Walk Through History with Terrace Houses of Ephesus
In the Selcuk district of Izmir, you’ll discover one of Turkey’s most fascinating archaeological wonders: the Ephesus Hillside Houses, also known as the Terrace Houses of Ephesus. Hidden within the ancient city of Ephesus, these luxurious Roman residences belonged to the wealthiest citizens and showcase breathtaking mosaics, colorful frescoes, and sophisticated architecture that have survived for centuries.
Preserved under a modern protective roof, the Terrace Houses offer a rare, up-close look at how the elite lived during the Roman Empire. From marble floors to intricate wall paintings, every detail reveals the artistry and affluence of ancient Ephesus.
If you’re planning a trip to Turkey’s Aegean region, visiting the Ephesus Hillside Houses is a must for history lovers and cultural travelers. So, where are the Ephesus Hillside Houses? How to get there?
Keep reading for a complete guide to the Ephesus Hillside Houses and tips to make your Selcuk adventure unforgettable!
The unique works of history, Ephesus Hillside Houses, started to be built in the second quarter of the 1st century AD.
Discovered in 1962 and revealing the traces of Roman civilization, the Houses are located in the very center of the Ancient City of Ephesus. Spread over a total area of 4 thousand square meters, Ephesus Hillside Houses continue to be preserved until today and continue to reveal the traces of history with their dazzling beauty.
Source: Walks in Istanbul
The History of Ephesus Hillside Houses
Ephesus Hillside Houses started to be built in the 1st century AD. The houses were first home to the Greek civilization living in the ancient city of Ephesus. After the Greeks left Turkey, the houses remained empty for a long time. In the 2000s, they were restored and brought to tourism.
Ephesus Hillside Houses are one of the most important historical and touristic places in Turkey. The houses have a magnificent view and offer an unforgettable experience to its guests. The earliest known houses belong to the reign of Emperor Augustus.
Features of Ephesus Hillside Houses
Ephesus Hillside Houses are generally two-story buildings with balconies. The ancient city of Ephesus, the House of Virgin Mary and the Kucuk Menderes Delta can be seen from the balconies. The city, which was reconstructed by Lysimakhos, the ruler of Ephesus in the Hellenistic Period, has the hippodomic plan system used in Ionia. In other words, the square or rectangular buildings between parallel or perpendicular streets have a city plan and order.
The floors of the prestigious Ephesus Hillside Houses, which draw attention to the architecture of the Roman period, are covered with mosaic and marble. The mosaics are usually filled with black and white, geometric patterns and designs with mythological scenes. On the walls, frescoes and marble coverings attract attention. The frescoes depict Muses, Eros, animal figures such as birds and fish, and theater scenes.
It was discovered that the construction materials used in the houses were stone and brick mortar.
Numerous busts of emperors, empresses and philosophers were also found during the excavations of the Ephesus Hillside Houses.
Archaeological excavations have also uncovered numerous bronze, marble, terracotta, ivory and glass decorative artifacts, jewelry, toys, medical and cosmetic instruments, perfume bottles and oil lamps made of various materials.
How to get to Ephesus Hillside Houses?
You can reach Ephesus Hillside Houses by car, public transportation or taxi. When traveling to the unique houses of Ephesus, you can reach Selçuk by following the Izmir-Aydın Highway. If you are going by private car or taxi, you should follow the Ephesus Ancient City sign after Selçuk. The houses are approximately 3.5 km from Selçuk center and 83 km from Izmir city center.
How to get to Ephesus Hillside Houses by public transportation?
To go to Ephesus Hillside Houses by public transportation, you can take the buses from Izmir to Selçuk. After reaching Selçuk, you can reach Ephesus Hillside Houses by taking the minibuses to the ancient city of Ephesus.
Ephesus Hillside Houses Address
Atatürk, Uğur Mumcu Sevgi Yolu No: 26, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir
What to do in Ephesus Hillside Houses?
In Ephesus Hillside Houses, you can visit the ancient city of Ephesus, visit the House of Virgin Mary and take a walk in the Kucuk Menderes Delta. You can eat in the restaurants around the houses and drink coffee in the cafes.
Here are some of the activities you can do in Ephesus Hillside Houses:
Visit the Ancient City of Ephesus. The Ancient City of Ephesus is one of the most important historical sites in the world. The city was founded in 1000 BC and was an important cultural and commercial center for about 1,500 years. In the ancient city of Ephesus, you can see important historical monuments such as the Temple of Artemis, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian and the Temple of Trajan.
Visit the House of Virgin Mary. The House of Virgin Mary, about 10 kilometers from Ephesus, is considered to be the place where the Virgin Mary spent her last years. The house was built in the 19th century by a Greek family. The house was consecrated by Pope Paul VI in 1967.
Take a walk in the Kucuk Menderes Delta. The Kucuk Menderes Delta, about 15 kilometers from Ephesus, is one of Turkey's most important wetlands. The delta is home to about 1,000 species of plants and 100 species of birds. In the delta, you can do activities such as hiking, bird watching and fishing.
Dine in the restaurants and drink coffee in the cafes around the houses. You can find Turkish and international cuisine in the restaurants around the Ephesus Hillside Houses. In the cafes, you can drink Turkish coffee, tea and various drinks.
Ephesus Hillside Houses are one of Turkey's most important historical and tourist attractions. The houses have a magnificent view and offer an unforgettable experience to their guests.
Keşfet ile ziyaret ettiğin tüm kategorileri tek akışta gör!
Test
Gündem
Magazin
Video
Send Comment