Ephesus Brothel

The portico of Curetes Street which comes after the Temple of Hadrian was turned into a Byzantine stoa (a long covered hall with columns in front) during the Byzantine era. Right behind it, there is a peristyle house known as the Ephesus Brothel.

Ephesus Brothel
Ephesus Brothel

It was probably built between 98-117 during the reign of Emperor Trajan. Ephesus Brothel, Public Toilets (Latrina) and the Scholastica Baths constitute a complex, and these buildings were restored in the 4th century. An inscription found in the Ephesus latrines indicated that it was a brothel. Its entrance is located on Marble Street and it has another door which opens onto Curetes Street.

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The upper storey has been completely destroyed. The ground floor is quite spacious, and although the walls were once covered with frescoes, now only traces of them can be seen. The dining room (triclinium) is one of the rooms in the west, and there is a colourful mosaic depicting the four seasons on the floor. Adjacent to the dining room, there is a bath with hot and cold water. Also in the west, there is an elliptical pool, the floor of which is covered with mosaics.

A Priapos with a Huge Phallus

A Priapos from Ephesus Brothel
A Priapos from Ephesus Brothel

Although this section was damaged in the course of alterations near the pool in modern times, the mosaic is in good condition. The figures of three women drinking, a servant standing, a mouse eating food crumbs and a cat, are depicted in the coloured mosaic. A well which is still used today is located on the side next to Curetes Street. The baked clay statue of Priapos with a huge phallus, which is displayed in the Ephesus Museum, was discovered in this well.

There is a small square on Curetes Street before it reaches the Celsus Library. From this square, Marble Street runs to the right and another road.


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