The Ephesus region in western Türkiye holds a special place in Christian history. Here, on the slopes above one of antiquity’s greatest cities, stands the House of the Virgin Mary, while the ruins below recall the early communities that the Apostles Paul and John once knew. This guide brings together everything you need to plan a meaningful visit.

In This Series

Our Ephesus collection covers the holy sites and the practical side of a trip:

More Ephesus Guides

• The House of the Virgin Mary in Ephesus
• Exploring Ancient Ephesus: An Early Christian Journey
• Where to Stay near Ephesus: Budget Guide to Selcuk

Who Comes Here

Pilgrims of several Christian traditions visit the House of the Virgin Mary to pray and reflect, while history lovers and travellers of all backgrounds come for the remarkable ancient city. The combination makes Ephesus appealing to a wide range of visitors.

When to Visit

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer the most comfortable weather and lighter crowds. Summers are hot, and the ruins provide little shade, so an early start is wise.

Getting There

The town of Selçuk is the gateway, reachable by train or bus from Izmir, the nearest major city and airport. The coastal resort of Kuşadası is also close and popular with visitors arriving by sea.

Explore More Sacred Sites

• The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem
• The Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem
• The Vatican & St. Peter’s Basilica
• The Basilica of the Annunciation, Nazareth
• Santiago de Compostela
• Lourdes
• Fatima
• Mont-Saint-Michel
• Assisi, Italy
• Guadalupe, Mexico
• Saint Catherine’s Monastery & Mount Sinai
• Meteora, Greece
• Częstochowa, Poland
• All Christian Holy Sites – Complete Guide