it was bulit in the 2nd century AD and dedicated by the people of Sardes to Geta and Caracalla, the sons of Septimus Severus and to their mother Julia Domna. It was a complex of symmetrically arranged rooms. Around the gymnasium, one can notice the shops as paint shop and hardware shop. And also the part of the Royal road which is 30 feet wide. Bath consists of Apodyterium, Frigidarium, Tepidarium, Caldarium,
Artemis Temple is located in the Pactolos Valley and was one of the seven largest ancient temples with eight columns at short side and twenty along long side. Artemis temples always lay outside the city. It was believed that an altar dedicated to Artemis & Zeus had existed there as early as the 5th century BC. It was begun about a generation after conquest of Alexander and enormous scale was clearly ment to rival the 3 great Ionian Temples: Ephesus Artemis Temple, Samos Heraion and Didyma Apollon Temple. 3 mentioned temples are built with dipteros style. Sardis Temple was constructed with pseudodipteros style. Cella was subdivided into two possibly for Zeus & Artemis. Western cella dedicated to Zeus and Eastern to Artemis. The heads of Antonius Pius and his wife Faustina is also been excavated proving that Faustina and Antonius Pius was worshipped here. The temple was built in stages, the first part being constructed in 300 BC. Later further construction took place in the 2nd century BC. Again only part of the project was completed. The third stage started in the 2nd century AD. At this stage the cella was divided into two halves by an internal cross-wall, the western half dedicated to Artemis and the other half to the Empress Faustina, who was deified after her death.
Ruins of a small building at the southeastern corner of the temple belong to a 4th century AD church. According to some sources it is referred to as one of the Seven Churches of the Revelation. However, this cannot be correct as congregations not the actual buildings were meant by churches at that time.
Mounds: Burial mounds can also be noticed on the way. These individual thombs of kings and royalty of the 7th & 6th centuries BC. The largest mound is in the height of 200 feet.
According to some historians, there is a belief that the origins of the Etruscans date back to this region. In 1600BC on the Greek island of Santorini, known as Thera in ancient times. The volcanic eruption that occurred had important consequences for the region. The eruption released a massive ash cloud that made the land unsuitable for agriculture, potentially causing the Etruscans to migrate to modern-day Italy. It is a theory that sheds light on the possible reasons behind the Etruscan presence in Italy and offers a potential explanation for their origins.
Ionic Column from Artemis Temple of Sardis in MET
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Hotels near Ephesus Ruins
Here are some tips which will help you to choose where to stay:
Best Hotels near Ephesus Ruins
Recommended hotels to stay in Selcuk:
Kusadasi : Recommended for travellers who enjoy modern four- and five-star resort hotels, there are many choices for travellers in Kusadasi. Kusadasi is located 15 miles away from ancient city of Ephesus. Our recommendation is to stay in Kusadasi and do the tour of Ephesus out of Kusadasi. Kusadasi has several beaches, nice restaurants and good hotels that you may enjoy.
Recommended hotels to stay in Kusadasi:
Recommended hotels to stay in Sirince:
Izmir : The 3rd largest city of Turkey. Having a traffic problem during weekdays. Staying in Izmir is not recommended, since Izmir city does not offer much for the travellers.
Recommended hotels to stay in Izmir :
- Hyatt Regency Hotel - 5 Stars
- Ibis Izmir Alsancak - 3 Stars
- Double Tree Izmir Airport - 4 Stars
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The third ecumenical council was held in Ephesus
The Seven Ecumenical Councils
Main Decisions of the Council of Ephesus
- Mary was officially affirmed as ''Theotokos''
- Nestorianism was condemned
Nestorius taught that Christ had two separate natures (one divine, one human). He believed Mary gave birth to Christ’s human nature, not to God’s divine nature. Because of this, he objected to calling Mary Theotokos (“God-bearer”), preferring Christotokos (“Christ-bearer”). The council affirmed instead that Jesus Christ is one person with two natures (divine and human), united without separation. The council emphasized that Christ is one Person (hypostasis). His divinity and humanity are united in one person. Because he refused to accept the council’s teaching, Nestorius was removed from his positionas Patriarch of Constantinople.
The Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos
Theotokos = *Mother of God*
Dormition = *falling asleep*
So the feast commemorates the falling asleep (death) of the Virgin Mary, and her being taken into heaven by Christ. The Feast of Dormition of Mary is a significant celebration observed on August 15th by Eastern Orthodox Churches, while the Roman Catholic Church commemorates the same day as the Feast of Assumption. The East emphasizes Mary’s death and the West emphasizes her being taken up into heaven. August 15th is a day of profound reverence and reflection for believers in both faiths as they celebrate the spiritual significance of Mary's role in Christian theology. The dual observance on the 15th of August showcases the deep historical and cultural importance of Mary in the Christian faith, uniting followers in devotion and commemoration of her extraordinary life and spiritual legacy.
Icon of the dormition of Theotokos
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Izmir to Pamukkale by train
Izmir to Pamukkale via Ephesus.
Pamukkale Train from Izmir
Turkish Railways (TCDD) operates a train from Izmir Basmane Train Station and Izmir Airport (ADB) and Selcuk (Ephesus) to Pamukkale 6 times a day. Tickets cost approximately 5 Euros. The journey takes approximately 3.5 hours from Selcuk, 4.5 hours from Izmir Airport and 5 Hours from Izmir City Center.
Visit Ephesus on the way from Izmir to Pamukkale
For travelers who will be staying at Izmir City Center hotels, we recommend them to take the 7.02am train from Basmane train station and for those arriving to Izmir AIrport, can take this train at 7.30am. This train will arrive at Selcuk (Ephesus) at 8.37am. Our tour guide and vehicle can meet you at Selcuk train station. After the tour you will be dropped back to Selcuk train station for your journey to Pamukkale which leaves Selcuk Train Station at 2.07pm. The train will arrive at Pamukkale (Denizli) at 5.32pm. After reaching Denizli Train Station, you can board a shared minibus or a taxi to Pamukkale.
Izmir Basmane to Selcuk Train Schedule
Travelers can take the 8.20am train from Denizli Train Station which will arrive at Selcuk (Ephesus) at 11.58. Our tour guide and vehicle can meet you at Selcuk train station. After the tour you will be dropped back to Selcuk train station for your journey to Izmir Airport or Izmir City Center which leaves Selcuk Train Station at 7.49pm. The train will arrive at Izmir AIrport at 8.46pm and Izmir Basmane Train Station at 9.09pm.
Pamukkale to Ephesus Train Schedule
Ephesus Tour from Selcuk Train Station Review
Private Ephesus Tours from Selcuk Hotels and Selcuk Train Station
Frequently Asked Questions
> As I understand, you would like to take the train from Izmir Train Station to Selcuk (Ephesus) Train Station. After the tour of Ephesus. We will drop you back to Selcuk (Ephesus) Train Station for your journey to Denizli (Pamukkale). The tour will be conducted with a MPV. Your luggages will be kept in the vehicle during your private tour of Ephesus. There will be a separate driver and a tour guide. While you will be touring with the tour guide, our driver will keep an eye on your belongings.
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How do you get from Izmir to Ephesus?
Selcuk is the modern name for Ephesus. It is a small town having a population of 36 thousand. Selcuk is 62km south of Izmir. It is an hour drive from Izmir Airport. Havas have shuttles for flights. Selcuk is also accessible by train from Izmir Airport and Izmir downtown (Basmane).
Train travel is the most inexpensive way to travel from Izmir to Ephesus. Izmir Train Station is located in downtown Izmir and if you are a good walker Ephesus is within walking distance from Selcuk (Ephesus) Train Station, approximately 6km away. Train travel is not the most luxurious option but it is adventurous and enjoyable. The train rides through fertile farm lands and urban towns. It is an enjoyable way to see Turkish countryside and local life.
