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The Terrace Houses

Ephesus, Turkey
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Ranked #1 of 22 attractions in Ephesus
Type: Ancient Ruins
Description: Wealthy Ephesians inhabited these luxurious houses on the slopes of Bülbül Mountain.
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148 reviews from our community

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Athens, Georgia
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
64 helpful votes 64 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 June 2013 NEW

If you are in Ephesus, you must see the Terrace Houses. Typically, when you see ancient sites (like Pompeii), they have removed the floors and frescoes. Here, they have put a high tech roof and stairs throughout the archeological site. it is really interesting to see everything in tact...and exactly where it was originally. Keep in mind that this site... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
41 reviews 41 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 27 cities Reviews in 27 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 June 2013 NEW

We were not sure if we should go as it incurs an extra charge. LonelyPlanet guide recommended and because we might not return to Ephesus we went. It is amazing and worth every penny!

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The Dalles, ORegon, USA
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 June 2013 NEW

I had read the reviews before going and knew not to skip the Terrace Houses, but even my highest expectations were exceeded. The reviews had prepared me for long lines and a slow pace through but for whatever reason it was almost like we had the place to ourselves. We used Best Ephesus Private tours and had a great experience.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 2 more reviews by gulf-to-gulf for Ephesus
Leesburg, Florida
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 June 2013 NEW

It is amazing to see how the scientists work to put together the ceramic pieces like a puzzle to recreate the houses like they were thousands of years ago. Well worth the extra cost to take the tour in Ephesus

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UBE
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 June 2013

A good guide may be able to make this covered work in progress come alive. Great for archaeology buffs, but average people will just pay more money to see some square walls and a few bits of mosaic.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Pennsilvania
Top Contributor
58 reviews 58 reviews
37 attraction reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
53 helpful votes 53 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 June 2013

Great experience. Took me back to previous trip to Pompeii. Terrace houses is a separate entrance fee and is located inside the ruins of Ephesus. Allow 1-1 1/2 hrs. Visited with a guide. A lot of going up and down steps. Place is well taken care of and has a roof.

Was this review helpful? Yes 3
Dublin, California
Top Contributor
77 reviews 77 reviews
39 attraction reviews
Reviews in 36 cities Reviews in 36 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 June 2013

Though the economically-built cover makes the visit comfortable, it really distracts from the visual enjoyment of these beautifully-preserved ruins. One can imagine the life of well-off families living here in those times. Taking photos here is facilitated by the well-planned elevated walkways. Carrying a small digital camera makes it easier to take some photos one-handed in between the scaffolds. Worth... More

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Winnipeg, Canada
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 June 2013

By far the best part of Ephesus. Ms. Arzu from aboutephesus.com was our guide and she gave us a thorough and interesting look into real life in the ancient past.

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Rakiura, Stewart Island
Top Contributor
53 reviews 53 reviews
38 attraction reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 June 2013

Absolutely amazing! It costs more to go here but it is well worth it. This is where archaeology and a commendable museum experience combine to give an insight into the lives and culture of a lost civilisation. To enter the Houses (L15) you have to have already paid for and entered the Ephesus site (L25). I can imagine that some... More

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Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
3 attraction reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 June 2013

I loved Yufus's enthusiasm and knowledge. It was beyond what I have ever experienced with a travel agent.

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See 2 more reviews by Linda726392 for Ephesus

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