See Library of Celsus in Ephesus, Turkey

The most famous ruin in Ephesus, Turkey, is the Library of Celsus. The elegant building, built between 110 and 135 A.D. by Julius Aquilla in memory of his father, Celsus Polemaeanus, a Roman Senator and Governor of Asia, was more than just a library. It was also Celsus Polemaeanus’ tomb in a sarcophagus beneath the main floor.

Inside wall niches, there were 12000 scrolls in cupboards. All facades face east to take advantage of the natural light. The library had a delicate look with colored marble, carvings, and decorations on it

How was the Library of Celsus destroyed in Ephesus, Turkey?

Goths invaded Ephesus and burned the library and its scrolls in 202 AD. After that, earthquakes damaged the facade more.

Who reconstructed the Library of Celsus in Ephesus, Turkey?

F. Hueber from Austrian Archaeological Institute reconstructed the Library of Celsus between 1970 and 1978. The statues on the lower level are replicas, and the originals are in Vienna

Ancient ruins to go around the Library of Celsus

Ephesus and Aegean side of Turkey is rich with archaeological sites. Virgin Mary’s house, Ancient Greek theatre in Ephesus, Terrace Houses, Çeşme Castle, Asklepion, and Ruins of Pergamum is just a couple to introduce.

You can visit the Library of Celsus with our VIP tours to Ephesus. You will enter the archeological site through the back gate before strolling downhill on Curetes Way, and you will see the Library of Celsus at the bottom of the hill.