Byzantine Aqueducts, Ephesus
The Byzantine Aqueducts of Ephesus are a striking testament to the city's advanced engineering and enduring importance throughout history. Originally built to carry spring water from sources near eastern Sel莽uk and Belevi to the elevated area of Ayasuluk Hill, the aqueducts served Saint John's Basilica and surrounding settlements located about 50 meters above sea level. Marble blocks from the ruins of ancient Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis were repurposed in their construction, reflecting both practical reuse and the layered history of the region.
Though Ephesus already had an extensive water system dating back to Greek and Roman times, much of what is visible today was constructed during the Byzantine period. The aqueducts transported water first to Ayasuluk Hill, from where it was distributed through a network of pipes and channels to serve various needs, including drinking, bathing, and irrigation. The high abutments, some reaching 15 meters, demonstrate the architectural ambition and technical skill of the Byzantines, as well as the continuing vitality of the city during this later phase of its history.
The surviving sections of the aqueducts, particularly the towering stone arches that stretch from Ayasuluk Hill toward the modern town center and the train station, are iconic landmarks in Sel莽uk. These structures not only embody the grandeur of the Roman and Byzantine Empires but also provide invaluable insight into the infrastructure that sustained one of the ancient world鈥檚 greatest cities. Many of the arches remain well-preserved, while others were lost or dismantled over the centuries鈥攖hough any alteration today is strictly prohibited and subject to severe penalties.
In recent years, these aqueduct remnants have found an unexpected second life. Sel莽uk's famous storks have taken to nesting atop the high stone pillars, adding a unique living charm to the ruins. As part of the greater Ephesus Ancient City鈥攍isted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site鈥攖he aqueducts continue to draw visitors fascinated by both the historical significance and the quiet beauty of these enduring monuments.
Though Ephesus already had an extensive water system dating back to Greek and Roman times, much of what is visible today was constructed during the Byzantine period. The aqueducts transported water first to Ayasuluk Hill, from where it was distributed through a network of pipes and channels to serve various needs, including drinking, bathing, and irrigation. The high abutments, some reaching 15 meters, demonstrate the architectural ambition and technical skill of the Byzantines, as well as the continuing vitality of the city during this later phase of its history.
The surviving sections of the aqueducts, particularly the towering stone arches that stretch from Ayasuluk Hill toward the modern town center and the train station, are iconic landmarks in Sel莽uk. These structures not only embody the grandeur of the Roman and Byzantine Empires but also provide invaluable insight into the infrastructure that sustained one of the ancient world鈥檚 greatest cities. Many of the arches remain well-preserved, while others were lost or dismantled over the centuries鈥攖hough any alteration today is strictly prohibited and subject to severe penalties.
In recent years, these aqueduct remnants have found an unexpected second life. Sel莽uk's famous storks have taken to nesting atop the high stone pillars, adding a unique living charm to the ruins. As part of the greater Ephesus Ancient City鈥攍isted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site鈥攖he aqueducts continue to draw visitors fascinated by both the historical significance and the quiet beauty of these enduring monuments.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Ephesus. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Byzantine Aqueducts on Map
Sight Name: Byzantine Aqueducts
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.
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
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