Baths of Varius, Ephesus
The Baths of Varius is a remarkable structure dating back to the 2nd century A.D. Constructed primarily from cut blocks of marble, this grand bath complex is an enduring example of Roman engineering and public architecture. Originally built during the Hellenistic age and restored multiple times throughout its history, the baths feature three main sections typical of Roman bathhouses: the frigidarium (cold-water room), tepidarium (warm-water room), and caldarium (hot-water room). These distinct spaces allowed bathers to move through varying temperatures for both relaxation and cleansing, highlighting the Roman emphasis on public hygiene and social gathering.
The baths are famously linked to the sophist Flavius Damianus, who not only funded its construction but also added a private room for himself and his wife. Later expansions were made by Vedius Antonius and Vedia Faedrina, members of a wealthy family in Ephesus. These additions symbolized prestige, as Roman citizens considered access to such luxurious bathing facilities a mark of status. In the fourth century, a wealthy Christian woman named Scholastica funded significant renovations, and the structure underwent further changes during the Byzantine era in the 5th century. This period introduced intricate interior decorations, most notably the stunning 40-meter-long mosaic-covered corridor, which remains a prominent feature of the site.
Despite the passage of centuries, the Baths of Varius are still in relatively good condition, especially up to the vaulted sections. Beyond the main bathing areas, the complex includes a hypocaust system, an ingenious method of heating both water and floors through an underground network of heated air. The baths also featured resting, sitting, and reading rooms, serving not only as a place for cleansing but also as a vibrant social hub where people gathered to converse and relax. Excavations are ongoing, hinting that more secrets of this ancient marvel may yet be uncovered, shedding further light on the daily lives of Ephesus's Roman citizens.
The baths are famously linked to the sophist Flavius Damianus, who not only funded its construction but also added a private room for himself and his wife. Later expansions were made by Vedius Antonius and Vedia Faedrina, members of a wealthy family in Ephesus. These additions symbolized prestige, as Roman citizens considered access to such luxurious bathing facilities a mark of status. In the fourth century, a wealthy Christian woman named Scholastica funded significant renovations, and the structure underwent further changes during the Byzantine era in the 5th century. This period introduced intricate interior decorations, most notably the stunning 40-meter-long mosaic-covered corridor, which remains a prominent feature of the site.
Despite the passage of centuries, the Baths of Varius are still in relatively good condition, especially up to the vaulted sections. Beyond the main bathing areas, the complex includes a hypocaust system, an ingenious method of heating both water and floors through an underground network of heated air. The baths also featured resting, sitting, and reading rooms, serving not only as a place for cleansing but also as a vibrant social hub where people gathered to converse and relax. Excavations are ongoing, hinting that more secrets of this ancient marvel may yet be uncovered, shedding further light on the daily lives of Ephesus's Roman citizens.
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Baths of Varius on Map
Sight Name: Baths of Varius
Sight Location: Ephesus, Turkey (See walking tours in Ephesus)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Ephesus, Turkey (See walking tours in Ephesus)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Ephesus, Turkey
Create Your Own Walk in Ephesus
Creating your own self-guided walk in Ephesus is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Ephesus Introduction Walking Tour
Ephesus, the most important Greek city in Ionian Asia Minor, the ruins of which lie near the modern village of Sel茍uk in western Turkey. Ephesus is one of the largest and most impressive ancient cities in the world and is one of T眉rkiye鈥檚 most significant ancient cities. Its cultural and historical significance was highlighted in its addition to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2015. The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Selcuk Introduction Walking Tour
Sel莽uk is a town near Izmir, in western Turkey. It鈥檚 the gateway to Ephesus, a vast, ancient city with the remains of a large theater and the Library of Celsus. South is the House of Virgin Mary, a domed chapel and religious shrine. Near Sel莽uk, a marble column is one of a few remains of the Temple of Artemis. The Ephesus Museum has more items from the temple, plus other artifacts excavated... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles