Ephesus Terrace Houses
Ephesus Terrace Houses
5
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Wealthy Ephesians inhabited these luxurious houses on the slopes of Bülbül Mountain.
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5.0
1,050 reviews
Excellent
883
Very good
125
Average
33
Poor
6
Terrible
3
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia19,408 contributions
Sept 2020
These are newly excavated apartments set on the hill side above the main Curetes street. They belonged to wealthy Romans who could afford them.
The whole site is roofed and in some of the apartments you can still see the inner wall decorations and mosaics as well.
However, 3 stars I give due to a high separate fee to visit it above the general admission fee which is 100 TL ($ 12). It would be appropriate extra 20-30 TL, but extra 70 TL (70% of the general price) if way too much.
The whole site is roofed and in some of the apartments you can still see the inner wall decorations and mosaics as well.
However, 3 stars I give due to a high separate fee to visit it above the general admission fee which is 100 TL ($ 12). It would be appropriate extra 20-30 TL, but extra 70 TL (70% of the general price) if way too much.
Written 25 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharls G
Traralgon, Australia345 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We were amazed at the excavations taking place here.The ticket is 36 lira but if you have a museum pass, it is included in that.
The frescos and mosaic floor work are absolutely amazing.
Well worth a look and probably the second best thing to see after the library
The frescos and mosaic floor work are absolutely amazing.
Well worth a look and probably the second best thing to see after the library
Written 22 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris B
Knoxville, TN124 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
There’s something humanizing about seeing the frescoes on the walls of these ancient homes. Between dorky portraits and overly descriptive renderings of chicken and fish in the Kitchen (what kitchen needs to wear a name tag saying- “I’m a Kitchen?”) You get a real glimpse into the lives of the people who lived here. The ruins outside the enclosure are similarly astounding, and the site is drenched with fascinating history. Definitely worth a stop!
Written 31 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Morrso
Agnes Water, Australia122 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Fascinating glimpse into the houses and lifestyles of the wealthy citizens of Ephesus. These “townhouses” are unique, yet reminiscent of houses of Pompeii. Well worth the extra fee. Advice: get to Ephesus right when the houses open and view them before the crowds arrive.
Written 12 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rlindsay2017
Alexandria, VA5 contributions
May 2021
Ephesus is such a wonderful experience that you may overlook the Terrace Houses, which are separately ticketed. Don't! Amazing houses with beautiful frescoes and mosaics, carefully restored. Comparable to houses in Pompeii (albeit on smaller scale). Bonus: the houses are enclosed so if you are visiting on a hot day, as we were, the Terrace Houses provide relief from the Turkish sun. Take your time inside. Well worth it.
Written 10 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CoralReef
Washington2,565 contributions
If you are visiting Ancient Ephesus and get a chance to tour the Terrace Houses, do so. They are well worth a visit, as they are extremely well preserved, and give a good idea how the wealthier citizens lived.
The houses are located inside Ancient Ephesus, but there is a separate admission charge of 10 Turkish lira. They take about 20 minutes to see. It's best if you have a knowledgeable guide, since there isn't a lot of signage. The houses are preserved under a high-tech ceiling, which can get a little warm; and there are stairs to climb. But the houses are fascinating.
There are many frescoes and mosaic floors in excellent shape (including a rather naughty fresco!). You can see how the ancient citizens lived, cooked, ate, slept, and carried out their other daily activities. Very enlightening!
The houses are located inside Ancient Ephesus, but there is a separate admission charge of 10 Turkish lira. They take about 20 minutes to see. It's best if you have a knowledgeable guide, since there isn't a lot of signage. The houses are preserved under a high-tech ceiling, which can get a little warm; and there are stairs to climb. But the houses are fascinating.
There are many frescoes and mosaic floors in excellent shape (including a rather naughty fresco!). You can see how the ancient citizens lived, cooked, ate, slept, and carried out their other daily activities. Very enlightening!
Written 16 June 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy S
Boise, ID67 contributions
May 2011
We booked with Osman Turizm and our guide, Muge (Lily), took us through the main areas of Ephesus, but the tour also included the Terrace Houses, which are an additional charge and this is likely the main reason the cruise ship tours skip the Terrace Houses. If you do go on a cruise tour, you'll see this curious "cover" during a section of the tour and you'll walk right by it, never knowing it's the best hidden gem and well worth the cost to see. You've come this far, see the most awesome attraction of all.
I HIGHLY encourage any cruiser to book a private tour- www.aboutephesus.com is the company we used an our guide Muge (moo-gay), was excellent.
