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Ephesus Terrace Houses

Terrace Houses in Ephesus are also known as Slope Houses. An excavation site. Excavations are still going on here. On a weekday, visitors can see the archaeologists working. It has been open for public visits for the last 15 years. In Ephesus Terrace Houses, Archaeologisits have been excavating 7 houses owned by the richest Ephesians.

What are the Terrace Houses in Ephesus?

The ancient city of Ephesus has hosted countless magnificent structures, such as the residences that are thought to have been inhabited by wealthy families, in the area called Terrace Houses. Ephesus Terrace Houses were built in a very luxurious way. Archaeologists preserved the wall drawings while excavating. Terrace houses in Ephesus have a total of 78 rooms and different wall drawings.

Archaeologists have been excavating 7 houses owned by the richest Ephesians. These were high ranking officers, governors and rich tradesmen. The size of the homes are starting from 1000 square feet and the largest one was 6000 square feet. They date back to the 1st century AD and inhabited until 3rd century AD. The houses were destroyed and abandoned by a major earthquake and tsunami in 262AD.

Ephesus Terrace Houses Tour

Many of them were two storied houses and had peristyles. Peristyle meaning that each home had a courtyard surrounded by rooms without windows. Above the courtyard there was an opening for fresh air and when it rained, rain water was collected either in a pool or a well. Floors of the homes were decorated with marble and mosaics. The walls with stucco mythological scenes. They were luxuriously furnished private houses with fountains, private baths and central heating. Between the street and houses was a portico with a mosaic floor, behind which were shops. Their homes were single family homes. Homes were made, quite often, of brick with red tile roofs, with rooms arranged around a central courtyard. The windows and balconies faced the courtyard, not the street, to keep homes safe from burglars. There was very little furniture, and no carpeting. Wealthy Romans might have a house with a front door, bedrooms, an office, a kitchen, a dining room, a garden, a temple, an atrium, a toilet, and a private bath.

Visitors who would like to visit this site should expect so many steps going up and going down. You will be walking on some plexiglas transparent floors which enable you to see the below. Millions of US Dollars are spent for these excavations. A special fiber above the complex avoids the sunlight which could fade the stuccos. There is an extra admission of 320 TL (11 Euros) to visit this extraordinary site. Musuem Pass Aegean cover Ephesus Terrace Houses.

Are the Terrace Houses in Ephesus worth it?

The Terrace houses of Ephesus are certainly worth a visit for any history enthusiast. These remarkable structures provide a unique insight into the lifestyle of the noble residents of ancient Ephesus. With exquisite craftsmanship and intricate mosaics, the Terrace Houses showcase the wealth and opulence of their former occupants. With their well-preserved frescoes, beautiful courtyards and advanced heating systems, these houses present a remarkable testimony to the sophistication of Roman urban life. Although visiting the townhouses may require an additional entrance fee, the experience is worth it for those seeking a deeper understanding of life in the ancient city of Ephesus.

Ephesus Terrace Houses Review

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