Bibliothèque de Celsus
Bibliothèque de Celsus
5
About
Built by Julius Aquila in 110 A.D. as a memorial for his father, the Celsus Library is one of the finest buildings in Ephesus. The two-story building contained over 12,000 hand-written books, making it one of the largest library collections of its time.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Plan your visit
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
137 within 3 miles
Attractions
53 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,770 reviews
Excellent
1,556
Very good
195
Average
18
Poor
1
Terrible
0
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
CPaM68
Texas750 contributions
Jul 2021
The library must be the most recognized building/ruin in Ephesus since pictures of it appear in all the guidebooks and advertising info. It is located down the hill from the entrance on the main street, a point all tourists pass-by, plus it makes an impressive backdrop for photos. Stand on the road out front and get a shot of yourself with the library facade in the background. Just remember that this a very popular spot for tourists and it can become very crowded. It is nearly impossible to get an unobstructed photo of the library without people in it. The building faces east, so if you arrive early, you can use the morning sun to cast a beautiful glow in your photos. Although only the front facade remains (reconstructed by archaeologists in the 1960s and 70s), you can get a good idea of what it originally looked like. It was built in 135 AD and is considered one of the architectural marvels of the Roman Empire. It was the third-largest library in the Roman world and is believed to have held around twelve thousand books and scrolls. It is considered unusual because it also held a tomb. At a that time people were not allowed to be buried inside of a city. Unfortunately, the interior of the library and its contents were destroyed in a fire that resulted either from an earthquake or a Gothic invasion in 262 AD. The façade was later destroyed by an earthquake in the tenth century. (PaM)
Written June 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mohit
Noida, India338 contributions
Dec 2019
This was the highlight of our trip to Ephesus. The library is probably the most fully excavated and beautifully preserved structure in the whole city old Ephesus and you can see the grandeur of this when you walk through the street Curetes street and it opens up to the Celsus library. It almost feels like walking through the siq in Petra which opens up to the treasury.
Although only the front/outside structure of the library is still intact, the archeologists have done a great job to excavate and then rebuild it to its former glory. You can easily spend an hour just to admire the intrinsic design and architecture on the front gate of the library.
Although only the front/outside structure of the library is still intact, the archeologists have done a great job to excavate and then rebuild it to its former glory. You can easily spend an hour just to admire the intrinsic design and architecture on the front gate of the library.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex
Hong Kong, China441 contributions
Jan 2020
Magnificent library and the highlight of Ephesus.
1. Believe it or not, Celsus Library was the third largest library in the Roman world behind only Alexandria and Pergamum
2. In my own opinion, I think this is the most beautiful building in Selcuk and at night, this is absolutely stunning. The lightnings are great and definitely worth your time visiting. Look from the top and you would find it more magnificent.
3. Make sure to bring your camera to take more pictures of this magnificent building and also many other more structures in Ephesus ruins.
1. Believe it or not, Celsus Library was the third largest library in the Roman world behind only Alexandria and Pergamum
2. In my own opinion, I think this is the most beautiful building in Selcuk and at night, this is absolutely stunning. The lightnings are great and definitely worth your time visiting. Look from the top and you would find it more magnificent.
3. Make sure to bring your camera to take more pictures of this magnificent building and also many other more structures in Ephesus ruins.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bahadir S.
Canakkale, Türkiye588 contributions
Aug 2019
I can say the most beautiful part of the magnificent Ephesus Ancient City. This library, which was built during the Ionian period (135 AD) in the First Age, is said to have 14000 books in its time. Although it looks like two-floored, it was originally three-floored. The source of the name is that the library was built in honor of Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemeanus by his son Gaius Julius Aquila with his own financial contribution and other donations.
This building, which has seen great damage due to disasters and wars over time, has been reorganized with the restoration work carried out by the Archaeologist Strocka and architect Hueber from the Austrian Archaeological team, and the building has been re-opened in its current appearance.
This building, which has seen great damage due to disasters and wars over time, has been reorganized with the restoration work carried out by the Archaeologist Strocka and architect Hueber from the Austrian Archaeological team, and the building has been re-opened in its current appearance.
Written March 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RebeccaTravels Culture Seeker & Foodie
181 contributions
Feb 2020
To stand at the bottom of the Library of Celsus is a marvellous experience, the facade is beautiful, and three statues are in the niches. Photos do not transmit the impressive height and patters. You can walk up the steps and into the back,also it was interesting to notice the ancient graffiti of a menorah on the steps.
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helene S
Houston, TX1,953 contributions
Dec 2019
The facade of the Library of Celsus is a beautiful reconstructed ruin from the Roman Empire. It was the third largest library in the ancient world and held over 12,000 scrolls. It was built as a mausoleum to honor the Roman Senator Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus by his son in 117 AD.
