Bibliotheque de Celsus, Selcuk

4.9

#2 of 393 in Things to do in Izmir Province

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Standing on its nine-step platform, Bibliotheque de Celsus was first built in 117 CE as a mausoleum for Roman senator Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus. The two-story facade, which features three pairs of Corinthian columns, resembles the portico of an ancient Greek theater. The richly decorated library was destroyed in a fire in 262 CE, but was restored to the original design during the 1960s and 1970s. Note the statues in the niches between the doors, modern copies symbolizing wisdom, knowledge, intelligence, and virtue. The niches on the interior walls at one time held the scrolls of 12,000 manuscripts. Put Bibliotheque de Celsus into our Selcuk travel tool to see other points of interest to visit during your vacation in Selcuk.

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Tours to Bibliotheque de Celsus

FROM $70 BOOK WITH VIATOR Shore Excursion Private Ephesus and Virgin Mary Shrine Low Cost Shore Excursion Private Ephesus and Virgin Mary Shrine Low Cost

Duration: 5 hours

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Bibliotheque de Celsus reviews

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1,750 reviews

By msa23_2000

When you think of Ephesus this is the one that comes to mind. It is great to see. It is just a facade to the library but still stunning. Get a guide or read a book about it’s history to understand...

When you think of Ephesus this is the one that comes to mind. It is great to see. It is just a facade to the library but still stunning. Get a guide or read a book about it’s history to understand... more »
By Ilyas2010

The Celsus Library is a remarkable building, the front of which has been amazingly well-preserved and restored throughout times. Good place to make photo shoots.

The Celsus Library is a remarkable building, the front of which has been amazingly well-preserved and restored throughout times. Good place to make photo shoots. more »

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