Top Things to do in Selcuk
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Top 10 Ancient Ruins in Selcuk, Turkish Aegean Coast
Discover the best top things to do in Selcuk, Turkey including Ephesus Terrace Houses, Bibliotheque de Celsus, Efes Antik Kenti Tiyatrosu, Temple of Hadrian, Arcadian Way, The Basilica of Saint John, The Odeion, Curetes Street, Heracles Gate, Public Latrine.
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1. Ephesus Terrace Houses
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,024 reviews
Wealthy Ephesians inhabited these luxurious houses on the slopes of Bülbül Mountain.
Reviewed By Alex280546 - Melbourne, Australia
My wife and I were on a conducted tour of Ephesus from our hotel in Kusadasi. Our guide had made it clear to us that our tour included a ticket for seeing this attraction, (it is an extra ticket over and above the entrance fee for getting into the main Ephesus site). But, surprisingly, only about half the group were game enough to enter this "added" attraction. Even my wife chickened out. Why? Because there is a fair bit of climbing stairs. What is this attraction? These are recently excavated (and beautifully restored) residences from 2000 years ago. The residences are along a hillside, and they are adjoining one another. Some are even connected. What grand apartments! What decorations! Beautiful floors! A photo buff's paradise. Unfortunately, we were on a tight schedule, we had much more to see in Ephesus, and as half the group did not join us, our guide rushed us through the exhibit. This is easily the best thing to see in Ephesus. Truly amazing. I strongly recommend it. A guide would greatly help, as it is difficult to understand the layout of the rooms in the various houses (they are properly called "apartments" !!!) . Also, a guide can explain the various decorations on the walls.
2. Bibliotheque de Celsus
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,720 reviews
Built by Julius Aquila in 110 A.D. as a memorial for his father, the Celsus Library is one of the finest buildings in Ephesus. The two-story building contained over 12,000 hand-written books, making it one of the largest library collections of its time.
Reviewed By Anonymous06092001 - Hong Kong, China
Magnificent library and the highlight of Ephesus. 1. Believe it or not, Celsus Library was the third largest library in the Roman world behind only Alexandria and Pergamum 2. In my own opinion, I think this is the most beautiful building in Selcuk and at night, this is absolutely stunning. The lightnings are great and definitely worth your time visiting. Look from the top and you would find it more magnificent. 3. Make sure to bring your camera to take more pictures of this magnificent building and also many other more structures in Ephesus ruins.
3. Efes Antik Kenti Tiyatrosu
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,169 reviews
The largest and most spectacular structure of Ephesus was originally built in the 3rd century BC and was later updated by the Romans in the 1st century AD when it had a seating capacity of 25,000.
Reviewed By hii67 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
This great theatre reputed to be one of the largest in the ancient world is towards the end of the tour to ancient city of Ephesus and it is a must see when in Turkey! Taking a clear shot void of human traffic would be a miracle as the theatre is always packed unless one arrives when the door opens. Do climb to the top of the steps and take in great topography of the area and be sure to take a panoramic shot in your handphone or camera! Truly impressive and another human ingenuity left partially intact by a great civilization !
4. Temple of Hadrian
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 352 reviews
This well preserved building is located in the city center on Curettes Road. The elegant workmanship and carvings on the front walls of the building make it one of the most attractive in the city.
Reviewed By B1714D - Belgrade, Serbia
The Temple of Hadrian is one of the best preserved (however renovated) structures in Efes. It's set on the main Curetes St. across the wealthy Terrace houses. The temple is dedicated to Emperor Hadrian who visited the eastern part of his Empire in 2c.
5. Arcadian Way
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 239 reviews
The bustle of city life was evident in the galleries and shops which once lined this main street leading from the harbor to the Ephesus Theatre.
Reviewed By v_ee_gh - Tabriz, Iran
part of ephesus city by walking on this road you can visit all ephesus city . if you have a child maybe its difficult for you in hot and sunny day have a bottle of water with you
6. The Basilica of Saint John
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 783 reviews
This monumental basilica was built in the 4th century in the burial place of Saint John the Divine. It was designed in the shape of a cross and was covered with six domes.
Reviewed By williambb54 - Chester, United Kingdom
A very interesting ruined Basilica, with the Tomb of Saint John Worth a visit if visiting Ephesus, it is an important part in the history of Christianity.
7. The Odeion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 247 reviews
This small, enclosed theater was used for concerts as well as political events. The theater contained 23 tiered rows of seating in a semi-circular shape, which could accommodate up to 1450 spectators.
Reviewed By Q3934IKkarenk
The Odeion, a small theater with a stage, seating and an orchestra, had a double function. It was used for Senate meetings and as a concert hall. Constructed in the 2nd century A.D. by two wealthy citizens, it could seat 1,500 spectators. The members of the Senate were chosen from the aristocratic class and important decisions and city matters were discussed here. If you have time, you can walk into the Odeion and sit on the stone seats.
8. Curetes Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 355 reviews
One of the main streets through the city, it was once lined with fountains, monuments and various shops and galleries.
Reviewed By CraigT803 - San Rafael, United States
You will see many of the great sites of Ephesus here, although it is just one small part of this great ancient city. From the top you get a great view of the Celsus Library and there are several important other buildings along the way, including the Terraced Houses and the Temple of Hadrian. Take your time and come early in the morning for less crowds.
9. Heracles Gate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 190 reviews
This monumental gate, a two-storey building with six columns on each floor, was constructed towards the end of the 4th century. Today, the arch and most of the building are missing. It is also known by the name Victory Arch of Hercules.
Reviewed By raobert - Namur, Belgium
Do not miss this extraordinary piece of architecture, while you are walking Curetes street. Very delicate stonework sculpture!
10. Public Latrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 643 reviews
Reviewed By Q3934IKkarenk
The toilets were part of the Scholastica Baths and built in the 1st century AD. They were public toilets of the city and there was an entrance fee to use them. In the center, there is an uncovered pool and the toilets are aligned along the walls. The columns surrounding the pool supported a wooden ceiling. There was a drainage system under the toilets--thank goodness. About 10 years ago, when we saw the city for the 1st time, you could have your picture taken sitting on one of the toilet seats. In September 2019, the seats are blocked off by a rope. So sad! The pictures were quite funny.
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