Overview:

: Ephesus Terrace Houses are a group of well-preserved Roman villas that were constructed during the 1st to 3rd centuries AD and serve as an example of social life in ancient times. Visitors can explore the ancient dwellings of wealthy merchants and political officials that date back to the Roman Empire, along the Celcus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Great theater of Ephesus. The houses feature elaborate mosaics, murals, and statues, many of which were preserved in their original state. The terrace houses are open to visitors for a guided tour, offering insights into the daily activities of the occupants of antiquity. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Turkey
Prominent Features:

1. Colorful Mosaics: The terrace houses in Izmir are known for their colorful mosaic floors, which add to the vibrant atmosphere of these ancient residential dwellings. 2. Byzantine Architecture: The terrace houses feature the architectural style from the Byzantine era, with beautifully designed arches and elaborate structures. 3. Ancient Furnishings: The terrace houses feature many pieces of furniture from the ancient civilization, such as tables, chairs, and cupboards, adding a unique touch to the home. 4. Roman Bath: The houses are also home to an ancient Roman bath, believed to have been built in the fourth century AD. 5. Granite Columns: The terrace houses feature granite columns, which add to its architectural beauty and grandeur. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Turkey.

History:

Ephesus Terrace Houses are a series of grandiose ancient dwellings located in the ancient Roman city of Ephesus, now known as Izmir in Turkey. The terrace houses are the largest and most impressive single structure within the extensive ruins of Ephesus. Thought to have been built during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, the terrace houses are estimated to have been constructed between the 1st century BC to the 4th century AD. Originally discovered in 1866, they were later systematically excavated by German archaeologists between 1896 and 1897. The houses are thought to have been the dwellings of Ephesus’ wealthy citizens during this period, with luxurious features such as marble floors and heated water systems. Although the rooms of many of the dwellings are damaged beyond recognition, nine of the houses remain mostly intact and open to the public for tours and archaeology research. The terrace houses are located on the northern slope of Ayasoluk Hill, which stands opposite the ancient marble Street of Curetes. It is thought that the area was originally built out of necessity, as much of the rest of Ephesus became overcrowded and lacked room for expansion. After the rediscovery of the terrace houses, they were subjected to intense excavation and restoration, in order to reveal their erstwhile ancient beauty. Restoration has enhanced some of the distinctive features of the dwellings, such as the amphora tanks which allowed for heated water supply. Many of the features of the terrace houses, such as frescoes and mosaics, were left untouched to allow visitors to better understand and appreciate the lifestyles of the people who lived in them. Today the Ephesus Terrace Houses are an important reminder of the city’s past and are of significant interest to tourists and archaeologists alike. The terrace houses are also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit one of the famous monuments of Turkey with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Ephesus Terrace Houses in Izmir, Turkey are some of the best examples of Roman domestic architecture in the world. 2. The Terrace Houses were constructed around 1st or 2nd century AD and were built as luxurious homes for wealthy citizens of Ephesus. 3. Each house was two or three stories tall, and featured a central courtyard surrounded by a variety of rooms that included bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. 4. The houses were decorated with elaborate frescoes and mosaics with designs of nature, mythology, and scenes of daily Roman life. 5. Many of the house's unique features survive today, including the iconic fresco depicting Heracles and the Nemean Lion, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful and well-preserved examples of Roman art in the world. 6. In 2005, the Ephesus Terrace Houses were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in recognition of their astounding level of preservation and their importance to our understanding of ancient Roman life. One of the historical monuments of Turkey, it tells the story of a bygone era