The Terrace Houses of Ephesus are one of the star attractions of the visit to the mega-archaeological site of this ancient city, one of the most important in the world until practically the times of Justinian I. But what exactly are they? Is it worth visiting them? In this post, we give you the key information about this space, which not everyone gets to discover for the reasons we analyze below.
What are the Terrace Houses of Ephesus
On the south side of Curetes Street (the main street of that ancient city) are located the so-called Terraced Houses or Terrace Houses of Ephesus. Another popular name by which they are known gives us clues about what they were: the houses of the rich. Indeed, this is where the most powerful and wealthy residents lived, who built these multi-story dwellings on top of a small hill, where the city cemetery was previously located.
In total, there are 6 houses or residential units, built in different periods. The oldest dates back to the 1st century. Their reference to terraces indicates they were built on several levels, which provided privileged panoramic views, as they were located right in front of the Temple of Hadrian. And despite being located in an area of irregular terrain, they were perfectly integrated into the Hippodamian (grid) plan of the city.
This aspect is difficult to understand today, as the houses are roofed with a modern structure to protect them from the elements. However, this roof is also an ally for visitors who want to protect themselves from the sun’s rays during the hottest hours of summer.
And as with any wealthy class dwelling, no expense was spared in their decoration or amenities. In fact, here you can see some of the best-preserved wall paintings in the entire Roman Empire, demonstrating the mastery of Roman artists and their naturalistic style, which did not reach similar levels of perfection again until the Renaissance.
On the other hand, mosaics for the pavement are not lacking, a classic feature that distinguished the residences of the wealthiest. Additionally, the use of marble in certain parts of the houses (as well as frescoes imitating them) is also unmistakable.
In some houses, you can still appreciate striking details of the daily life of their families, such as a shopping list or love poems, or the classic baths with hot and cold water pools, precursors to Turkish baths. Furthermore, the underfloor heating system has also been identified, truly advanced for its time.
How to Visit the Houses and other Considerations
If you plan to visit the Terrace Houses of Ephesus, you should keep several considerations in mind. One of them is that to access, it is necessary to purchase a separate ticket. Since this is an optional visit, these tickets are not usually included in tour packages, so we recommend addressing this point when planning your trip to avoid any doubts. In the case of Exclusive Turkey, we can arrange tickets with access to this space.
On the other hand, you should keep in mind that these are not spaces adapted for people with reduced mobility. Therefore, moving around here can be complicated not only for those who use wheelchairs but also for people with other physical limitations.
To move around inside the terraced houses of Ephesus, walkways and glass floors have been installed, allowing visitors to view the mosaics and foundations of the dwellings, and thus understand their structure. Within this covered space, there are informational signs, although the best way to admire the complex is to visit with an expert guide, like those provided by our agency.
