Things to do in  Selçuk

The ancient city of Ephesus (Efes) is one of the eastern Mediterranean’s most impressive archaeological sites. It was a significant city in both the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. Many reconstructed structures and ruins, including the Temple of Artemis (Artemision), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, can be seen here.

St. Mary’s House in Ephesus is believed by many to be the place where the mother of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, spent her final days, and has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors and pilgrims seeking the healing properties of the spring that runs beneath the stone home since its discovery in the 19th-century.

One of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the marble Temple of Artemis (Artemision or Artemisium at Ephesus once spanned more than 63,000 square feet (around 5,850 square meters. Today all that remains of 127 original columns plus countless frescoes and statues is a teetering pillar and some foundation fragments.

A cluster of ancient 2-story homes spread across three tiers, the Ephesus Terrace Houses reveal how wealthy Romans lived during the city’s glory days. Glass floors let you admire geometric mosaics and still-colorful frescoes gleaming on the walls—it’s a small wonder some compare the site to Pompeii.

In Christian tradition, St. John the Apostle came to Ephesus after St. Paul and ministered to the Ephesians. The vast Basilica of St. John, built by the sixth-century emperor Justinian, houses a fourth-century tomb that drew pilgrims from across Europe in search of miracles. It is still one of the world’s largest cathedrals today.

A grand two-story facade adorned with statues of the four Virtues makes the Library of Celsus the most photographed and best-known monument in the Ephesus UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in AD 110 to honor Gaius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, it once held 12,000 scrolls, making it one of the largest libraries in the ancient world.

The Temple of Hadrian is one of the most remarkable highlights of Ephesus, an archaeological site in Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye). Built in the 2nd century, this monument serves as a tribute to Hadrian, Artemis, and the people of Ephesus, and it’s considered to be one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the country. Though small in size, it boasts a stunning exterior arch, a porch, and a cozy main hall, all supported by pillars and Corinthian columns—a true masterpiece of ancient Roman engineering. What makes the Temple of Hadrian truly special are the hidden gems scattered throughout the grounds. Taking the time to stroll through the surrounding park can offer incredible views of the temple and its surroundings.

Built in the 14th century, the Isa Bey Mosque is an architectural wonder located near the ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye). The mosque boasts a unique asymmetrical design and striking details like intricate carvings and calligraphy inscriptions on the western facade, green and turquoise tiles adorning the interior, a preserved brick minaret on the north side, and two impressive domes at the center. The mosque showcases the Selcuk style of architecture rather than the more common Ottoman style that emerged in subsequent years, and is a must-visit for anyone interested in design or history.

Explore the ruins of what was one of the most impressive structures in the ancient Roman city of Ephesus. The Temple of Domitian dates from the 1st century and is the earliest known structure dedicated to an emperor. It is located on the south end of Domitian Street.

Şirince, a small village of just 600 inhabitants, has a long history dating back to the fall of Ephesus. Today, the mountainous town is mainly known for its well-preserved stucco homes, olive groves, and wineries with verdant backdrops. St. John the Baptist Church is another popular attraction, adorned with stunning Byzantine frescoes.

Featuring walls hewn from natural rock and a stunning 130-foot-long hallway adorned with 5th-century mosaics, the Baths of Varius underwent several renovations over the centuries to become the one-of-a-kind structure we see today. Boasting separate rooms for cold, warm, and hot water, private chambers for wealthy citizens of Ephesus, and possibly even a gymnasium, the baths covered an expansive area and provided a luxurious and functional hub for ancient Turkish society. A visit to the Baths of Varius is not only a memorable experience but also a valuable opportunity to learn about Ephesus’ unique history.

Part of the Ephesus Archaeological Complex, the Ephesian public latrine offers a glimpse into the daily life of the city's inhabitants. This well-preserved ruin served as a communal toilet during the Roman period, providing a unique perspective on the city's history. While landmarks such as the Library of Celsus showcase Ephesus' grandeur, this intact facility humanizes the ancient city.

According to a third-century story of the Cave of the Seven Sleepers, several Christian men in Ephesus (present-day Selcuk, Turkey) sought sanctuary in a nearby cave to escape persecution by the Roman Emperor Trajan Decius. They fell asleep, waking some 250 years later and discovering that Christianity had become widely accepted in Ephesus. After natural deaths, the “seven sleepers” were buried in the same cave, which quickly became a pilgrimage site.

One of Ephesus’ most important fountains, the Fountain of Trajan (Nymphaeum Traiani) stands proud on Curetes Street. Built sometime between 102–114 AD to honor Emperor Trajan, it once stood more than 30 feet (9.5 meters) high and featured around 15 statues, including a vast sculpture of Trajan, of which only one foot remains.

Aqua Fantasy Aquapark is a haven for thrillseekers in Selçuk, Turkey. With water slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and a dedicated kids area, this destination offers something to visitors of any age. Enjoy the luxuries of soaking up the sun poolside or spend an exhilarating day hitting the slides—it's up to you.