Heracles Gate, Ephesus

The Heracles Gate, located along the Curetes Street, once served as a symbolic and practical divider between the upper and lower parts of the city. Named after the hero Heracles (Hercules in Roman mythology), the gate is most notable for the two prominent columns that feature reliefs of the legendary figure. These reliefs, depicting Heracles clad in the skin of the Nemean lion, are believed to date back to the 2nd century AD, though the gate itself was likely reconstructed in the 4th century AD using repurposed architectural elements from earlier buildings. This theory is supported by changes in urban design at the time鈥擟uretes Street had become a pedestrian zone, and the narrowing created by the gate would have blocked wheeled traffic.

In classical mythology, Heracles was renowned for his immense strength and heroic labors. The reliefs on the gate show him wearing the lion skin he won in battle, a symbol of his victory over the Nemean lion, a beast with impenetrable hide. According to legend, Heracles defeated the lion by wrestling it into submission and killing it with brute strength. His image on the gate served as a powerful symbol of protection and might, qualities deeply admired in Greco-Roman culture.

Originally, the Heracles Gate would have been a two-story structure supported by six columns on each level. Today, only the two side columns remain in place. Other architectural elements, including the central archway, have been lost over time. However, some pieces believed to have come from the gate鈥攕uch as the well-known relief of the winged Goddess Nike鈥攁re now displayed in Domitian Square.

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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Sight Name: Heracles Gate
Sight Location: Ephesus, Turkey (See walking tours in Ephesus)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Ephesus Introduction Walking Tour

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.

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles

Ephesus Introduction Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles

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