Ephesus: The Square and Celsius Library

There is a small square on Curetes Street, facing the Celsius Library. To the right of the square stands the brothel and to the left was a fountain, dating to the Byzantine era, and the Gate of Hadrian.

Gate of Hadrian

Interestingly there is a 'Sign Board' in the marble road adjacent the brothel representing a woman's head, a left foot and a pattern of hearts, which is really a pictogram.  It reads "A little bit on the left there are beautiful women, who in spite of their broken hearts will give you love."

Brothel Signboard

It amuses me somewhat that the brothel and library are in such close proximity. I guess it could be argued that both establishments were places of learning.

The Celsius Library viewed from Scolastica Bath

The restored edifice of the Celsius Library stands on the western side of the square. It was originally built as the tomb of Tiberius Celsius Polemanus, Proconsul of the Province of Asia.

The Celsius Library

The two storey building behind the edifice was used a library where manuscripts and parchment rolls were kept. To protect the manuscripts from humidity a passage was built in the masonry, allowing air circulation behind the storage niches.

Celsius Library and Gate of Mithridates

The two storey facade reflects all the architectural characteristics of Emperor Hadrian's period. The building is placed on a podium formed by large steps leading to the first floor and was decorated with beautifully carved Corinthian columns.

In the niches between the doorways of the facade are statues representing Wisdom, Fortune, Science and Virtue.

Facade and Statues

The original statues are housed in the Ephesus Museum in Vienna, the ones on display in the library facade are modern copies.

The Square including Hadrian's Gate, Celsius Library and Brothel

This small square off Curetes Street must have been a vibrant place what with the comings and goings of patrons to the brothel, government officials and scholars visiting the library, and those paying homage to the Emperor Hadrian or visiting the fountain.