Ephesus: an ancient Roman city about 10 times the size of Disneyland

Ephesus is a 1,600-acre Greco-Roman archaeological site in Izmir Province that drew about 2.5 million visitors in 2025 and contains landmarks such as the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater and the site of the Temple of Artemis.

Ephesus, on the Aegean coast in Turkey's Izmir Province, is a large Greco-Roman archaeological site cared for as a UNESCO World Heritage location. Founded in the 10th century BCE, much of what visitors see today dates to the Roman era when the city was a busy port and cultural centre. The site covers about 1,600 acres and has been described as around ten times the size of Disneyland. Modern visitor arrangements include controlled entry and guided routes along well-preserved marble streets and monuments. Notable features: - The Library of Celsus: a 56-foot facade that once sheltered more than 12,000 scrolls before a fire in 262 CE and also served as a monumental tomb. - The Great Theater: a 25,000-seat venue used for performances, assemblies and, in the Roman era, gladiatorial events; it is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles. - Temple of Artemis site: one of the ancient world's largest Greek temples, burned in 356 BCE by an arsonist named Herostratus; today only a reconstructed pillar stands at the original site outside the main park. - Public baths and latrines: the Scholastica Baths could accommodate many visitors and include latrines with 36 seating holes and evidence of cleaning tools such as a sponge on a stick (xylospongium). - Domestic and civic remains: the Terrace Houses show private baths, frescoes and mosaics; Curetes Street retains marble paving and carved signage interpreted as an early advertisement for a brothel. - Religious and early Christian sites: the Prytaneion, statues of Artemis now in the Ephesus Museum, and the nearby House of the Virgin Mary are part of the site's multi-layered religious history. Summary: Ephesus remains a major archaeological and tourist site that illustrates Greek, Roman and early Christian histories and daily life. Government plans announced in 2017 propose refilling a canal to reconnect the ancient harbour to the sea, but no timeline has been provided. Undetermined at this time.