Ephesus · Monument
The Great Theatre
One of the largest theatres of the ancient world, with room for 25,000.
Key facts
- Location
- Ephesus Ancient City
- Ticket
- Included in Ephesus entry
- Capacity
- ~25,000
- Time needed
- 15–20 min
- Built
- 3rd c. BC, Roman expansion
Cut into the western slope of Mount Pion, the Great Theatre of Ephesus is one of the largest surviving theatres of antiquity, with room for around 25,000 spectators.
A theatre for a whole city
Begun in the Hellenistic period (3rd century BC) and enlarged by the Romans, the theatre rises in three tiers to about 30 metres. From the upper rows you look straight down the marble Harbour Street (the Arcadian Way) that once led to Ephesus's now silted-up harbour.
Where St. Paul faced the crowd
The theatre is famous as the setting of the riot in the New Testament (Acts 19): the silversmiths of Ephesus, whose trade depended on selling silver shrines of Artemis, rose against the Apostle Paul, chanting "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" It's an atmospheric place to stand and imagine.
Visitor tip
Climb a few tiers for the view down Harbour Street, but mind the uneven, sun-baked steps — there's little shade, so bring water and a hat.
On the map
Photos
Walk Ephesus with a guide
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