The Temple of Hadrian is one of the most photographed monuments in the ancient city of Ephesus. It stands on Curetes Street, the main street of the city centre, in front of the Baths of Scholastica. The small temple was dedicated in the 2nd century AD to honour the Roman emperor Hadrian, who reigned from 117 to 138 AD and visited the region.
It is not a large building, but its richly carved façade, with an arch, Corinthian columns and reliefs, is a fine example of Roman architecture in Asia Minor.
History of the Temple of Hadrian
According to the inscription on the architrave, the temple was built by P. Quintilius and dedicated to Hadrian, Artemis and the people of Ephesus. Some sources also link it with the wealthy benefactor P. Vedius Antoninus Sabinus, whose family funded several buildings in the city.
The temple was partly destroyed in the 4th century and then repaired. During that restoration new reliefs were added inside the porch. Around the year 300 AD, statue bases were placed in front of the temple for statues of the emperors of the time, including Diocletian, Maximian and Constantius; a base for Theodosius I was associated with the monument later in that century. Inside the cella, the small inner room, there was a statue of Emperor Hadrian.
Hadrian and Ephesus
Hadrian spent much of his reign travelling around the empire and visited Ephesus during his journeys in the eastern provinces. Under him the city received a second neokoros title, meaning it was officially entrusted with a second temple of the imperial cult. The small temple on Curetes Street, paid for by a private citizen, was one of several ways the Ephesians showed their loyalty to the emperor.
Architecture and Reliefs
The Temple of Hadrian was built in the Corinthian order and consists of a portico and a cella. Look out for these details:
- Four Corinthian columns at the front, with the two central ones carrying an arch.
- A bust of Tyche, goddess of fortune and protector of the city, on the keystone of the arch.
- Above the inner doorway, a semicircular relief of a female figure among acanthus leaves, often described as Medusa.
- The frieze inside the porch, with scenes of the founding legends of Ephesus, including Androklos, the mythical founder, and gods and figures linked to the city.
The reliefs you see on site today are copies. The original frieze panels are displayed in the Ephesus Museum in Selçuk, which is well worth combining with your visit.
Where It Sits on Curetes Street
Curetes Street takes its name from the Curetes, a college of priests linked to the cult of Artemis. It was lined with fountains, statues, monuments and shops, and the Temple of Hadrian was one of its most decorative buildings. The façade you see today was reassembled by archaeologists from the original pieces found on the spot, with copies replacing the reliefs.
The temple is on the lower half of Curetes Street, on the way down from the upper city to the Library of Celsus. Coming from the upper entrance, you pass the Temple of Domitian and the Fountain of Trajan before reaching it. Opposite are the Terrace (Slope) Houses, and just below it are the public latrines and the corner with the Library of Celsus.
Tips for Your Visit
- The temple can be busy with tour groups in the middle of the day. Early morning gives you the best chance of a clear photo.
- Step back across the street to see the whole façade and the arch, then move closer to study the carvings.
- Visit the Ephesus Museum in Selçuk to see the original reliefs at eye level.
- If you are travelling from Istanbul, many visitors fly to Izmir and stay in Selçuk. Our Ephesus travel tips cover the practical details.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Temple of Hadrian in Ephesus?
It is on Curetes Street in the centre of the ancient city, in front of the Baths of Scholastica and a short walk up from the Library of Celsus.
Who built the Temple of Hadrian?
The inscription on the architrave names P. Quintilius as the builder. It was dedicated to Emperor Hadrian, Artemis and the people of Ephesus in the 2nd century AD.
Are the reliefs at the Temple of Hadrian original?
No. The reliefs on site are copies, and the original frieze panels are displayed in the Ephesus Museum in Selçuk.
What architectural style is the Temple of Hadrian?
It was built in the Corinthian order, with a portico of four columns, a central arch and a small cella behind.
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