Step-by-step guide to visiting Terrace Houses and Basilica of St. John with Ephesus. Combine all three for a complete Ephesus experience.
Combine the Terrace Houses and Basilica of St. John with your Ephesus visit for a complete experience. This step-by-step guide shows you how to see all three efficiently—and how to book your tickets online.
Step 1: Ephesus Main Site (Morning)
Start at the upper gate when the site opens (around 8:00). Walk downhill along Curetes Street. See the Odeon, Temple of Hadrian, Fountain of Trajan, the Library of Celsus, and the Great Theatre. Allow 2–3 hours. Arriving early means cooler temperatures and fewer crowds at the key monuments.
Step 2: Terrace Houses (Mid-Morning)
The Terrace Houses are on Curetes Street, opposite the Library of Celsus. You need an add-on ticket. Explore the mosaics, frescoes, and Roman domestic architecture. Allow 45–60 minutes. The covered walkway provides shade—welcome in summer.
Tip: Visit early or late to avoid crowds. The space is enclosed and can feel busy when tour groups arrive.
Step 3: Lunch in Selçuk
Exit Ephesus and have lunch in Selçuk. Plenty of restaurants serve Turkish cuisine—gözleme, kebabs, meze. Rest and recharge before the basilica. Selçuk is a pleasant town with a relaxed pace.
Step 4: Basilica of St. John (Afternoon)
The Basilica is in Selçuk, on Ayasuluk Hill—about 3 km from the Ephesus upper gate. It is a separate site with its own entry. Built over the traditional tomb of the Apostle John, it offers Byzantine architecture and panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. The basilica was one of the largest churches of its time.
Allow 1–2 hours for the basilica and the nearby Isa Bey Mosque. The mosque dates from the 14th century and is worth a quick visit.
Ticket Options
- Ephesus only: Main site
- Ephesus + Terrace Houses: Main site + Roman villas
- Ephesus + Museum: Main site + Ephesus Museum in Selçuk
- Combined: Check with your provider for Ephesus + Terrace Houses + Museum + Basilica packages
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do Ephesus, Terrace Houses, and Basilica in one day?
Yes. Start early (8:00), do Ephesus and Terrace Houses in the morning (4–5 hours), lunch (1 hour), then Basilica in the afternoon (1–2 hours). Total: 6–8 hours.
Is the Basilica included in the Ephesus ticket?
No. The Basilica of St. John has its own entry fee. It is a separate site in Selçuk.
How do I get from Ephesus to the Basilica?
Taxi (about 5–10 minutes), walk (30–40 minutes), or drive. Many visitors leave their car in Selçuk and walk to both sites.
Plan Your Complete Visit
Book your Ephesus tickets with the Terrace Houses add-on and plan your visit to include the Basilica. A full day well spent.