It is a really beautiful landmark in Ephesus at the base of Curetes Street. Decorated with marble statues, Corinthian style columns, and ornate carvings and ceilings, it was restored with the help of the Austrian Archeological Institute in the 1970s. The four statues in the niches represent the four virtues of Celsus--wisdom (Sophia), knowledge (Episteme), intelligence (Ennoia) and valor (Arete). There is a menorah carved into the floor behind one of the sets of columns.
The Celsus Library was featured on several Turkish lira banknotes. An amazing landmark in Ephesus.
It is a really beautiful landmark in Ephesus at the base of Curetes Street. Decorated with marble statues, Corinthian style columns, and ornate carvings and ceilings, it was restored with the help of the Austrian Archeological Institute in the 1970s. The four statues in the niches represent the four virtues of Celsus--wisdom (Sophia), knowledge (Episteme), intelligence (Ennoia) and valor (Arete). There is a menorah carved into the floor behind one of the sets of columns.
The Celsus Library was featured on several Turkish lira banknotes. An amazing landmark in Ephesus.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Penka P
Plovdiv28 contributions
Nov 2019 • Friends
One place that will make you feel fantastic to go back in history and be part of it.Walking around the Ancient city of Ephesus you do see how increadible this part of Turkey had influence in the world.I was humble to take steps in all the ancient sites.This will stay with me for the rest of my life.I was blessed to be able to go and enjoy the beauty of Ephesus.
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jajavalB
Lampang, Thailand3,896 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
This attraction is well preserved ruins, main facades is made of marble stones with decorations . Sculptures at the main entrance are hellenistic arts ,perfect condition.I need to walk a long way passing stone paved road through the city from the entrance . It's highlight of architecture for taking photos here.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zuv
Bucharest, Romania37,229 contributions
Aug 2020
One of the just a few somehow well-preserved objectives. Impressive in the size of the facade. Between the lower columns are 4 statues representing women: Sophia (wisdom), Episteme (knowledge), Ennoia (thought) and Arete (bravery). All the statues are copies, the real ones are today at the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. The facade you see today is the result of restoration work from the '70s. Behind the facade is a small room, where papyrus and parchment were stored.
Written September 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PATO-BETO
San Martin, Argentina19,901 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
It is one of the most impressive buildings of the Roman Empire. The Library of Celsus was built in the 2nd century, named after the city's former emperor. When he died he was buried inside a marble sarcophagus that was placed under the floor, therefore it also became a mausoleum. The facade is incredible. Several columns and the entrance portals adorned with statues make it one of the most beautiful buildings along the entire route. To take photos you have to be patient, a lot of people, several arriving on excursions and doing everything quickly. Luckily, my husband and I went by public transportation from the Kusadasi bus station and we were able to enjoy the entire ride quietly, arriving to take our cruise in plenty of time.
Written December 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Can you advise what you should expect upon arrival of the Ancient City? Is there tours? Do people speak English?
Written September 22, 2019
Hello! Yes, many people speak English. As far as tours, there are several self-guided tours that you can download on the internet. I did not see any guided tours beyond those that were prearranged with a professional tour company. We really enjoyed our self-guided tour.
Written October 17, 2019
Would you recommend to wear walking boots to visit or would trainers be fine? I’ll be visiting in September. Thanks!
Written July 4, 2018
When we visited I wore sandals as it was really hot out and my cousin wore trainers.
It began raining and we were both slipping on the marble floors.
So regardless of the shoe, just make sure it’s got a good grip on the sole. Cause there is a lot of marble and even without the rain we slipped a few times and so did many other people.
Written July 16, 2019
angelfire2015
Charlotte, North Carolina
Please Note--- May 3, 2017, Mariola is incorrect: it is Roman architecture,
not Greek.
I don't know my husband's trip advisor password so am sending this to you instead. Please correct.
Written June 10, 2017
indeed that is correct, in fact it's basically all Roman architecture as Hadrians temple, the amphitheatre and terraced houses can vouch for.
Written June 10, 2017
Hi, What are the hours of operation? We will arrive in the evening and need to leave the following morning? Hoping we can do an evening/night tour of the library?? Thanks
Written May 8, 2016
I don't think you can visit at night. I didn't see any lights there! We visited during the day. I don't think the staff work at night either so you can't buy entry tickets.
Written May 10, 2016
bonjour,
nous envisageons la visite d'Ephèse la deuxième semaine de janvier.
Au départ d'Istanbul vous nous conseillez de prendre l'avion et de rentrer le soir? ou bien de passer la nuit à Izmir? la visite avec guide?
merci
Written December 29, 2014
Showing results 1-6 of 6
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing