Ephesus Terrace Houses
Step into the opulent world of Ephesus's elite. Explore luxurious Roman villas adorned with stunning mosaics and frescoes, showcasing advanced ancient...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the midday heat and crowds.
Ephesus Terrace Houses
Best Time
Beat the midday heat and crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into the opulent world of Ephesus's elite. Explore luxurious Roman villas adorned with stunning mosaics and frescoes, showcasing advanced ancient engineering.
"The extra price you pay is well worth it. You will multiple Roman houses that belonged to the richest families of the time."
🎟️ Separate Ticket Required
The Terrace Houses have a separate entrance fee from the main Ephesus site. Factor this into your budget!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven surfaces and stairs. Good footwear is essential for exploring the ancient villas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Intricate Mosaics and Frescoes
Residential Villas
Marvel at the vibrant, detailed floor mosaics and wall frescoes that once adorned these luxurious Roman homes.
Advanced Roman Engineering
Heating and Plumbing Systems
Discover the ingenious underfloor heating and water systems that provided comfort to Ephesus's wealthiest citizens.
Views of Ancient Ephesus
Upper Terraces
Imagine the bustling city below and the once-present harbor from these elevated vantage points.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Terrace Houses Ticket in Advance
Allocate Sufficient Time for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Separate Ticket Required
The Terrace Houses have a separate entrance fee from the main Ephesus site. Factor this into your budget!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven surfaces and stairs. Good footwear is essential for exploring the ancient villas.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, carry water. There are limited facilities inside the covered houses.
📸 Capture the Details
The mosaics and frescoes are stunning. Take your time to photograph the intricate artwork.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Separate Ticket Required
The Terrace Houses have a separate entrance fee from the main Ephesus site. Factor this into your budget!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven surfaces and stairs. Good footwear is essential for exploring the ancient villas.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, carry water. There are limited facilities inside the covered houses.
📸 Capture the Details
The mosaics and frescoes are stunning. Take your time to photograph the intricate artwork.
🗣️ Consider a Guide
A knowledgeable guide can bring the history of these 'houses of the rich' to life.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Terrace Houses as a highlight of Ephesus, offering an incredible window into the lives of the wealthy Romans with their stunning mosaics, frescoes, and advanced engineering. The separate ticket price is considered well worth the experience, though some note that a rushed visit can detract from the appreciation of the intricate details.
"The terraced houses of Ephesus are an incredible window into the past. These lavish houses of Ancient Ephesus overlook the Library of Celsius. Find a good tour guide and ask how long the tour is. You don't want to be rushed."
Chris Calabrese
"These beautiful luxury villas of the past is where the rich Romans used to stay. A lot has been excavated and excavation and restoration continues. You get the see the opulent housing of the past with their elaborate mosaics, and their (for that time) complicated heating and plumbing systems.
The views from these villas would have been spectacular - esp when the harbor was right there"
Jubin Edachery
"I have been skipping this part whenever I visited Ephesus and after seeing it once I definitely recommend it to everyone. The extra price you pay (300 liras on internet, but around 125 for Turkish citizens at ticket office) is well worth it. You will multiple roman houses that belonged to the richest families of the time. It was an amazing experience to see painted walls and mosaics on the ground. You can tell how fancy these houses have been in their time."
Çağla Akün
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Terrace Houses are located within the main Ephesus Ancient City site in Selçuk, İzmir. You can reach Ephesus by car, bus, or taxi from nearby towns. Once inside the main site, follow the signs for the Terrace Houses, which are typically accessed via a separate entrance and require an additional ticket.
Yes, the Terrace Houses are well-signposted within the main Ephesus archaeological site. They are situated on the northern slope of Bülbüldağı Hill, adjacent to Curetes Street and opposite the Temple of Hadrian. 
No, the Terrace Houses are an integral part of the Ephesus archaeological site and require entry to the main site first. You will need a general Ephesus ticket to access the area where the Terrace Houses are located.
From Izmir, you can take a train or a bus to Selçuk, the town closest to Ephesus. The journey takes about an hour. From Selçuk, local minibuses (dolmuş) or taxis can take you directly to the entrance of the Ephesus archaeological site.
Yes, there are paid parking lots available near the main entrance of the Ephesus archaeological site. This is a convenient option if you are arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, the Terrace Houses require a separate ticket in addition to the general admission ticket for Ephesus. This is a common point of confusion, so be sure to purchase both.
Ticket prices can vary, but expect to pay around 300 Turkish Lira (as of recent information). Turkish citizens may have a lower price at the ticket office. It's always best to check the official museum website for the most current pricing.
If you have a Turkish Museum Pass, the ticket to the Terrace Houses is often included. This can be a great value if you plan to visit multiple historical sites in Turkey.
The opening hours for the Terrace Houses generally align with the main Ephesus archaeological site, typically from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM during the summer season and shorter hours in winter. It's advisable to confirm the exact hours before your visit.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist season, to avoid long queues at the ticket office and ensure entry.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Terrace Houses offer a unique glimpse into the lives of the wealthy elite in Roman Ephesus. They are renowned for their well-preserved mosaics, frescoes, advanced heating systems, and plumbing, showcasing the luxury of the era.
Most visitors recommend dedicating at least 1 to 1.5 hours to fully explore and appreciate the details of the Terrace Houses. A rushed visit might only take 30 minutes, but you'll miss a lot.
Yes, the Terrace Houses are covered by a protective roofing structure that helps preserve the delicate mosaics and frescoes from the elements. This allows for year-round visiting.
You can see stunning examples of Roman art, including intricate floor mosaics made of small tesserae, and colorful wall frescoes depicting mythological scenes, daily life, and decorative patterns.
Yes, guided tours are highly recommended for the Terrace Houses. Licensed guides can provide in-depth historical context and point out significant details you might otherwise miss.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the Terrace Houses, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the delicate frescoes and mosaics. Always check for signage or ask a guide.
Focus on capturing the intricate details of the floor mosaics and the vibrant wall frescoes. The central courtyards (peristyles) and the views from the upper levels also offer great photographic opportunities.
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the expanse of the mosaics. Natural light is best, so avoid flash. Consider a tripod if allowed and if lighting is dim, but be mindful of other visitors.
Drone photography is strictly prohibited within the Ephesus archaeological site, including the Terrace Houses, to preserve the historical integrity and for safety reasons.
Increase your ISO slightly and use a wider aperture to let in more light. Steady your camera by leaning against a wall or using a monopod if permitted. Patience is key to waiting for the best light.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Houses of the Rich': Life in Roman Ephesus
+1Visitors can explore two main excavated complexes, the Eastern and Western, which showcase the Hippodamian plan of urban design with intersecting streets. The houses featured interior courtyards (peristyles), often open to the sky, around which rooms were arranged. Many were two-storied, though upper levels have largely collapsed over time. The dim interiors, illuminated primarily by light from the open halls, were a deliberate design choice to protect the delicate artwork and maintain a cooler environment.
+1The true marvel of the Terrace Houses lies in their sophisticated amenities and artistic decoration. They boasted central heating systems, similar to those in Roman baths, with clay pipes circulating hot air beneath the floors and behind the walls. They also had access to hot and cold running water. The walls were adorned with vibrant frescoes depicting mythological scenes, portraits, and geometric patterns, while the floors were covered in elaborate mosaics crafted from thousands of tiny stone and glass pieces. These artistic elements, along with the advanced engineering, highlight the advanced civilization of Roman Ephesus.
+2Preservation and Restoration Efforts
+1Restoration work has been crucial in bringing the houses back to a state where their beauty can be appreciated. Two of the most well-preserved houses have been opened to the public as a museum, showcasing the intricate details of Roman domestic life. This meticulous work ensures that future generations can learn from and be inspired by these ancient wonders.
+1While much has been uncovered and restored, excavation and restoration continue at the site. This ongoing process promises to reveal even more about the history and architecture of Ephesus. The dedication of archaeologists and conservators is vital in safeguarding these invaluable historical treasures for the world.
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