Temple of Artemis
Temple Ancient Ionic temple once one of the Seven Wonders
At Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis survives as foundations and scattered fragments from one of the Ancient World’s wonders. Visitors study the site’s archaeology within the wider Roman city excavations around Selçuk.
The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was an ancient Greek temple in what is now İzmir Province, celebrated in antiquity as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The temple was constructed and rebuilt in antiquity, with major versions of the monument erected in the first millennium BCE and later rebuilt after destruction. It functioned as a major sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Artemis until its decline in the later ancient period.
The site lies near the modern town of Selçuk in İzmir Province on Turkey’s Aegean coast, adjacent to the larger archaeological area of Ephesus.
- Seven Wonder status: Recognised as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World for its size and architectural ambition in antiquity.
- Current remains: Only fragmentary foundations and archaeological traces remain on the original site near the modern town of Selçuk; most large sculptures and reliefs are now in museums elsewhere.
How to Get to Temple of Artemis #
Selçuk is reached from İzmir by ESHOT bus or train; the Temple is a short taxi ride from Selçuk town or Ephesus archaeological park. Many visitors combine the trip with a full day at Ephesus.
Tips for Visiting Temple of Artemis #
- The archaeological site of the Temple is mostly foundations-visit the nearby Terrace Houses and Ephesus Museum in Selçuk for complementary context.
- Combine a trip to the site with the Museum of Selçuk (Efes Müzesi) to see sculptures and artifacts recovered from the area.
- Expect a short visit-there is little left of the original columns but the story of the cult and its cultic objects is told in museum displays.
Best Time to Visit Temple of Artemis #
Spring and autumn for comfortable exploring and lighter crowds.
Weather & Climate near Temple of Artemis #
Temple of Artemis's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 4°C to 33°C. Moderate rainfall (699 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (139 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 33°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 4 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (142 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
