Ephesus

The Library of Celsus, Ephesus' most famous landmark. Photo Carmen.

The ancient city of Ephesus (Turkish: Efes), located near the Aegean Sea in modern day Turkey, was one of the great cities of the Greeks in Asia Minor and home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Today, the ruins of Ephesus are a major tourist attraction, especially for travelers on Mediterranean cruises. Ephesus is also a sacred site for Christians due to its association with several biblical figures, including St. Paul, St. John the Evangelist and the Virgin Mary. The religious history of ancient Ephesus was the subject of the webmaster's thesis at Oxford (completed in June 2007), so this section is even more comprehensive than most - including the most detailed map of Ephesus on the Web! Excerpts from the thesis are included among the background articles in this city guide - see the menu at left.

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Featured Religious Attractions in Ephesus

Basilica of St. John

Ephesus, Turkey

The Basilica of St. John was built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century over the traditional tomb of John the Evangelist. The site became a major pilgrimage destination in the Early Middle Ages.

Cave of the Seven Sleepers

Ephesus, Turkey

According to legend, seven Christian boys were locked in this cave by the Romans in c.250 AD, fell asleep, and woke up in the 5th century. It became a place of burial and pilgrimage.

Church of Mary

Ephesus, Turkey

The walls, an arch, and the baptismal pool remain intact at the Church of Mary, possibly the first church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the world and the site of the Council of Ephesus in 431.

Ephesus Museum

Ephesus, Turkey

This museum next to the Basilica of John displays religious sculptures and other artifacts from Ephesus. Most notable are two beautiful statues of the Ephesian Artemis.

Grotto of St. Paul

Ephesus, Turkey

Although not generally accessible to the public, this cave is worth mentioning for the important frescoes and inscriptions that were found inside.

House of the Virgin

Ephesus, Turkey

Discovered in a vision by a bedridden German nun in 1812, this stone building is believed by many Catholics and Muslims to be where the Virgin Mary lived her last years. There is also a healing fountain.

Isabey Mosque

Ephesus, Turkey

The Isabey Mosque was built in 1375 at the direction of the Emir of Aydin. It incorporates columns and stones recycled from the ruins of Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis.

Library of Celsus

Ephesus, Turkey

The facade of the Library of Celsus is one of the most spectacular sights in Ephesus. Built by a Roman in memory of his father, it faces east so the reading rooms receive the morning light.

Prytaneion

Ephesus, Turkey

A very important civic building where the sacred fire of Hestia was tended, official visitors were received by civic and religious dignitaries, and where two statues of the Ephesian Artemis were found.

Synagogue

Ephesus, Turkey

Foundations of a basilica-like building that may have been one of several synagogues known to exist in ancient Ephesus. A Jewish lamp was found on the site.

Temple of Artemis

Ephesus, Turkey

In ancient times it was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, but today the Temple of Artemis is represented by a single column standing in a swamp.

Temple of Hadrian

Ephesus, Turkey

This attractive Roman imperial temple was constructed in 118 AD and reconstructed in the fifth century. Its tympanum bears an interesting frieze that may depict Medusa.

Theater

Ephesus, Turkey

This magnificent classical theater is considered an important biblical site: the probable place where Paul preached to the pagans in Acts. It is still in use and can seat thousands.

Other Attractions in Ephesus

Brothel and Latrine
Of course neither are a sacred site, but these less glamorous structures help bring ancient Ephesus to life.

Curetes Street
Once lined with shops and inns, Curetes Street was a main city street and an important processional route in the cult of Artemis.

Slope Houses
These well-preserved dwellings provide an important window into the lifestyles of the Ephesian elite in Roman and Byzantine times.