Celsius Library: A Historical Landmark in Turkey
The Celsius Library, named after the Roman Senator who ordered its construction, Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, is a historical monument that gives insights into the cultural and academic practices of the Roman period. With its magnificent architecture, the library reveals the grandeur and sophistication of Roman engineering.
The library has been carefully restored and now offers a glimpse into the region's rich and intriguing past. It's a journey back in time that any history enthusiast will appreciate.
Located in the heart of Ephesus, an ancient Greek city on the coast of Ionia, the library was built in a Corinthian style, notable for its grandeur and beauty. It is one of the most beautiful structures in Ephesus, with its two-story facade boasting several statues and intricate friezes, making it a popular tourist attraction.
The library was initially a monumental tomb for Celsus, who was buried in a sarcophagus beneath the ground floor. To be buried in a library was an extraordinary honor during Roman times, embraced only by Celsus and a few other people.
The primary purpose of the library was to store 12,000 scrolls and to serve as a mausoleum for Celsus, who is buried in a sarcophagus beneath the ground floor. Visitors to the library would have been able to read the scrolls inside. This practice was popular during the Roman period and continues to influence library designs today.
Today, tourists from all over the world visit the Celsius Library to marvel at its stunning architecture, learn about its history, and explore the beautiful ruins of Ephesus. It has become a symbol of the rich cultural and historical heritage of Turkey, attracting thousands of visitors each year.