Published 25 October 2026
Midway along Curetes Street, on the walk down through Ephesus, you pass a large modern roof. Under it are the Terrace Houses. Here we explain what is inside, who will enjoy it most, who might skip it, and how much time to set aside.
What are the Terrace Houses?
The Terrace Houses, also called the Slope Houses, are a group of Roman town houses built on the hillside facing Curetes Street, opposite the Temple of Hadrian. They belonged to wealthy Ephesian families. They were built in stepped levels up the slope, which is where the name comes from.
The houses were lived in and rebuilt over several centuries. They were badly damaged by earthquakes in the Roman period and then abandoned. Because the hillside slid down and covered them, much of the interior decoration survived far better than in the rest of the city.
Excavation and restoration work has been going on for decades and is still continuing, so you may see archaeologists and restorers at work during your visit.
What you will see inside
The appeal of the Terrace Houses is that they show how people actually lived, not just the public monuments. Highlights include:
- Wall paintings (frescoes), with figures, plant motifs and decorative panels in reds, ochres and other colours that have lasted remarkably well
- Floor mosaics, both geometric patterns and figurative scenes, in courtyards and rooms
- Marble wall panels, including a grand hall faced with coloured marble that is being pieced back together from thousands of fragments
- Peristyle courtyards, the open central spaces around which Roman houses were arranged
- Everyday details, such as stairways, water channels and the layout of rooms across several floors
Outside, in the main city, you see Ephesus as a public stage. Inside the Terrace Houses, you see the private homes behind it.
Many smaller finds from the houses, such as objects and furnishings, are now in the Ephesus Museum in Selçuk. Our Ephesus Museum guide explains what is on display there.
The protective roof and walkways
The whole area sits under a large protective roof, which shields the paintings and mosaics from sun and rain. For visitors, it also means shade, which makes a real difference on a hot summer day.
You move through the houses on metal walkways, stairs and glass-floored sections set above the original floors. This lets you look down into the rooms without walking on the ancient surfaces.
The route climbs up the slope and back down again, with a fair number of steps. Handrails run along the way, but the route is not suited to wheelchairs or pushchairs. People with limited mobility should think carefully before going in.
Entry arrangements
You can buy entry tickets on our museum tickets page. Opening hours change, so check them before your visit.
Our transfers do not include entrance tickets or a guide, so you decide on the day whether to go in.
Who will enjoy the Terrace Houses
The Terrace Houses suit:
- Anyone interested in Roman daily life, art or architecture. Here you can see domestic Roman decoration in the place where it was made.
- People who have time to spare. If you are not rushing back to a ship or another site, it adds depth to your visit.
- Visitors on a hot day. The roof gives shade halfway through the walk.
- Photographers. The frescoes, mosaics and views across the rooms make strong pictures. Check the current photography rules at the entrance.
- Return visitors. If you have seen the main monuments before, this gives you something new.
Who might skip it
The Terrace Houses are excellent, but they are not essential for everyone.
Cruise passengers short on time
If your ship is in Kusadasi for a limited number of hours, the Terrace Houses can make the day feel rushed. This is especially true if you also want to visit the House of the Virgin Mary or Şirince. The main walk from the Upper Gate to the Lower Gate already takes 2–3 hours at an easy pace.
Look at your all-aboard time first and work backwards. If your all-aboard time leaves you less than about six hours ashore, keep to Ephesus only. Only add the Terrace Houses if the walk is going well and you have time in hand.
Our cruise day planner helps you plan the timing. Our guide on how to get from Kusadasi cruise port to Ephesus compares the options.
Families with small children
The route has many stairs and walkways, and the rooms are about looking closely at paintings and floors. Younger children may lose interest, and carrying a toddler up and down the stairs can be tiring. Older children who enjoy history may find it worthwhile.
Visitors who find stairs difficult
As mentioned above, the walkways involve a lot of climbing. If the 1.5 km walk down through Ephesus already feels like enough, it is fine to save your energy.
How much time to allow
Plan for around 45 minutes to an hour inside the Terrace Houses. If you have a strong interest in archaeology, you may want longer. A quick walk through can take a little less. On busy days there may be a short wait at the entrance or slower movement on the narrow walkways, so allow some extra time.
The main walk through Ephesus takes 2–3 hours at an easy pace. Add the Terrace Houses on top of that. Our Ephesus ancient city walking guide explains the route and the main stops in order.
If you have time after Ephesus, you can add optional free stops in Selçuk on the way back. Here is a suggested order with approximate times:
- Ephesus Museum: about 1 hour
- Basilica of St. John: 30–45 minutes
- İsa Bey Mosque: 15–20 minutes
For ideas on spreading sites over more than one day, see our guide to Kusadasi in 1, 2 or 3 days.
Where they fit on your walk
With our private transfer, the driver drops you at the Upper Gate. You walk downhill through the ancient city, and the driver waits for you at the Lower Gate to bring you back. This one-way route works well for the Terrace Houses:
- Start at the Upper Gate and pass the State Agora, Odeon and Domitian Square.
- Walk down Curetes Street past the Fountain of Trajan.
- Enter the Terrace Houses on your left-hand side as you go downhill, opposite the Temple of Hadrian.
- Come out and continue a few steps to the Library of Celsus.
- Carry on along Marble Street to the Great Theatre and on to the Lower Gate.
Because the Terrace Houses come just before the Library of Celsus, you can make the decision on the spot. It can depend on how you feel and how much time you have.
Tickets
You can buy entry tickets for the Terrace Houses and the main Ephesus site on our museum tickets page, for today or up to 7 days ahead. These are two separate tickets, so choose both if you want to see both. You pay by card, and your ticket with its barcode is sent to you on WhatsApp. Each visitor needs to provide their full name, passport number and nationality. We are an independent seller, not the official ministry website, and tickets cannot be refunded once purchased.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check entry arrangements for the Terrace Houses?
You can buy entry tickets on our museum tickets page. Entry arrangements and opening hours change, so we do not give details here.
Are the Terrace Houses suitable for people with limited mobility?
Not fully. The route involves many stairs and raised walkways. Handrails are provided, but it is not wheelchair-accessible. Anyone who finds steps difficult should think carefully before going in.
Can I see the Terrace Houses on a cruise stop?
Yes, as long as your schedule allows. If you are visiting Ephesus only, there is usually room for it. If you are combining Ephesus with other sites, check your all-aboard time and the Kusadasi cruise ship schedule before deciding.
Do I need a guide for the Terrace Houses?
No, you do not need one to enter, and information panels explain the main rooms. Our transfers do not include a guide. If you want detailed explanations, you can arrange a licensed guide separately.
Is it worth going in on a hot day?
Yes. The protective roof gives shade halfway through the walk. Bring water, as there are still stairs to climb.
Where can I see more finds from the Terrace Houses?
Many finds are displayed in the Ephesus Museum in Selçuk. It is one of the optional free stops on our transfer. See our Ephesus Museum guide.
If you would like to explore Ephesus at your own pace and decide about the Terrace Houses on the day, our private Ephesus transfer is a private car with driver. It picks you up from your Kusadasi hotel or the cruise port, drops you at the Upper Gate and waits for you at the Lower Gate. There is one price per vehicle for up to 8 people, with a second vehicle for larger groups. Guide and tickets are not included. You can pay in cash or by card, and there is free cancellation up to 24 hours before.