The ancient city of Ephesus, located in present-day Turkey, is a popular tourist destination and attracts visitors from all over the world. While the original entrance gates of the ancient city are historic ruins, there are modern entrance gates with tolls that allow tourists to access the site. These gates provide a convenient and organized way for visitors to explore the ancient city and learn about its fascinating history and culture. Today, the entrance gates of Ephesus are an important part of the tourist experience and provide access to one of the most well-preserved ancient cities in the world.
How many entrance gates are there for Ephesus Ancient City?
Although Ephesus had many entrance gates in ancient times, today it has two main gates with toll booths. Upper Entrance Gate (also known as the “South Entrance”) and Lower Entrance Gate (also known as the “North Entrance”).
Upper Entrance Gate of Ephesus
Upper Entrance Gate is situated in the southeast, approximately 3 km from Selcuk and the House of the Virgin Mary. The route leading to the entrance gate is called the “back road,” which also leads to the Cave of the Seven Sleepers, located about 1.5 km from the turnoff. Visitors can find a smaller parking area, a couple of restaurants, souvenir shops, and toilets near the upper entrance. The ticket office is located on the left, inside the entrance gate.
How to go to Upper Gate Entrance?
Unfortunately, no dolmuş (minibus) service is available to/at the upper entrance. However, visitors can take a Selcuk-Ephesus dolmuş and disembark at the signposted turnoff for the Cave of the Seven Sleepers or take a taxi or a fayton. The back road offers a scenic drive, walk, or bicycle ride through farmland with fields and peach trees.
Lower Entrance Gate of Ephesus
The lower Entrance Gate of the Ephesus archaeological site is situated at the northern end and is easily accessible by the road connecting Selcuk and the highway between Izmir and Kusadasi. It is now considered the primary entry point for most visitors, especially for those traveling by tour buses. The lower entrance is also the location of the dolmuş stop for transportation to and from Selcuk. Visitors can find many amenities at the lower entrance, such as a larger parking area, restrooms, a post office with an ATM, and various cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops. However, visitors should be prepared for larger crowds at the lower entrance than at the upper entrance.
How to go to Lower Gate Entrance?
To access Ephesus’s lower entrance gate, various transportation options are available. From Selcuk, you can take the Selcuk-Efes minibusses, walk, or hile a taxi. If traveling to Ephesus from Kusadasi, you can get off at the Ephesus junction and walk or take a taxi to the lower entrance gate.
Which entrance to Ephesus is best?
The ancient city of Ephesus has a downward-sloping structure from south to north. You can take a more comfortable and less tiring tour by entering from the Upper (South) gate and exiting from the Lower (North) gate. For more on how to time your arrival and choose the right gate based on your starting point, see our guide on the best way to visit Ephesus.
How can I travel between both gates?
If you are traveling in your own car and have parked in the parking lot, you can return to the gate you entered via the taxi stands or horse-drawn carriages (fayton) located at both the upper and lower gates.
Are you planning a trip to Ephesus? You might be interested in Selcuk Attractions – 12 things to do – Selcuk Travel Guide