The same train also go to Denizli where Pamukkale (Hierapolis) is located.
The Train schedule between Izmir, Izmir Airport and Selcuk Town (Ephesus) is as follows:
Izmir Basmane Train Station >> > Selcuk (Ephesus) Train Schedule
Train Schedule from Izmir to Ephesus Selcuk
Ephesus Selcuk to Izmir Basmane Train Schedule
Cost of Izmir to Ephesus Train ticket:
Izmir Basmane - Selcuk (Ephesus): 100tl per person (2 Euro)
Izmir to Ephesus with IZBAN
Below you can find the current times of the IZBAN trains between Alsancak - Tepekoy and the Tepekoy - Selcuk timetables which are ideal for exploring the Ancient City of Ephesus. For your convenience, we have arranged the timings so that you can plan your trip hassle-free.
Izban Train Schedule from Alsancak to Tepekoy
Tepekoy-Selcuk Izban Schedules
Is there a train station at Izmir Airport?
How much is the train from Izmir Airport to Selcuk?
Izmir Airport to Ephesus Train
Selcuk Ephesus Train Station - Meeting point with your Ephesus Tour Guide
* If you do not have a rental car and staying in Selcuk or coming to Selcuk with train. We offer private walking tours of Basilica of St. John, Temple of Artemis, Terrace Houses and the Ancient City of Ephesus. For more information, please contact us.
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Multi visit pass for Western Turkey
Museum Pass The Aegean
Museum Pass the Aegean will save travellers time and money. Travellers will not be waiting in lines to purchase tickets at the museums. Travellers can visit multiple museums and sites within a week time. Museum Pass the Aegean is valid for 7 days. Travellers can make great savings with good itinerary planing.
With Museum Pass the Aegean, you can visit more than 40 museums and archaeological sites in İzmir, Aydın, Mugla and Denizli provinces affiliated to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for 7 days and take a pleasant journey in history..
MuseumPass Aegean provides one pass to each museum.
Museum Pass Aegean costs 95 Euros
Museum Pass Aegean will allow you free entrance to all museums and archeological sites operated by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism in the provinces of İzmir, Aydın and Muğla, which cover Ancient city of Ephesus, Basilica of St. John, Terrace Houses in Ephesus, Archaelogical Museum of Ephesus, Ancient city of Aphrodisias, Temple of Didyma, Ancient city of Smyrna, Ancient City of Miletus, Ancient City of Priene, Ancient City of Pergamon, Asklepion of Pergamon, Hierapolis (Pamukkale), Ancient city of Laodicea and many others.
* Note that House of Virgin Mary in Ephesus and Ancient City of Sardis, are not covered by Museum Pass Aegean.
Museum Pass Aegean is accepted at the following sites:
Sites covered by Museum pass Aegean
Hire a tour guide in Ephesus
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What to do in Kusadasi Port for a day
What to do in Kusadasi from a cruise ship
Ephesus Tour with an Expert Tour Guide
Shopping in Kusadasi
Relax on the Ladies Beach
Explore Pigeon Island
Taste Authentic Turkish Cuisine
Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Port
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Bollywood movies filmed in Ephesus and Kusadasi
Vaada Raha (2009) and Pehli Dafa (2017) are the only two Bollywood movies which some parts of the movies are filmed in Kusadasi and Ancient City of Ephesus.
Pehli Dafa Shooting Locations : Pehli Dafa Soundtrack was filmed in Alacati Town Center, Alacati Windmills, Theater of Ephesus and Celsus Library in Ephesus
Other bollywood movies that are filmed in other parts of Turkey:
- Race 2
- Game
- Guru
- Dil Dhadakne Do
- Baby
- Ek tha Tiger
- Ajab Prem Ki Gajab Kahan (Filmed in Side and Pamukkale)
- Mission Istaanbul: Darr Ke Aagey Jeet Hai!
For more information about our private tours of Ephesus and Pamukkale please contact us.
Below please find a video of one of our guests from India about their travel experience in Ephesus.