There are many wonderful things to see in Ephesus. The Celsus Library would be the most recognizable structure with its two stories of carved marble and beautiful statues, but right down the street opposite the Temple to Hadrian up a flight of steps from Cuertes street are the Terrace Houses or the 'Houses of the Rich'. Protected from the elements by a modern structure in stainless and fiberglass these six elegant homes are being painstakingly reconstructed.
The houses were built into the hillside between 1C BC to 7C BC. These homes were state of the art incorporating indoor plumbing and a heating system similar to those used in Roman baths using clay pipes that run through the floors.
Above is an artist's rendering of the finished room
Reconstructed marble baseboards and dado
Beautiful frescos. Perhaps not as extensive as those in Pompeii but still very well preserved and lovely to see.
A detail of a painted wall.
The various building elements are arranged and waiting to be used. The marble table is a nice example of ancient furniture.
Below is the House of C. Vibius Salutaris. We know he is the owner because there is graffiti in the bathroom.
Beautiful and well preserved walls and mosaic floors
Above is one of the bathrooms. A partial tub can be seen at top of picture.
The floor plans of these extensive houses.
There is an additional charge to visit this site, but it is more than worth it and you are contributing to the continuing restoration. I will do another post on Ephesus in the coming days.
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