August 2008 - the Parklander

Artemis of Ephesus. Marble and bronze, Roman copy of an
Hellenistic original of the 2nd century BC. Albani Collection - Jastrow (2006)
available in almost every color of the rainbow. If you purchase a jacket, and alterations are needed, in
some shops the alterations might even be done while you wait.
As a travel destination, Kusadasi is enhanced by its proximity to a number of very important
archaeological sites including Priene, Miletus and Didyma. On the nearby island of Delos, reached by a
short ferry ride, there is a well excavated ancient site, and a fine, small museum housing fascinating
artifacts, such as exquisite statues and mosaics taken from the site. Day tours to these interesting
places are available through local tour operators. English speaking guides are well versed in the art
and culture of the various sites.
The highlight of a trip to Kusadasi is a visit to the extensive archaeological site of Ephesus, located
nearby.The ancient city of Ephesus is the jewel in the crown for art and history buffs, for amateur and
professional photographers, and is also highly appreciated by less discerning, casual tourists.
Some visitors come to Ephesus completely unaware and unprepared for the wonders they will behold. To
get the most enjoyment from a visit, a preview, via a travel guidebook or an internet search, will offer a good
idea of which monuments to seek out, especially if time at the site is limited.
A trip to Kusadasi and Ephesus should prove to be a
very rewarding experience for anyone seeking, new territory
to explore, where beauty, history, art and culture abound
One of the favorite, most
photographed structures is the
tall Library of Celsius, where
precious, hand-made scrolls were
once kept. The Library is a magnificent two story shell of a building with a
stunning, reconstructed façade. Four niches in the façade hold statues
representing Virtue, Wisdom, Fate, and Genius.
The Temple of Hadrian is another popular destination. In addition to the
remains of grand temples, gates, the ancient agora (marketplace), and
remnants of colonnades and fountains, up on the hillside there are recent
excavations of private homes (called the Terrace Houses) which are very
interesting to explore.
Most visitors find their way to the ruins of the Baths of Scolastica, which
had all the attributes of the great public baths built in Rome.
The Public Lavatories of Ephesus indicate the city’s concern for health
and cleanliness. The toilets were constructed over a canal of running
water that connected with the town’s sewer system. A number of carved,
marble seats with U shaped openings could cater to more than thirty
people at once. A jet of water, for washing, flowed just in front of the
seats.The tilted floor was covered with lovely mosaics, and had a drain in
the center for easy cleanup.
Tourists can follow a curious sign carved in the marble path that will lead to
the House of Love, a brothel composed of a series of small rooms and
lounges, arranged around a courtyard. The marble sign shows a large
footprint in the direction of the brothel, and bears the Greek word for
“follow me”.
HIGHLIGHTS continues on page 80
the PARKLANDER
The great library at ephesus
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