What Was the Temple of Artemis?

The Temple of Artemis (Artemision) at Ephesus was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. At its peak, it was a massive marble temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis — considered one of the most impressive structures in the ancient world.

Key facts:

• Built around 550 BC, rebuilt after arson in 356 BC
• The rebuilt temple was approximately 115 m long, 55 m wide
• Supported by 127 marble columns, each 18 meters tall
• Considered the first Greek temple built entirely of marble
• Destroyed and rebuilt multiple times over its history
• Final destruction came from Gothic invaders in 262 AD

What's There Today?

Manage your expectations. Today, a single reconstructed column stands in a marshy field — that's it. The foundation outline is partially visible, and there's an information board with a reconstruction drawing.

It's significant for what it was, not what remains. The Ephesus Archaeological Museum in Selçuk has artifacts recovered from the site, which help bring the temple to life.

Is It Worth Visiting?

Yes, but with the right expectations. If you're in Selçuk anyway (which you should be for Ephesus), it's a free, 10-minute stop. It's meaningful because:

• You're standing where one of the Seven Wonders once stood
• The scale becomes apparent when you see the single column and imagine 126 more
• The information boards provide good historical context
• It's on the way between Selçuk center and the Basilica of St. John

Don't expect: Ruins on the scale of Ephesus. There's one column, some foundation stones, and a marshy field. Many travelers are initially disappointed — but knowing what to expect makes the visit more satisfying.

How to Visit

• Location: 1.5 km from Selçuk center, on the flat plain between town and Ephesus
• Access: Free, open 24 hours (outdoor site)
• Getting there: 15-minute walk from Selçuk center, or a quick taxi stop
• Time needed: 10–15 minutes

Best combined with: Visit the Ephesus Archaeological Museum first (which has Temple of Artemis artifacts), then walk to the temple site, then continue to the Basilica of St. John on the hill above.

The History

The temple's history spans nearly a millennium:

1. ~800 BC — First small shrine to Artemis built on the site
2. ~550 BC — King Croesus of Lydia funded a grand marble temple (the first)
3. 356 BC — Destroyed by arson by Herostratus (who wanted his name remembered — ironically, it worked)
4. 323 BC — Rebuilt, larger and even more magnificent — this was the Seven Wonders version
5. 262 AD — Destroyed by Goths during their invasion
6. Later centuries — Stones were reused for other buildings; the site gradually sank into marshy ground

Nearby Sights in Selçuk

While in the area, also visit:

• Ephesus Archaeological Museum — Contains artifacts from Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis (15 min walk)
• Basilica of St. John — Impressive hilltop ruins where the apostle John is traditionally buried (5 min walk uphill from the temple)
• Ayasuluk Fortress — Byzantine castle on the hilltop above the basilica (same visit)
• İsa Bey Mosque — Beautiful 14th-century Seljuk mosque below the fortress (2 min walk)