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Library of Celsus

Library of Celsus: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Kusadasi: Ephesus, House of Mary & Artemis Temple Tour

1. From Kusadasi: Ephesus, House of Mary & Artemis Temple Tour

According to your tour pickup time, meet with your guide and start your day. First, visit the House of Virgin Mary. Located 6 km to the north of the ruins of Ephesus, this church was built in 6C AD on top of the foundations of a house from 1C AD. Next check out Ephesus, an archeological treasure and the best preserved classical city in the Eastern Mediterranean. During 1C AD, Ephesus was the second largest city on the planet after Rome with more than 250.000 citizens. It was in the center of the known world and played the role of a gateway between the East and the West. With its giant harbor, it was also the center of trading in antiquity. It is also home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis. Walking on the ancient streets among the beautiful monuments such as the third largest library of the ancient world or the largest roman theatre on the Asia continent gives you the feeling of a time traveler. After lunch, continue to the Temple of Artemis. Its ancient cult dedicated to Artemis was famous in antiquity and made Ephesus a much-visited pilgrimage place. At the end of the tour, head back to your hotel or the port.

Kusadasi/Izmir: Ephesus & Temple of Artemis Shore Excursion

2. Kusadasi/Izmir: Ephesus & Temple of Artemis Shore Excursion

According your pick-up time, meet with your guide and transfer to the first sight in ancient Ephesus, the best preserved classic city in the eastern Mediterranean and the largest open-air museum in Turkey. Ephesus contains more then 30 buildings and structures linked together by streets that still have the marks of ancient chariot wheels. Visit the Great Theatre, where St. Paul preached against the pagans and the gladiators once engaged in battle. Originally holding 25,000 people, this theater was built in the Hellenistic period and was renovated by several Roman emperors. Designed for theatrical performances, later alterations allowed gladiatorial contests to be held here. The face of the Library of Celsus, which has been remarkably restored, is probably the most photographed place in Ephesus originally built in 115 to 125. You might also be able to see the Odeon Temple, Fountain of Trajan, Temple of Hadrian, the steam Scholastica Baths, marble road, agora and the Temple of Domitian. After visiting ancient Ephesus, continue to the Temple of Arthemis. Considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Temple of Artemis was dedicated to the Goddess of the Hunt. Only the foundation and one column remains of this temple which once measured 425 feet by 220 feet wide. St. Paul’s successful ministry in this city was considered a threat to this temple. The city reached its Golden Age and became a good model to the ancient world in culture and art. The tour finishes at around 1:00 PM, from here you will return to cruise port.

From Izmir: Full-Day Ephesus Tour

3. From Izmir: Full-Day Ephesus Tour

Start with a pickup from your hotel in Izmir. Then, the discovery of Ephesus begins with the House of the Virgin Mary and a 10-minute drive to the ancient city of Ephesus. Explore the city by walking on the marble streets, accompanied by a guide.  See the Odeon, State Agora, the Pretension, the Memmius Monument, the Domitian Temple, Hercules Gate, Curetes Street, Hadrian Temple, and the Latrines. Choose to take an optional visit to the terrace houses for an additional cost.  After the terrace houses, carry on with your exploration with the Celsus Library, Marble Road, Commercial Agora, Great Theater, and Arcadian (harbor road). Enjoy a nice lunch served in a quaint local restaurant. Visit the Temple of Artemisa and take pictures of the church of St. John and the Mosque of İsa Bey. Enjoy free time in the old village of Sirince to discover the traditional houses, the fruit-flavored wine production, and enjoy some wine tasting.  End the day with a transfer back to Izmir airport or to your hotel in Izmir.

Ephesus, Virgin Mary House, Temple Small Group (Max 16) Tour

4. Ephesus, Virgin Mary House, Temple Small Group (Max 16) Tour

4 to 5 hours: Ephesus, The House of Virgin Mary, and Artemission Temple on a guided tour. ( Skip the lines tickets are paid to our guide after the tour ) Your guide will have your name sign at the Kusadasi Cruise terminal exit just after you pass customs. Please note that pick up time ( usually 30 minutes after your cruise arrival ) will be emailed with in 24 hours after your reservation. If you miss this email, please do not forget to contact with us for pick up time. After meeting your guide, drive to the House of the Virgin Mary, located in the Aladag Mountains, 5 miles away from Ephesus. Visit Ephesus, one of the 12 cities of the Ionian League, an ancient Greek district on the western coast of Asia Minor, located near Izmir. As a port city, it was a major departure point for trade routes into Asia Minor. Walk through its historic marble streets lined with historic public buildings like the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Grand Theater. Stop at Artemission Temple, which used to be one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, as your last stop before driving back to Kusadasi town center.

