Discover the iconic Library of Celsus, an architectural masterpiece of the ancient world, showcasing the brilliance of Roman engineering and culture.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Library of Celsus, located in the ancient city of Ephesus, Turkey, is one of the most spectacular monuments from Roman antiquity. Built as both a library and a mausoleum, it reflects the sophistication of Roman architecture and the cultural richness of Ephesus. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or a curious traveler, this guide will provide all the details you need to explore and appreciate this remarkable site.
History of the Library of Celsus
The Library of Celsus stands as a testament to the intellectual and cultural vitality of ancient Ephesus.
- Construction: Built in 117 CE by Tiberius Julius Aquila in honor of his father, Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, a Roman senator and governor of Asia.
- Function: It served as both a library housing over 12,000 scrolls and a mausoleum, with Celsus’s sarcophagus placed beneath the library.
- Destruction and Restoration: The library was destroyed in a fire during a Gothic invasion in 262 CE. The facade was restored in the 1970s, making it one of the most photographed landmarks of Ephesus.
Architectural Significance
The Library of Celsus is renowned for its intricate design and innovative engineering:
- Facade: The two-story facade features Corinthian and Ionic columns, statues representing wisdom, knowledge, intelligence, and virtue, and ornate carvings.
- Illusion of Grandeur: The facade was designed to appear larger than it actually is, using optical illusions like slightly curved columns and intricately detailed niches.
- Interior: The interior once had niches to store scrolls, though much of it was lost in the fire.
Why Is It Important?
The Library of Celsus was more than just a building; it was a cultural hub:
- Intellectual Center: As one of the largest libraries of the Roman Empire, it symbolized Ephesus’s status as a city of learning.
- Architectural Influence: Its design inspired other monumental libraries in the ancient world.
- Symbol of Legacy: It reflects the Roman tradition of honoring the dead with grandeur and the value placed on knowledge.
Visiting the Library of Celsus Today
The Library of Celsus remains a highlight of any trip to Ephesus. Here’s what you need to know:
- Location: In the heart of the Ephesus Archaeological Site, near Selçuk, Turkey.
- Entrance Fee: Entry to Ephesus, which includes the library, costs approximately €20. Additional fees may apply for guided tours or access to special areas.
- Opening Hours:
- Summer (April-October): 08:00 AM – 07:00 PM
- Winter (November-March): 08:30 AM – 05:00 PM
- Accessibility: The site includes uneven stone pathways, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Wheelchair access is available in certain areas.
Related Tours & Attractions
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I was just here visiting this magnificent ancient structure and highly recommend everyone to visit. But here’s what I also want to mention: the big blocks of white marble stones are quite slippery and if you’re not careful, you might fall down the stairs and risk a huge injury like I did! Thank goodness, I got lucky and didn’t get much damage but I am confident that if an older person fell the way I did, they probably would have had to use that phone number of the ambulance that is on display everywhere in the open air museum. I also witnessed another Indian man around the age of 60 who fell while walking down the avenue and slipped on similarly colored white marble. Just wanted to put that out there for those who might want to take the necessary precautions.
Thank you so much, Lily! OMG, I’m so sorry you fell like that. Thank you very much for sharing that real-life experience with us. Hopefully, your comment will help some of our readers who will wear the right shoes and pay careful attention to those precarious white marbles – they are probably from the Sea of Marmara! (Just a little anecdote about the marble’s origins)