Magnesia on the Maeander
Magnesia ad Maeandrum
A Hellenistic ancient city ruin southeast of Ephesus, where the Temple of Artemis Leukophryene and a large stadium are still being excavated, and visitors are very few.
Magnesia on the Maeander lies about 20 km southeast of Selçuk, near Ortaklar. It was an important city of ancient Ionia, famous for the Temple of Artemis Leukophryene, designed by the architect Hermogenes, whose proportions were recorded in the architectural treatise of Vitruvius. In recent years, Turkish archaeological teams have continued to excavate the site, uncovering the temple base, the altar of Zeus, the marketplace, the theater, and a well-preserved stadium and city gate. Facilities on site are simple and visitors are few, making it suitable for history enthusiasts stopping during a road trip. Admission is subject to on-site confirmation. It is about 25 minutes by car from Ephesus, and there is no direct public transport.
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:00 (check on site)
Nearby sights
- Şirince
- Çamlık Railway Museum
- Ephesus Archaeological Museum
- Basilica of St. John & Selçuk
- İsa Bey Mosque
- Temple of Artemis
- Cave of the Seven Sleepers
- House of the Virgin Mary