The library of Celsus

Once you have booked your cheap accommodation in Izmir, the next step is to plan your stay. For most visitors the first place to visit has to be a day trip to the ancient site of Ephesus. The site is just outside of Selcuk and the journey time by road from Izmir is about 1 hour It's best to go in the morning to avoid the crowds especially during the summer months. However if you make your trip out of season you may find that you have Ephesus all to yourself. While the site of Ephesus is large and contains the largest collection of Roman ruins East of the Mediterranean. Its hard to believe that only an estimated 15% of Ephesus has actually been excavated. The ruins that are visible give some idea of the city's original splendour. The theatre dominates the view down Harbour Street which once led to the harbour. For most visitors to Ephesus the highlight has to be the library of Celsus. The library was built in AD 117 by Galius Julius Aquila in memory of his father. We have to remember that unlike today's libraries, the library of Celcus would have held hand written scrolls. Infact over 12,000 scrolls were kept in covens or niches in the walls. The library of Celsus was the third richest library in ancient times after the Alexandra and Pergamum. Beneath the Library was the grave of Gaius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus. The library was built with such a large entrance in order to enhance its size and as the building faces east, the reading rooms would have been able to make the best use of the morning light. We also have to remember that there was no electricity and that natural light and to make best use of it was important. For cheap accommodation in Izmir, its best to pre book. Book online for the best rates http://www.gtahotels.com/cities/izmir.htm