Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Archaeological Sites & Ruins

Ephesus

Selçuk, Turkey

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST RUINS & SITES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 40 2026
Ephesus

An ancient Greek and Roman city near Selçuk in western Turkey, reached by a long marble-paved main street. Visitors walk past the Celsus Library, the Great Theatre seating about 25,000, and the remains of shops, houses and columns.

Highlights

  • Celsus Library
  • Great Theatre
  • Marble main street

Good to know

  • Entrance around 40 euros, paid in lira by card
  • Plan at least three to four hours
  • Bring water, hat and shoes with grip; marble slippery

Also in Turkey

  1. Termessos N° 22 Termessos Antalya Ancient city
  2. Aspendos Theatre N° 24 Aspendos Theatre Serik Amphitheatre or theatre
  3. Kibyra N° 39 Kibyra Gölhisar Ancient city
  4. Hierapolis N° 47 Hierapolis Pamukkale Ancient city
  5. Perge N° 48 Perge Antalya Ancient city
  6. Temple of Apollo at Didyma N° 56 Temple of Apollo at Didyma Didim Temple site