Overview:

The Library of Celsus in Izmir, Turkey is a magnificent example of a well-preserved ancient Roman building. It was built around 117-120 A.D and is dedicated to Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, the Governor of the Province of Asia. The purpose of the Library is to store the works of the great writers and thinkers of antiquity. The Library of Celsus is a remarkable monument for its design, architecture and proportion. It is one of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture from this period. The library consists of five impressive white marble columns, which support the main entrance (the grand reading hall) and the upper stories. The beautiful carving of an eagle on the large archway is said to be the work of the renowned sculptor Euphranor – reflecting the wealth of the old city. Inside, the main hall is filled with carved marble walls and a domed ceiling, decorated with stars and zodiac symbols. Many of the books of antiquity, as well as the statue of Tiberius Julius Celsus, are still preserved inside. The Library is also home to a large collection of coins from the same time period. The Library of Celsus is a magnificent site in Izmir and a popular tourist attraction in the city. It is a great educational experience for visitors to explore the ancient ruins of this incredible building. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Turkey
Prominent Features:

1. The Library of Celsus in Izmir, Turkey, is a monumental structure that was built in the 2nd century AD. 2. The library was a symbol of learning and knowledge in the ancient Roman period. 3. It was the third-largest library of the ancient world, holding almost 12,000 scrolls. 4. The library was built in honor of Roman senator Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, who donated his entire family fortune to finance the construction. 5. The library is considered an example of the best-preserved ancient libraries in the world. 6. It consists of two parts: the portico and the library itself. The portico had a monumental entrance with two stories and it was made of marble with elaborate sculptures. 7. Inside, there were three large rooms with marble floors and walls lined with niches for the scrolls. 8. The most famous sculpture decorating the library is a statue of Celsus. It stands 6 meters high and is made of Pentelic marble from Athens. 9. This historic library is now a museum and the main tourist attraction of Izmir. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Turkey.

History:

The Library of Celsus was a famous library that was built in the 2nd Century AD in what is now Izmir, Turkey, during the Roman Empire. It was built in honor of Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, a Roman senator who was proconsul of the province of Asia, by his son, Gaius Julius Aquila. The structure was once part of the Temple of Artemis and was located near the newly constructed Baths of Varilus. The Library of Celsus contained between 12,000 and 15,000 scrolls, organized by an unknown system of classification. It is believed that the library was separated into two parts, one housing the Greek manuscripts and the other, Latin works. A statue of Celsus was placed atop the entrance of the library, and two statues of his daughters, Glyce and Alberta, flanked the entrance. Unfortunately, the library was destroyed in an earthquake in the 10th century. In 1970, archeologists began excavations of the library, and it was fully restored in 1978 to its current state, complete with facade and statues. Today, the Library of Celsus stands as a monument to the advanced city that Celsus lived in. It serves as a reminder of the architectural genius of the Romans, and it is a great reminder of the golden age of knowledge and literature. Visit one of the famous monuments of Turkey with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Library of Celsus is one of the most important monuments in the ancient city of Izmir, located in western Turkey. 2. Built in 115 CE by the Roman senator and philosopher Celsus, the 2-story library was used to store 12,000 scrolls. 3. The huge structure was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. 4. Its majestic entrance façade was reconstructed in the 1970s after a devastating earthquake destroyed the city. 5. The library was built in the Neo-classical style, featuring columns and ornamental statues. 6. One of the statues depicts Celsus himself, holding a portico key in his left hand. 7. The library served as a burial place for Celsus’s remains, which rest beneath the portico. 8. The building is surrounded by an ancient agora, which dates back to the 5th century BC. 9. The interior of the library is off-limits to the public, but visitors can admire its exterior from the nearby streets. 10. The reconstructed remains of the library stand as a reminder of the glory and grandeur of the ancient city. One of the historical monuments of Turkey, it tells the story of a bygone era