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Seven Sleepers Cave

Who are the seven Sleepers?

The legend of the Seven Sleepers is shared by both Christianity and Islam. According to the most common version, during the persecutions of Christians under the Roman emperor Decius around AD 250, seven young men from Ephesus refused to renounce their faith. They gave their possessions to the poor and took refuge in a cave on Mount Pion (Panayir Mountain) near the city.


The entrance of the cave was sealed and the youths fell into a miraculous sleep that lasted for centuries. When the cave was later opened, usually said to be during the reign of Emperor Theodosius II in the 5th century, they woke up believing that only a single day had passed. By then, Christianity had become the official religion of the empire.


Because this story is mentioned in early Christian texts and in the Holy Quran (as Ashab al-Kahf – “People of the Cave”), the site has great importance for both Christians and Muslims.


Archaeological excavations at the site near Ephesus have uncovered several levels of rock-cut tombs, the remains of two churches, and many graves, suggesting that it was used as a necropolis and later as a place of pilgrimage.

The Cave of the Seven Sleepers stands on the slopes of Panayir Mountain (Mount Pion), just outside the ancient city of Ephesus, near Selcuk in Izmir province. It is about 1.5–2 km from the lower (north) entrance of Ephesus and roughly 3–4 km from Selcuk town center.
 

The House of the Virgin Mary is also near Ephesus, but it is not next door to the cave. The house lies about 7–8 km uphill from the upper gate of Ephesus, while the cave is much closer to the lower gate on the opposite side. Many visitors still combine both places in the same day, but you move between them by car or tour, not on foot.

Where is the Cave of the Seven Sleepers?

How to go to the Cave of the Seven Sleepers by Car

From Izmir City center or Izmir Airport

  1. Join the Izmir–Aydin highway (D550 / E87) and follow the signs towards Selcuk.

  2. The drive from Izmir to Selcuk is about 65–70 km and usually takes around 1 hour, depending on traffic

  3. When you enter Selcuk, follow the brown signs for “Ephesus (Efes)” and then for “Yedi Uyuyanlar / Seven Sleepers.”

  4. From Selcuk to the Cave of the Seven Sleepers is a very short drive (about 5–10 minutes). The road passes close to the lower entrance of Ephesus and then climbs gently towards Panayir Mountain. There is a small parking area near the site.
     

If you are already visiting Ephesus Ancient City with a rental car, you can leave the site via the lower gate and then follow the local signs to “Yedi Uyuyanlar.” It is only a couple of kilometers away.

  • From Izmir to Selcuk

    • Take an intercity bus or minibus from Izmir bus terminal (Otogar) to Selcuk. Buses run frequently and the journey takes about 1 hour

    • Alternatively, you can take the regional train (Izban / TCDD) from Izmir to Selcuk.
       

  • From Selcuk to Ephesus and the Cave

    • From Selcuk bus station you can take a minibus or taxi to Ephesus. The ancient city is about 3–4 km from the town center.

    • From the lower gate of Ephesus, you can either walk to the Cave of the Seven Sleepers (around 20–30 minutes, slightly uphill) or take a short taxi ride. Some days there may also be local horse-carts offering rides to the cave

How to Reach the Cave by Public Transport

If you prefer not to organize transport yourself, you can join an Ephesus day tour from Izmir, Kusadasi or Selcuk. Many tours include:
 

  • Ephesus Ancient City

  • The Cave of the Seven Sleepers

  • The House of the Virgin Mary

  • Sirince village


These tours usually depart in the morning, include hotel pick-up, a licensed guide, and transport between all the sights, which makes visiting the cave very easy and comfortable

Visiting With a Guide or on a Tour

How to Reach the Cave by Public Transport

  • From Izmir to Selcuk

    • Take an intercity bus or minibus from Izmir bus terminal (Otogar) to Selcuk. Buses run frequently and the journey takes about 1 hour

    • Alternatively, you can take the regional train (Izban / TCDD) from Izmir to Selcuk.
       

  • From Selcuk to Ephesus and the Cave

    • From Selcuk bus station you can take a minibus or taxi to Ephesus. The ancient city is about 3–4 km from the town center.

    • From the lower gate of Ephesus, you can either walk to the Cave of the Seven Sleepers (around 20–30 minutes, slightly uphill) or take a short taxi ride. Some days there may also be local horse-carts offering rides to the cave

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