Curetes Street (Ephesus) FAQs In 2026 - 2027

Curetes Street is a historical thoroughfare in the ancient city of Ephesus, located near the modern town of Selçuk in Izmir Province, Turkey. It was one of the main streets in Ephesus and is lined with the remains of various public buildings, shops, and homes. The street is named after the priestly class known as the Curetes, who had ceremonial duties in the city.

Curetes Street stretches for approximately 800 meters, connecting the major areas of interest from the state agora to the Library of Celsus.

Visitors to Curetes Street can see a variety of ancient ruins including fountains, temples, baths, and terraced houses. Notable sights include the Heracles Gate, the Trajan Fountain, and the Hadrian Temple. The street itself is adorned with marble slabs, some of which have inscriptions and bas-reliefs.

Yes, Curetes Street is accessible to tourists. It is a popular path for visitors exploring the ruins of Ephesus as it leads through many significant historical structures.

Walking on Curetes Street itself does not require a separate fee, but there is an entrance fee for the Ephesus archaeological site, which includes access to Curetes Street.

Curetes Street is open to visitors during the general opening hours of the Ephesus archaeological site, which varies seasonally. It is recommended to check the latest opening hours before planning a visit.

While it is not necessary to have a guide to visit Curetes Street, hiring one can greatly enhance the experience as they can provide detailed historical context and point out features that might be overlooked otherwise.

The best time to visit Curetes Street is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the site is less crowded compared to the peak summer months.

While there are no regular cultural events that take place specifically on Curetes Street, the ancient city of Ephesus sometimes hosts classical music concerts and other cultural activities in various locations within the site throughout the year.

Yes, the entrance to the Terrace Houses, which were the luxurious homes of the wealthy inhabitants of ancient Ephesus, is located off of Curetes Street. An additional fee is required to enter the Terrace Houses.