The Library of Celsus in Ephesus Ancient City is one of the most impressive ancient libraries ever built. Undoubtedly, it is the most popular highlight of Ephesus and the most liked place by our guests in our Private Ephesus Tours from the Port of Kusadasi. So if you search for Ephesus on Google, the first photo you will probably see will be the Celsus Library.
🧐 Top 4 Hidden Details & Mysteries
- 📚 2 Floors vs. 3 Floors: From the outside, the library looks like a magnificent 2-story building. But here is the trick: The interior originally had 3 floors of shelves to maximize storage for the 12,000 scrolls!
- ⚰️ The Invisible Tomb: Many visitors enter hoping to see Celsus’s tomb. While he is buried here, his sarcophagus is hidden in a crypt underneath the central apse and is not visible to the public. You are literally walking over his grave!
- 🔍 The “Philippos” Mystery: Look closely at the bases of the 4 statues. They all bear Celsus’s titles, except for the 3rd one (Ennoia). It curiously reads something like “Philippos”. Who was Philippos? Was it a title? Or a later dedication? See if you can spot it!
- 👁️ Optical Illusion: The architect used a clever trick: The columns in the center are shorter than those on the sides, making the building appear wider and grander than it actually is.
Table of contents
- History of The Library of Celsus in Ephesus
- The Library of Celsus Video
- Architectural Features and Artistic Elements
- The Beginning of the Library Wars and the Invention of the Parchment
- The Architecture of the Library
- The Destruction of the Library
- Illuminated Library of Celsus
- 2024/25 Urgent Restoration of the Celsus Library
- Frequently Asked Questions
- You May Also Like
History of The Library of Celsus in Ephesus
The Library of Celsus in Ephesus was built between 110 – 135 AD by Gaius Julius Aquila as a monument to his father, Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, a wealthy proconsul of Asia Minor and a notable philosopher in his own right. Beyond its function as a library, it also housed Celsus’ tomb, a unique feature that intertwines the pursuit of knowledge with the reverence for influential figures of the era. Celsus’ dedication to knowledge and culture inspired the creation of this monumental library, which was not only a tribute to his legacy but also a gift to the citizens of Ephesus.
The Library of Celsus Video
Architectural Features and Artistic Elements
At first glance at the library, four female statues placed in the façade niches stand out. These statues are in order from left to right, represent Sofia (Wisdom), Arete (Virtue), Ennoia (Insight), and Episteme (Knowledge).
⚠️ Safety & Comfort: Local Guide Tips
⚠️ Watch Your Step: The marble stairs leading up to the library entrance have been polished by millions of footsteps over the centuries. They are extremely slippery, especially if you’re wearing flat-soled shoes. Please walk carefully to avoid falling! I have seen many people slip on these stairs.
☕ The Only Shade & Coffee Spot: If you are visiting in summer, you will realize there is almost no shade in Ephesus. The only spot to sit in the shade and grab a coffee is the Museum Shop located between the Celsus Library and the Terrace Houses.
Note: It has limited seating (2 benches), and prices are much higher than outside, but it is a lifesaver for a quick rest.
Unfortunately, original statues are on display in the Vienna Ephesus Museum. Most of the information we have about the library is based on the inscriptions located right next to the entrance door on the eastern facade of the library. The translation of these inscriptions in Ancient Greek is as follows;
"In the name of proconsul of Asia Minor, Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, his consul son commissioned the Library of Celsus building, all its decorations and works of art and books along with his own wealth. He bequeathed 25,000 denarions (Roman coins) for the preservation of the library and therefore the purchase of books as a beginning."
The Beginning of the Library Wars and the Invention of the Parchment
Competition with Other Ancient Libraries
It was the third-largest library in the ancient world and held up to 12,000 scrolls. It’s only being surpassed in size by the Library of Alexandria and the Library of Pergamum. These three libraries were also in a competition among themselves. As a result, Cleopatra, who wanted to prevent the growth of other libraries, banned the export of papyrus to Anatolia.
Invention of the Parchment
Thereupon, Eumenes II, King of Pergamum, started a competition in search of an alternative paper instead of papyrus and announced that he would give a prize to the winner. The competition’s winner was Kratos, the director of the Library of Pergamum, who turned animal skins such as sheep, goats, calves, pigs, and antelopes into paper. This paper was named as Pergamana, derived from Pergamum, and the parchment we use today is derived from Pergamana.
The Architecture of the Library
The Library of Celsus in Ephesus was remarkable not only for its size but also for its architecture. The Library of Celsus in Ephesus, which has an artistically rich architectural façade, is 21 meters wide and 17 meters high. The library’s exterior was adorned with marble columns and reliefs of mythological scenes. The interior was equally impressive, with a colonnaded reading room and two higher floors for storage.
The Destruction of the Library
The structure stood for over 800 years until it was destroyed by a series of earthquakes along with much of the city of Ephesus in 415 AD. The restoration that followed the excavations in Ephesus after 1895 successfully fortified the structure, protected its artistic elements, and made it accessible for public viewing.
Illuminated Library of Celsus
As of 2024, the Ancient City of Ephesus is open until midnight. The illuminated version of the city is a must-see, with the Celsus Library being the most famous structure. Click the links below for more information about evening visits and tours of Ephesus.
🌙 Experience Ephesus Under the Stars
The ancient city of Ephesus transforms after sunset. The illuminated Celsus Library and the whole city offer a magical, crowd-free atmosphere.
2024/25 Urgent Restoration of the Celsus Library
The Celsus Library in Ephesus entered an urgent restoration process at the end of September 2024. Unfortunately, the materials used in the previous restoration have deteriorated over the years, leading to a significant structural stability issue. The materials used during the 1970 restoration have degraded over the past 53 years and are no longer able to provide the necessary support for the structure. If the current reinforcement efforts do not produce sufficient results, the Celsus Library will be completely demolished and reconstructed from scratch.
Reconstruction Status: Completed
ℹ️ Visitor Information
- 📍 Location: Located at the end of Curetes Street, next to the Commercial Agora Gate.
- 💰 Entrance Fee: Good news! The Celsus Library is included in the general Ephesus Ancient City ticket. No extra payment is needed (Unlike the Terrace Houses).
- 📸 Best Photo Time: Morning hours (08:30 – 11:00) offer the best lighting as the sun hits the façade directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, the former governor of the province of Asia, is buried here. His sarcophagus lies in a crypt beneath the library’s reading room, making this building both a library and a mausoleum.
The best time is usually in the morning, between 08:30 and 11:00 AM. Since the library faces east, the morning sun hits the facade directly, creating a stunning golden color and revealing architectural details.
It is estimated that the library held approximately 12,000 scrolls. These scrolls were kept in cupboards (armaria) recessed into the thick walls to protect them from humidity and temperature changes.
No, visiting the Celsus Library is included in the entrance ticket to the Ephesus Ancient City.
You May Also Like
If you want to explore the Library of Celsus in Ephesus on-site with us, you can reach us at the links below.
