Temple of Artemis
Once a Wonder of the Ancient World, this site in Ephesus now features remnants of a colossal temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Temple of Artemis
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Once a Wonder of the Ancient World, this site in Ephesus now features remnants of a colossal temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis.
"Knowing it was once one of the Seven Wonders makes this quick stop truly special."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The site has gravel paths and uneven surfaces. Comfy shoes are a must for exploring! :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water & Sun Protection
It gets hot! Stay hydrated and protected from the sun, especially during summer months. :droplet: :sunwithface:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Sole Reconstructed Column
Main site
A single, towering marble column stands as a testament to the temple's former grandeur.
Vast Foundation Footprint
Main site
Imagine the sheer scale of this ancient wonder by walking the grounds where massive marble pillars once stood.
Stork Nests (Seasonal)
On top of remaining columns
If you're lucky, you might spot storks nesting atop the ancient columns, a unique blend of nature and history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Manage Expectations: It's Mostly Ruins
Combine with Ephesus for a Full Day
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The site has gravel paths and uneven surfaces. Comfy shoes are a must for exploring! :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water & Sun Protection
It gets hot! Stay hydrated and protected from the sun, especially during summer months. :droplet: :sunwithface:
📚 Read Up Before You Go
To truly appreciate the site, research its history and significance beforehand. :books:
⏳ Allow for a Quick Visit
The Temple of Artemis itself is a brief stop, often combined with Ephesus. :stopwatch:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The site has gravel paths and uneven surfaces. Comfy shoes are a must for exploring! :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water & Sun Protection
It gets hot! Stay hydrated and protected from the sun, especially during summer months. :droplet: :sunwithface:
📚 Read Up Before You Go
To truly appreciate the site, research its history and significance beforehand. :books:
⏳ Allow for a Quick Visit
The Temple of Artemis itself is a brief stop, often combined with Ephesus. :stopwatch:
📸 Capture the Scale
Focus on the remaining columns and foundations to convey the immense size of the ancient structure.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors acknowledge the Temple of Artemis's historical significance as a former Wonder of the Ancient World, but note that little remains today beyond foundations and a single column. While some find it a quick, worthwhile stop for its historical context, others express disappointment at the lack of preserved structures, suggesting more maintenance could be done. +2
"The Temple of Artemis, once located in Ephesus (modern-day Turkey), was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, renowned for its grand size and exquisite architecture. Dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis, the temple was rebuilt around 550 BCE and featured stunning marble pillars, intricate sculptures, and a massive altar. Though only ruins remain today, the temple's legacy endures as a symbol of both religious devotion and architectural ingenuity."
Bryan Belcher
"Excavations are going on but we are free to roam around most of the site. No improved surfaces so be careful if you are mobility-impaired. It's best if you read up first before visiting because there's not much for a novice archaeology tourist to work with. But you do get an idea of the size of the temple that is hard to distinguish when viewing from St John's basilica or from the highway."
Tom Hemingway
"The Temple of Artemis might not look like much today, just a few columns and stones but knowing it was once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World makes it really special. It’s a quick stop, but worth it for the history and the atmosphere. Plus, it’s right near Ephesus, so you can easily combine it with other amazing sites."
Ulaş Gökçe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Izmir, you can take a bus or train to Selçuk, the town closest to Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis. From Selçuk, it's a short taxi ride or a pleasant walk to the site. Many guided tours from Izmir also include a stop here. +1
Yes, there is usually parking available near the site, especially if you're visiting as part of a larger trip to Ephesus.
Absolutely! Kusadasi is very close to Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis, making it a popular starting point for day trips.
They are quite close to each other. You can walk between them if you're exploring Ephesus, or take a short taxi ride. Many visitors combine them as they are in the same general vicinity.
While public transport will get you to Selçuk, you'll likely need a short taxi or a walk to reach the Temple of Artemis itself from the town center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no entry fee for the Temple of Artemis site itself, as it's largely ruins. However, if you are visiting as part of the Ephesus Ancient City tour, there will be an admission fee for Ephesus.
The site is typically accessible during daylight hours, as it's an open-air ruin. It aligns with the general visiting hours for the Ephesus archaeological area.
No, typically there is no separate entrance fee for the Temple of Artemis ruins. It's often viewed as part of the broader Ephesus experience.
You usually purchase a single ticket for Ephesus Ancient City, which includes access to the surrounding historical sites like the Temple of Artemis.
While there isn't a specific pass for the Temple of Artemis, consider a museum pass if you plan to visit multiple historical sites in Turkey.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Today, you'll see the foundations of the massive temple and a single reconstructed column. It's more about imagining its past glory than seeing intact structures.
The site has unimproved surfaces and gravel paths, which can be challenging for those with mobility impairments. Be cautious.
A visit to the Temple of Artemis itself is quite short, often taking no more than 30 minutes to an hour, especially if combined with Ephesus. +1
While there might not be dedicated tours solely for the Temple of Artemis, most Ephesus tours will include a stop and explanation here.
Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and wear comfortable walking shoes due to the gravel and uneven terrain.
📸 📸 Photography
The single reconstructed column against the sky is iconic. Also, try to capture the scale of the foundations to show its former size.
Yes, photography is generally allowed at the open-air ruins of the Temple of Artemis.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer crowds, making for better photography conditions.
Drone regulations can vary, and it's best to check local rules before flying. It's often restricted at historical sites.
Photographing the remaining stones and the single column from different perspectives can help convey the sense of ancient grandeur and loss.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Make sure kids have comfortable shoes for walking on uneven ground and plenty of water and sun protection.
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
+1 Researching the architectural innovations, such as the lead-based stabilization techniques, and the religious context of Artemis worship will greatly enrich your visit. Engage with the ongoing excavations if possible, as they often reveal new insights.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Budget Explorers
To make the most of a solo visit, do your research beforehand to understand the site's history and significance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Temple of Artemis: A Wonder Lost
+1 It wasn't just a religious site; it was a bustling center of commerce and pilgrimage, drawing visitors from across the ancient world. The temple was rebuilt multiple times due to destruction by floods, arson, and invasions, with the most famous iteration dating back to around 550 BCE. +1Today, the site is a poignant reminder of what once was. While much of the temple was dismantled or destroyed over centuries, excavations have revealed its impressive scale. Visitors can see the vast foundations and a single, reconstructed column that stands as a solitary sentinel.
For those visiting, it's crucial to manage expectations. The site is primarily ruins, and its grandeur is best appreciated with some prior knowledge. Reading up on its history, its multiple destructions and rebuilds, and its cultural importance will significantly enhance the experience.
+1Visiting Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis: Traveler Insights
Practical advice from visitors often emphasizes wearing comfortable shoes due to the gravelly and uneven terrain.
For those looking to maximize their visit, consider booking a guided tour that covers both Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis, or plan your own itinerary efficiently.
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