The Harbour Gymnasium in Ephesus and Its Palaestra

Ruins of the Harbour Gymnasium of Ephesus
Ruins of the Harbour Gymnasium of Ephesus

The Harbour Gymnasium in Ephesus Ancient City is located to the west of the Verulanus Sports Arena and there is a wide passage between them. The main entrance is through an elliptical courtyard, which is paved with mosaics and surrounded by columns. To the north of this entrance, there is a door which opens onto the Atrium. On each side of the door, there is a pool decorated with bulls’ heads carrying garlands.

3D Reconstruction of Ephesus Gymnasium
3D Reconstruction of Ephesus Gymnasium

The building measures 40 by 20 metres and has a palaestra paved with coloured marble. The palaestra is surrounded by rooms (as in other gymnasiums) that were used by the students for various purposes. The Imperial Hall is located in the north and its northern wall is apsidal.

The bronze statue of an athlete - Ephesus Museum Vienna - B.C. 320
The bronze statue of an athlete – Ephesus Museum Vienna – B.C. 320

The bronze statue of an athlete, the marble statue of a boy playing with a duck, and the statue of Heracles-Kentauros discovered in the course of Ephesus excavations of the two-storey high gymnasium were taken to Vienna. The Harbour Gymnasium in Ephesus was built during the reign of Emperor Hadrian.


If you would like to explore Ephesus Ancient City with Best Ephesus Tours, you can reach us at the links below.

Ephesus Shore Excursions from Kusadasi Port

Ephesus Shore Excursions from Izmir Port

Ephesus Day Trip From Istanbul

Daily Combined Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour

Add Comment