Temple Of Artemis: A Wonder Of The Ancient World

Caution! You are about the see one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The Temple of Artemis, located in Asia Minor in Ephesus, was built as the largest temple of the ancient world.

Comprised of the great harmony of the marble columns and precious metals, the temple was dedicated to the Greek goddess of hunt Artemis. But sadly it was destroyed by a fire attack on the same day said to be when Alexander the Great was born. Is it a coincidence that one day, Alexander the Great would order the reconstruction of the temple?

You can still feel the glory of the ancient days from the temple’s remains while the sun is serenading on its columns.

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure and explore the Temple of Artemis at once.

The temple was built and rebuilt multiple times due to natural disasters and human-caused destruction. The most magnificent of these iterations was the version built around 550 BCE by the Lydian King Croesus, which took around 120 years to construct. This version was described by Antipater of Sidon, who compiled the list of the Seven Wonders, as being superior to all others.

This grand edifice was made almost entirely of marble and had a size that was unparalleled in its time: approximately 377 feet long, 180 feet wide, and 60 feet high. It was adorned with high-quality sculptures, including many statues of Artemis, and it served as both a marketplace and a religious institution.

However, by the 5th century CE, the Temple of Artemis had fallen into ruin due to a series of misfortunes, including a devastating act of arson by a man named Herostratus, who sought infamy, and later plundering for building materials.

Today, only a single column from the Temple of Artemis remains standing, but the site continues to attract many visitors interested in ancient history.

The Temple of Artemis is located near the modern town of Selcuk, in Turkey. Here’s how you might get there from various locations:

From Izmir: Izmir is the nearest major city to Selcuk. You can take a train from Izmir to Selcuk, which takes about an hour and a half. From Selcuk train station, you can take a taxi or walk (around 20 minutes) to the site of the Temple of Artemis.

From Istanbul: There are daily flights from Istanbul to Izmir. From Izmir, you can follow the steps mentioned above to reach Selcuk and then the Temple of Artemis. Alternatively, you can take a bus or train from Istanbul to Izmir, but these journeys take considerably longer (6-8 hours).

From Ephesus: The Temple of Artemis is just a few kilometers away from the ancient city of Ephesus. You can walk (about 30-40 minutes) or take a short taxi ride from Ephesus to the Temple of Artemis.

Visiting the Temple of Artemis involves outdoor activity and potentially warm and sunny weather, depending on the time of year. Here are some things you might want to pack:

Comfortable Footwear: As the site involves a lot of walking on uneven surfaces, it’s essential to wear comfortable and sturdy shoes.

Sun Protection: Turkey can be very sunny, especially in the summer. Pack sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen to protect against UV rays.

Water: It’s essential to stay hydrated, especially if you’re visiting in the warmer months.

Snacks: Depending on how long you plan to explore, you might want to bring some snacks.

Camera: For capturing the historic site.

Lightweight Clothing: If you’re visiting in the summer, lightweight and breathable clothing is recommended. However, remember to dress respectfully as Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country.

Warmer Layers: If you’re visiting in the cooler months, be sure to pack some warmer layers. Even in the summer, temperatures can drop in the evenings.

Guidebook or Information on the Site: This can enhance your understanding and appreciation of the ruins.

Backpack: To carry your belongings.

Rain Gear: A light rain jacket or umbrella can be useful during the rainy season.

Here are a few options:

Celsus Boutique Hotel: A small, charming hotel in Selcuk with an excellent location near the historic sites.

Ayasoluk Hotel: This is a higher-end option that offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant with excellent views.

Hotel Bella: Known for its hospitality and comfortable rooms, this hotel also provides a complimentary breakfast.

Ephesus Palace: Located in the nearby town of Kusadasi, this hotel offers a more luxurious stay with amenities like a pool and an onsite restaurant.

Amazon Antique: This is a small, budget-friendly guesthouse in Selcuk with simple rooms and a friendly atmosphere.

Saint John Hotel: This modern, upscale hotel offers comfortable rooms and a central location.

The Temple of Artemis is located near the town of Selcuk, in the Izmir Province of Turkey. This region experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.

Temperatures in the summer months (June to September) can reach up to 30-35 degrees Celsius (86-95 degrees Fahrenheit). During the winter months (December to February), temperatures can range from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius (41-59 degrees Fahrenheit). Rain is most likely from November to March.

As the Temple of Artemis is an outdoor historical site, it’s advised to bring sun protection like a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen during the summer months. Comfortable shoes are also recommended, as the terrain can be uneven. In the winter and rainy months, a waterproof jacket or umbrella can be useful.

The best time to visit the Temple of Artemis in Selcuk, Turkey, largely depends on your preference for weather and crowd sizes.

Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to November): These seasons are often considered the best times to visit. The weather is typically mild and pleasant, making it comfortable for outdoor exploration. Additionally, these periods often have fewer tourists than the peak summer months, so you may enjoy a less crowded experience.

Summer (June to August): This is the peak tourist season. The weather is hot, often reaching highs of 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit). Despite the heat, this is when the site sees the most visitors. If you choose to visit during this time, be prepared for the heat and crowds. Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day.

Winter (December to February): The weather during these months can be quite cool and there can be rain. While this is the quietest time to visit in terms of tourist numbers, some may find the weather a bit too cold for comfortable exploration.

The Temple of Artemis, also known as the Artemision, is a Greek temple located in Ephesus (near the modern town of Selcuk in present-day Turkey). Dedicated to the goddess Artemis, who was worshipped by the Greeks as a goddess of hunting, wild nature, and fertility, it was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

First Temple (Around 800 BC): The earliest version of the temple was supposedly built in the 8th century BC, and little is known about it.

Second Temple (Around 550 BC): The famed version of the Temple of Artemis, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was built around 550 BC by the Lydian king Croesus. This structure was constructed entirely of marble, with a decorated façade overlooking a spacious courtyard. It was designed and constructed by the Cretan architect Chersiphron and his son Metagenes. Unfortunately, this version of the temple was destroyed by a fire set by a man named Herostratus in 356 BC, who claimed he committed the act to achieve lasting fame.

Third Temple (Around 323 BC): The Ephesians rebuilt the temple again, this time even more grandiose than before, after the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC. The new temple, like its predecessor, was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. However, by the time of the rise of Christianity, the temple had fallen into disuse and disrepair.

The temple was finally destroyed for good in 401 AD by a mob led by St. John Chrysostom, the Archbishop of Constantinople, marking the decline of the traditional Greco-Roman religions in the face of the rise of Christianity.

Today, only a single column remains of the once grand temple, standing lonely in a field, but the site still attracts visitors due to its historical significance.

The Temple of Artemis, located in Ephesus, has quite a few notable firsts and greatest associated with it:

One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: Perhaps the most significant recognition, the Temple of Artemis was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It gained this status due to its grandeur, architectural beauty, and significance in the ancient world.

One of the Largest Temples: The Temple of Artemis was also one of the largest temples in the ancient world. It was approximately four times the size of the Parthenon in Athens, with dimensions reported as 377 feet long by 180 feet wide and columns reaching 60 feet high.

First Marble Structure: The second version of the Temple of Artemis, constructed around 550 BC, was one of the first structures entirely built of marble.

Unique Art and Sculpture: The Temple of Artemis was adorned with high-quality sculptures and art. The most famous of these was a statue of the goddess Artemis herself, who was the temple’s patron.

Center for Commerce: The Temple was not just a religious center but also served as a marketplace and a bank, providing safe storage for significant amounts of money and goods.

The Temple of Artemis, as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was a significant structure in the ancient world, attracting many notable figures from history. Here are a few:

Artemis: The temple was dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis (known as Diana in Roman mythology), the goddess of the hunt, wild animals, wilderness, childbirth, virginity, and protector of young girls, and hence she is inherently the most significant figure associated with it.

Chersiphron and Metagenes: These were the architects of the first temple, built around 550 BC. Their innovative techniques and the grand scale of the temple would influence Greek architecture for centuries.

King Croesus of Lydia: The rich King Croesus of Lydia is said to have funded the building of the temple.

Herostratus: A man named Herostratus famously burned down the temple in 356 BC in an attempt to achieve lasting fame. His name has come down through history as a term for someone who seeks fame at any cost.

Alexander the Great: Born on the same night the temple was burned down, Alexander the Great offered to rebuild it, but his offer was declined.

Scopas of Paros: He was one of the most famous sculptors in the ancient world and worked on the decoration of the temple.

There are several tour companies offering guided tours of the Temple of Artemis, as part of their Ephesus or Seven Wonders of the Ancient World itinerary. These tours often include transportation, an expert guide, and sometimes meals. Some may even combine a visit to the Temple of Artemis with other significant nearby sites such as the ancient city of Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Basilica of St. John.

Here are some examples:

Ephesus Full-Day Tour: This comprehensive tour includes a visit to the Temple of Artemis, Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Basilica of St. John. It usually includes an English-speaking guide, transportation, and lunch.

Half-Day Ephesus and Temple of Artemis Tour: If you’re short on time, this tour offers a condensed version, focusing on Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis.

Seven Wonders of the Ancient World Tour: Some companies offer a broader tour that covers all the sites of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, including the Temple of Artemis.

Private Ephesus and Temple of Artemis Tours: For a more personalized experience, you could consider a private tour. These are often customizable according to your interests and usually include a private vehicle and guide.