I HIGHLY encourage any cruiser to book a private tour- www.aboutephesus.com is the company we used an our guide Muge (moo-gay), was excellent.
Written 31 May 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jay Artale aka Roving Jay
London, UK603 contributions
Sept 2012 • Couples
Even though you have to pay an additional entrance fee for these Terrace Houses. It's a must see. These interiors are in the process of been excavated, and it's intriguing to see all of the archaeological efforts underway. It's like a huge jigsaw puzzle in there -- it was a fabulous site, and I'm so glad we got the opportunity of looking around. These Terrace houses are a good balance to all of the austere stately buildings in the rest of Ephesus.
Pay the Money and Tour the Houses. You won't be disappointed.
Pay the Money and Tour the Houses. You won't be disappointed.
Written 16 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KiwiKerry53
Wellington, New Zealand4,910 contributions
Aug 2011 • Friends
With an additional cost and quite a high one and that I was happy to give the Terrace Houses a miss. After all the highlight was no doubt the Celsus Library and nothing would beat that.
Eventually, I decided I'd go in with my friend, rather than wait around in the searing heat, costly shade, but was I in for a surprise!
The work thats being done restoring every aspect of the houses defies comprehension. Watching tiny pieces of a vast jigsaw being pieced together was an amazing experience. The work done to date is amazing - I would love to come back in the future and see how far they've come with their pain staking work.
Eventually, I decided I'd go in with my friend, rather than wait around in the searing heat, costly shade, but was I in for a surprise!
The work thats being done restoring every aspect of the houses defies comprehension. Watching tiny pieces of a vast jigsaw being pieced together was an amazing experience. The work done to date is amazing - I would love to come back in the future and see how far they've come with their pain staking work.
Written 15 March 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OpusTheCat
Vero Beach, FL339 contributions
We booked a tour with Ekol Travel while on a cruise. We requested a visit to the Terrace Houses and we are glad we did. It was very interesting to see how the rich lived in ancient times. Most large tour groups don't tour the houses because they are not set up for large groups.
See them if you can. You can see pictures and our entire trip report on our sunnytripreport web site.
See them if you can. You can see pictures and our entire trip report on our sunnytripreport web site.
Written 21 July 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do you purchase the ticket for the Terrace Houses at the entrance to the houses or at the Ephesus main gate ticket offices?
Is it included in the museum pass?
Written 15 August 2018
Sorry, I've made a mistake. It was the Museum Pass (The Aegean)
Written 17 August 2018
I have visited Ephesus 3 times, but didn't see the Terrace Houses. Probably because it was before they were open. Do you know if you can do the Terrace Houses without going through Ephesus again??
Written 24 September 2015
No, as far as I know you have to come into the site and pay to do so. If you come in at the "top" entrance, it is a way down on the left, half way to the library. It's only 15 TL extra entrance fee, paid at its gate.
Being covered, it's quite cool inside and I see people are asking about the severity of the climb.
There are many sets of stairs and the most in one flight would have been 10 to 15. They are metal, non slip ones and standard height treads. It's an easy climb.
The climb down is more challenging, if you have mobility problems and if you do, I would pack a folding walking stick. I didn't notice if there were an easier way down.
I am 78 and have bung knees, but taking my time, it was OK. And I wouldn't have missed it, even if I had to come down on my bottom. (All steps - 2 or 3, then a flat bit, outside the covered building.)
Written 27 September 2015
ZildjianPlayr
San Francisco, California
Is public transportation easily available to/from there?
Can you buy tickets on site?
Do you need a guide or can you do this on your own (or get a recorded tour)?
Thanks, all!
Written 18 July 2015
We took the No frills tour of Ephesus, that we booked on line and everything was included. They even give you a nice book on Ephesus and candy. It's not a huge tour but a van so not more than 12. They don't drag you to rug places just the sites and time for lunch.
There is a separate charge for the Terrace houses if you go on your own. There are lots of stairs but I did it about 6 months after hip replacement.
Written 18 July 2015
Can anyone tell me if credit cards are accepted at this sight? - as well as some of the other major sites in Ephesus? Thanks in advance!
Written 19 April 2015
We have just returned from Izmir and visited these sites. Yes, credit cards are accepted at most sites with noticeable entrance fees, above say 10TL. Otherwise, cash is required. The Terrace Houses may one of those cash-only sites. And our credit cards all have chips in them. I do not know whether the old-style signature-only cards are accepted.
Written 19 April 2015
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