4 to 6 hrs Ephesus Shore Excursion with Skip-the-Line Entry

5. 4 to 6 hrs Ephesus Shore Excursion with Skip-the-Line Entry

Ephesus - Terrace Houses - The House of Virgin Mary - Artemission Temple Tour with Private Option. No Hidden Costs. Small Group ( max. 10 pax ) Our tour guide will meet you at Kusadasi Cruise Port with Your Name Sign Please note that pick up time ( usually 30 minutes after your cruise arrival ) will be emailed with in 24 hours after your reservation. If you miss this email, please do not forget to contact us for pick up time. After greeting begin your 20-minute drive to Ephesus. Once there, begin touring the city, which is one of the 12 cities of the Ionian League. As a port city, this was a major departure point for trade routes into Asia Minor. Walk through history along marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings, among them discover the Baths of Scholastica and the Library of Celsus. Encounter the Temple of Hadrian and The Grand Theater, which are 2 of the most impressive buildings in Ephesus. Visit the Terrace Houses, located on the skirt of Pion Mountain. See the 6 residential units which were built on 3 man-made terraces. These houses are decorated with wall frescoes and floor mosaics, settled by the wealthy citizens of Ephesus. ( Terrace Houses is included in Private with Terrace Houses and with Small group with Terrace Houses Options only. Not included in other 2 options. Attention Not recommended for people who has walking difficulties and acro-phobia (fear of heights).) See the House of Virgin Mary, located in the Aladag Mountains, 5 miles away from Ephesus, and learn about its connection to when Mary came to Ephesus in 431 A.D. and why this area became a place of pilgrimage in 1892. Stop at the Artemission Temple, where one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world used to be. This will be the final stop on your tour before your return drive to your point of origin.

Ephesus Entry Ticket with Mobile Phone Audio Tour

6. Ephesus Entry Ticket with Mobile Phone Audio Tour

Founded by the Greeks and conquered by the Romans, Ephesus was once a city of proverbial wealth. It was a bustling port which over time developed into an important center for Christianity. On this self-guided tour, benefit from skip-the-line entry then explore using your smartphone to travel back in time to the city’s former life. The tour is the perfect way to experience the site in a fun and insightful way, and gain valuable insight into one of the most popular places in Turkey. The first stop of the day is to the State Agora, which was once the political heart of the city boasting a lavish square. Continue on to Bouleuterion, and discover the meeting point of the city council which perhaps was also a space for artistic performances. As you stroll around the colonnades, stoas, and other buildings, listen to fascinating stories about what life was like here for locals. Arrive at the Temple of Domitian and find out the rather unusual architectural layout of the U-shaped altar. Next, wander down the Curetes which connected the political and commercial hearts of Ephesus. Uncover the legend of the emperor’s fountain, then explore the large complex of baths at the Scolastica including the lavish marble latrines. Head to the grave of the Egyptian princess Arsinoe, then marvel at the mesmerizing Celsus Library, which is probably the most famous landmark of Ephesus. From here the road leads you to the gate of Mazeus and Mithridates, and onto at the Grand Theatre where performances and gladiatorial games took place. Last but not least, walk through the crossroads of the Arcadiane and follow a small path that leads you to the spectacular ruins of the enormous Church of Mary.

Kusadasi: Skip-the-line Ephesus Tour with Private Option

7. Kusadasi: Skip-the-line Ephesus Tour with Private Option

Skip The Lines : Ephesus Mini Group Tour with Private Option Start your tour by being picked up at Kusadasi port with your name sign.( Your pick up time will be given in your confirmation email by your local operator ) Drive 20 mins to Ephesus, one of 12 cities of the Ionian League, the ancient Greek district on the western coast of Asia Minor. This city thrived centuries ago as a Greek colony and then as a part of ancient Rome. In its heyday, the cities bustling port was a major departure point for trade routes into Asia Minor. Today, the city is still filled with well-preserved ruins from this era.  Take a journey back in time as you walk down marble streets adorned with wonderful public buildings. See the ruins of the Baths of Scholastica, a bathing complex dating back to the 1st century. Admire the facade of the Library of Celsus. Once one of the largest libraries of the ancient world, this Roman structure was devasted when it was rocked by an earthquake, and burned by invading Goths in the same year. Despite its lack of luck, it’s magnificent façade still stands. Admire the massive collonade of the Temple of Hadrian. Explore the Grand Theater. This impressive structure housed 24,000 spectators and was where Emperors once saw plays, concerts, and gladiatorial fights. Marvel at the ruins of the Artmisission Temple, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Dedicated to the ancient Greek goddess of the hunt, pilgrims from all over the ancient world used to travel to this temple to seek the Goddess’s favor. After touring the temple, enjoy the convenience of being dropped off back to Kusadasi town center and port.

