Temple of Domitian (Temple of the Sebastoi)
Acarlar, Selçuk, Izmir
Explore the ruins of what was one of the most impressive structures in the ancient Roman city of Ephesus. The Temple of Domitian dates from the 1st century and is the earliest known structure dedicated to an emperor. It is located on the south end of Domitian Street.
The temple once boasted vaulted foundations and a towering two-story northern end. Today it lies mostly in ruins, with only two of the tallest columns still standing. Remaining vestiges of the temple allow you to envision its grandeur in its prime. Discover the stairs—still standing today—that provided access to this magnificent structure. Catch a glimpse of preserved reliefs, and see the remnants of the temple’s foundation.
The temple may have been dedicated to the Roman Emperor Domitian, one of the most brutal Roman emperors during the empire.
Bring water and sun protection for your visit, especially if arriving during the high season when temperatures are hot.
The temple includes informative signs, so build in time to read them during your visit.
Uneven ground may make it difficult to navigate for those using wheelchairs and strollers.
The best way to reach the Temple of Domitian from Selçuk is via a shared minivan taxi (dolmuş). It’s about a 10-minute journey. If you’re traveling from Istanbul or internationally, Izmir is the closest airport. From there, take a bus to Selçuk or rent a car to make the 50-mile (80 kilometer) journey directly to the site; the drive takes approximately one hour.
The ideal time to explore the temple is during the spring or fall shoulder seasons (April–May and September–October) when the weather is mild, and there are fewer crowds. In the summer high season, temperatures often exceed 90°F (32°C), which can make exploring the temple uncomfortable. In the winter, though the weather is cooler, there may be some closures or limited hours.
The Temple of Domitian was dedicated to emperor Domitian’s cult and became a cultural and political center where leaders and intellectuals would gather. Official ceremonies took place there, including the annual festival of the goddess Artemis, who is associated with the moon and ruled over wild animals, the hunt, and vegetation. Today the temple ruins stand as testament to the skill of the architects and builders who constructed it more than two thousand years ago.
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