Ephesus ancient ruins in Selçuk

Ephesus, a premier UNESCO World Heritage site in Turkey, represents one of the most complete Roman urban landscapes in the Mediterranean. This collection highlights the city's architectural peak, featuring the monumental Library of Celsus and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Visitors can explore the 25,000-seat Great Theatre, the intricate mosaics of the Terrace Houses, and the administrative State Agora. The site also preserves significant early Christian landmarks like the Church of Mary and extensive Hellenistic fortifications including the Wall of Lysimachus.

Ephesus Ancient Ruins — Map

Kitkatcrazy / Public domain

A

Ephesus

Rome aside, this was the most important city of Roman empire and the largest city in the world.

Benh LIEU SONG / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Library of Celsus

The Library of Celsus is an ancient Roman building in Ephesus, Anatolia, today located near the modern town of Selçuk, in the İzmir…

Francisco Esponda / CC-BY-SA

C

Temple of Artemis (Artemision)

This Greek temple was dedicated to the Goddess of the Hunt Artemis and it was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

D

State Agora

The political heart of the city, this square served as an administrative center for government meetings and religious ceremonies during the Roman period.

Joachim Risopp / CC-BY-SA

E

Commercial Market (Tetragonos Agora)

A massive 110-meter square market that served as the commercial hub of Ephesus, located near the ancient harbor to facilitate maritime trade.

Joachim Risopp / CC-BY-SA

F

Great Theatre

Originally built in the Hellenistic period and expanded by the Romans, this massive venue held 25,000 spectators for theatrical performances and gladiator contests.

G

Hercules Gate

This 4th-century gate features reliefs of Hercules and was designed to narrow the Curetes Way, effectively restricting the passage to pedestrians only.

José Luiz / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Temple of Hadrian

Built in the 2nd century AD to honor Emperor Hadrian, this Corinthian-style structure features a facade decorated with reliefs of Tyche and Medusa.

José Luiz / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

Hadrian's Gate

A monumental three-arched gate located at the junction of the Curetes Way and the Marble Road, built to commemorate Emperor Hadrian's visit to the city.

J

Terrace House 1

These luxury villas for the Ephesian elite feature well-preserved frescoes and intricate floor mosaics, offering insight into private life during the Roman era.

K

Thermes and Gymnasium

A large educational and athletic complex integrated with thermal baths, providing both physical training and social spaces for the city's youth.

Joachim Risopp / CC-BY-SA

L

Fountain of Trajan

Constructed between 102 and 104 AD, this two-story fountain originally showcased a colossal statue of Emperor Trajan standing over a globe.

M

Church of Mary

A 5th-century Christian cathedral built inside a former Roman stoa, notable for hosting the Third Ecumenical Council in 431 AD.

N

Stadium

A 230-meter long arena used for athletic competitions, chariot races, and later, gladiator fights during the Roman period.

Joachim Risopp / CC-BY-SA

O

Public toilets

These 1st-century latrines feature marble seats arranged around three sides of a room, with a continuous water drainage system running underneath.

P

Byzantine Palace

A large residential and administrative complex dating to the 6th century AD, believed to be the official seat of the Byzantine governor.

Q

Wall of Lysimachus

Part of a 9-kilometer defensive system built in the 3rd century BC by Alexander the Great’s general to protect the expanding city.

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