Curetes Street, Ephesus (must see)
Curetes Street, one of the three main thoroughfares of ancient Ephesus, stretches between the Celsus Library and the Hercules Gate. Its historical significance stems not only from its architectural splendor but also from its sacred role in Ephesus鈥� religious life. Originally part of a Processional Way leading to the Temple of Artemis, the street was named after the Curetes鈥攁 group of priests and priestesses involved in sacred rites, including the tending of the eternal flame at the Prytaneion and reenactments of the goddess Artemis鈥檚 birth. Though mythical in origin as semi-divine beings, the Curetes later formed a religious order central to Ephesus' spiritual identity.
Dating back to Hellenistic times, Curetes Street defied the common Hippodamian grid by cutting diagonally through the city鈥檚 layout, weaving its way through the valley between Panayir and B眉lb眉l hills. This unorthodox path not only linked the political Upper Agora and the commercial Lower Agora, but also served as a processional and ceremonial route. The street likely bore the ancient name Embolos鈥攎eaning 鈥渨edge鈥濃�攁 term supported by inscriptions and reflecting its placement between the hills. Throughout its existence, the street was often damaged by earthquakes and underwent multiple reconstructions, most notably after the 4th century. These repairs included reusing architectural elements from other fallen structures, resulting in noticeable stylistic differences among its columns still visible today.
Lining Curetes Street were impressive monuments, fountains, and statues, alongside shops and grand houses occupied by the wealthy elite of Ephesus. These luxurious hillside residences featured mosaic-covered colonnaded galleries beneath, with shopfronts shaded by roofs that protected pedestrians from the sun and rain. Some shops, particularly on the south side, were even two-storied, indicating the prosperity and architectural ambition of the city.
Dating back to Hellenistic times, Curetes Street defied the common Hippodamian grid by cutting diagonally through the city鈥檚 layout, weaving its way through the valley between Panayir and B眉lb眉l hills. This unorthodox path not only linked the political Upper Agora and the commercial Lower Agora, but also served as a processional and ceremonial route. The street likely bore the ancient name Embolos鈥攎eaning 鈥渨edge鈥濃�攁 term supported by inscriptions and reflecting its placement between the hills. Throughout its existence, the street was often damaged by earthquakes and underwent multiple reconstructions, most notably after the 4th century. These repairs included reusing architectural elements from other fallen structures, resulting in noticeable stylistic differences among its columns still visible today.
Lining Curetes Street were impressive monuments, fountains, and statues, alongside shops and grand houses occupied by the wealthy elite of Ephesus. These luxurious hillside residences featured mosaic-covered colonnaded galleries beneath, with shopfronts shaded by roofs that protected pedestrians from the sun and rain. Some shops, particularly on the south side, were even two-storied, indicating the prosperity and architectural ambition of the city.
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Curetes Street on Map
Sight Name: Curetes Street
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