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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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
1,051 reviews
Excellent
884
Very good
125
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33
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6
Terrible
3
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Alex J
Melbourne, Australia2,207 contributions
Apr 2019
My wife and I were on a conducted tour of Ephesus from our hotel in Kusadasi. Our guide had made it clear to us that our tour included a ticket for seeing this attraction, (it is an extra ticket over and above the entrance fee for getting into the main Ephesus site). But, surprisingly, only about half the group were game enough to enter this "added" attraction. Even my wife chickened out. Why? Because there is a fair bit of climbing stairs. What is this attraction? These are recently excavated (and beautifully restored) residences from 2000 years ago. The residences are along a hillside, and they are adjoining one another. Some are even connected. What grand apartments! What decorations! Beautiful floors! A photo buff's paradise. Unfortunately, we were on a tight schedule, we had much more to see in Ephesus, and as half the group did not join us, our guide rushed us through the exhibit. This is easily the best thing to see in Ephesus. Truly amazing. I strongly recommend it. A guide would greatly help, as it is difficult to understand the layout of the rooms in the various houses (they are properly called "apartments" !!!) . Also, a guide can explain the various decorations on the walls.
Written March 25, 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.
Merrowmum
Guildford, UK1,409 contributions
Jun 2022
It is well worth those few extra lira to see the terrace houses, one of my highlights of our visit to Ephesus. The mosaics are very good but the restored plasterwork/painting was my highlight as it was the most I have ever seen. It was also fascinating to get some more detail of how the inhabitants must have lived.
Written June 15, 2022
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.
radbrad73
Dallas, TX72 contributions
Oct 2020
This was my second trip to Ephesus and I missed it the first time around. That was probably ok, because I didn't develop an in depth history of Rome until later. But this was truly like stepping back in time. Ephesus on its' on is great and fascinating. But to step into the homes themselves is truly a step back in time and so much more personal. The paint on the wall is so vivid. It's such a contrast to the weathered stones outside and gives a much better idea of what life was like here all those centuries ago.
Written February 21, 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.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia20,003 contributions
Sep 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 October 25, 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, Australia344 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 February 22, 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 May 31, 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.
CVD485
Carignan, Canada3,728 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
In the site of the old city of Ephesus, there is a portion covered with a roof. It contains a museum which shows residences on several floors. It’s very beautiful to see and gives a certain idea of the way of life of people at the time. We had a guide for the visit and it was useful to really appreciate the place.
Written October 11, 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.
Joanne
Lake Mary, FL2,139 contributions
Sep 2024 • Friends
Although I've been to Ephesus before, this was the first time to visit the terrace houses, and I'm so glad I picked this tour. This was really the highlight. I loved the fact that this part was totally covered, so you did not have to deal with the hot sun. They did a wonderful job in building clear-through walkways and stairs so that you could actually see below you, and it does not disturb the site. The mosaics were breathtaking. And it is hard to believe the paint on the walls are still so vibrant. Do realize that the walk down is almost single file and extremely slipping and steep - just go slowly.
Written September 28, 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 November 12, 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 June 10, 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.
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 August 15, 2018
Sorry, I've made a mistake. It was the Museum Pass (The Aegean)
Written August 17, 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 September 24, 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 September 27, 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 July 18, 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 July 18, 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 April 19, 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 April 19, 2015
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