Best things to do in Selçuk

Selçuk's Unmissable Ancient Wonders

Selçuk is the primary gateway to Ephesus, one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. This collection features the Library of Celsus and the 25,000-seat Great Theatre, alongside the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Beyond Roman ruins, the area includes the 14th-century Anatolian architecture of İsa Bey Mosque and the House of the Virgin Mary, a major site for Christian pilgrimage.

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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

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…

CC BY-SA 2.5-2.0-1.0

Virgin Mary's House;House of Virgin Mary

This house is believed to be the dwelling of Virgin Mary when she had lived in Ephesus.

Klaus-Peter Simon / CC BY-SA 3.0

Ephesus Archaeological Museum

This museum is dedicated to the Ephesus excavations. The findings are truly impressive.

Francisco Esponda / CC-BY-SA

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.

JoTB / CC BY-SA 3.0

Cave of the Seven Sleepers

Not far away from Ephesus, this cave is believed to be a place where the legendary Seven Sleepers hid in order to avoid prosecution.

Michal Jack Mašek / CC BY-SA 4.0

İsa Bey Camii

Built in 1374–1375, this mosque is a significant example of Anatolian Beylik architecture, featuring an asymmetrical courtyard and repurposed marble columns from the ruins of Ephesus.

Joachim Risopp / CC-BY-SA

Great Theatre

Originally constructed in the Hellenistic period and expanded by the Romans, this massive structure seated 25,000 spectators and was used for drama, concerts, and gladiator combat.

José Luiz / CC BY-SA 3.0

Temple of Hadrian

Dating back to the 2nd century, this well-preserved temple was dedicated to Emperor Hadrian and features a facade with Corinthian columns and a relief of Tyche, the goddess of victory.

Ephesus (South entrance)

The upper access point to the Ephesus archaeological site, commonly used as a starting point for downhill walking tours through the ancient city's main streets.

Hercules Gate

A 4th-century gate consisting of two relief-carved pillars depicting Hercules, strategically placed to narrow the street and prevent chariot access to the pedestrian areas of the city.