The Baths of Varius are the remains of a large, three-storey bathing complex in ancient Ephesus, near Selçuk in İzmir province. The building could hold more than 1,000 people, and its first floor had four rooms arranged in a circle to guide bathers through the bathing areas. The ruins are now sparse, but the layout gives a glimpse of how a major Greco-Roman bath complex worked. Bring water and a hat for the exposed site, and allow time to look closely at the surviving structure.
A large bathing complex
The Baths of Varius rank among the largest structures in ancient Ephesus. The complex rose three storeys and could accommodate more than 1,000 people at a time, giving an idea of the scale of public bathing in the city.
The surviving remains are limited, so the site is best approached as a chance to understand the building’s plan and scale rather than to expect a fully preserved bathhouse.
The circular room layout
Four rooms on the first floor were arranged in a circle. Their placement helped guide people through a progression of bathing areas. Take time to follow the layout as you move around the ruins; it is the clearest detail available for imagining how the complex functioned.
Planning your visit
The baths are at Atatürk, Selçuk, in İzmir province, within the ancient Ephesus site. The exposed ruins can be hot and sunny, so bring water and a hat. An early or late visit helps you avoid the busiest periods and the strongest heat.
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Where are the Baths of Varius?
They are in ancient Ephesus, at Atatürk, Selçuk, in İzmir province.
What can you see at the Baths of Varius?
The remains of a large, three-storey bathing complex. Look for the circular arrangement of four rooms on the first floor.
How many people could the baths accommodate?
The complex could hold more than 1,000 people at a time.