From Kusadasi: Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Guided Tour

8. From Kusadasi: Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Guided Tour

Ephesus is one of the most significant ancient cities in Turkey and is located near the modern city of Selcuk, which is approximately 19 km away from Kusadasi. A guided tour of Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary from Kusadasi offers visitors an excellent opportunity to explore the rich historical heritage of this ancient city, and the religious significance of the House of Virgin Mary. Ephesus was established in the 10th century BC, and it was one of the most important cities in the ancient world for centuries. In the Roman period, it was the second-largest city in the empire after Rome itself. It was an important center of trade, culture, and religion, and many notable figures from history have walked its streets, including Julius Ceasar, Cleopatra, and St. Paul. The guided tour of Ephesus offers visitors a chance to explore the most remarkable highlights of the city, including the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Artemis, the Great Theatre, and the House of Love. Visitors will have the opportunity to admire the magnificent architecture of these ancient structures, and learn about Ephesus' history and culture from an expert guide. The guided tour also includes a visit to the House of Virgin Mary, which is located only a few kilometers away from Ephesus. The House is believed to be the place where the Virgin Mary spent her final days, and it has become a significant pilgrimage site for Christians from all over the world. The House of Virgin Mary guided tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore the peaceful and serene surroundings of the House, and to learn about the history and significance of this religious site. Visitors will also have the chance to attend a mass if they wish, and to light a candle in memory of loved ones. Finally, the guided tour comes to an end with a visit to the Temple of Artemis, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although only a few ruins remain today, visitors can still imagine the grandeur of this ancient temple, which was dedicated to the goddess of hunt and wild animals. In conclusion, the Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary guided Tour from Kusadasi offers visitors an exciting opportunity to explore the ancient history and religious significance of these important historical sites. With an expert guide to lead the way, visitors can enjoy learning about the past while exploring these remarkable sites.

From Kusadasi: Private Ephesus Tour for Cruise Passengers

9. From Kusadasi: Private Ephesus Tour for Cruise Passengers

Discover Ephesus, the second biggest open-air museum in the world, on a private tour. Enjoy pickup from your hotel in Kusadasi or Selcuk, or from the cruise ship port, then be driven to the major local landmarks. Allow your guide to teach you about Greco-Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman history. Apart from the city of ancient Ephesus, also explore one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - the Artemis Temple, as well as the temples of Hadrian and Domitian, the Fountains of Trojan, Polio, the Library of Celsus, and the Great Theater, which was once the center point of entertainment for up to 24,000 people. You will also get to see the House where Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last years in life. The tour ends at approximately 4:00 PM, at which point you'll be taken back to your hotel or cruise ship.

Ephesus and Pamukkale: Day Trip by Plane from Istanbul

10. Ephesus and Pamukkale: Day Trip by Plane from Istanbul

Travel back in time on a guided tour from Istanbul to the ancient cities of Ephesus and Hierapolis. Spend a full day marveling at ancient, multi-cultural architecture and monuments without worrying about any of the details of traveling and organizing.  Start your day with pickup from your hotel in Istanbul in the early morning and transfer smoothly to the airport to catch your flight to Izmir. Be greeted upon your arrival and travel to Ephesus to meet with your guide. Explore this iconic former-Greek city, built in the 10th century, famed for its temples, monuments, and theaters. Known as the commercial, religious, and social center of antiquity, this is sure to be the highlight to your whole visit to Turkey. Discover the city’s combination of Greek, Roman and Byzantine markers of civilization. Visit the Fountains of Trajan, Polio, the Temples of Hadrian and Domition, and the Library of Celcius. Be awed by the the Great Theater with its capacity for 24,000 spectators, the Temple of Artemis, and the House of the Virgin Mary. Continue to Pamukkale which is known for its natural thermal spring waters.  Find out why this site is known as the cotton castle as you see how the chemical properties of the water have formed pure white colored travertines and stepped water terraces that line the mountain’s slope, resembling piles of cotton. Visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The highlight of this site is be the Sacred Pool, which you can enter if you choose. There, shallow thermal waters ripple over a wonderful scattering of ancient Roman ruins that lie beneath. Head to the Necropolis of Hierapolis which contains 1200 gravestones, including that of Marcus Aurelius Ammianos. After your tour, transfer back to Denizli Airport for your evening flight back to Istanbul and be transferred back to your hotel.

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What people are saying about Library of Celsus

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 270 reviews

We were picked up at the hotel on time. At Selcuk we were joined by our Guide Nizam who was very friendly from the word go. He had good knowledge about the places we visited and always made us comfortable. he was also very witty . We started off with visiting House of virgin Mary, then Ephesus and also visited silk weaving and carpet making factory, a leather factory and also some local wine tasting to top it all.

The tour guide Nizam was excellent and so was our driver. The pick up was exactly on time and everything was very well arranged. I highly recommend this tour company and the trip to Ephesus!

Well organised tour. Lunch was included and it was very nice. Both the driver and tour guide were good. The tour guide gave a lot of information which was great

Very good guide ! Volkan is very knowledgeable person and very pleasant to be around . Ephesus is a must see experience

Really good experience, excellent tour guide. Thank you very much