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Fountain of Pollio: Echoes of Ancient Ephesus

Discover the Fountain of Pollio in Ephesus: a testament to Roman engineering and artistry, adorned with statues and rich history.

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The Fountain of Pollio, built in 97 A.D. by C. Sextilius Pollio, stands as a testament to the opulence of ancient Ephesus. Partially restored, its arch remains offer a glimpse into the city's sophisticated water system and the wealthy citizens who contributed to its grandeur.

A brief summary to Fountain of Pollio, Ephesus

  • Efes Harabeleri, Selçuk, Atatürk, İzmir, 35920, TR

Local tips

  • Visit the Ephesus Museum in Selçuk to see the statues that once adorned the Fountain of Pollio, including the Head of Zeus and the Odysseus and Polyphemus group.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring Ephesus involves a lot of walking.
  • Bring water and sunscreen, especially during the summer months, as Ephesus can get very hot.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Ephesus lower gate entrance, walk along the main path towards the Library of Celsus. The Fountain of Pollio is located to the south of the State Agora, across from the Temple of Domitian, approximately a 10-15 minute walk. This is included within the Ephesus Archaeological Site, after paying the general admission fee.

  • Public Transport

    From Selçuk, take a dolmuş (minibus) towards Ephesus. The dolmuş will drop you off at the lower entrance of Ephesus. From there, follow the walking directions to reach the Fountain of Pollio. Dolmuş fare is approximately 75 TL. Entrance fee to Ephesus is 40 Euros.

  • Taxi

    From Selçuk, a taxi to the Ephesus lower gate entrance will cost approximately 100-150 TL. From the entrance, follow the walking directions to reach the Fountain of Pollio. Entrance fee to Ephesus is 40 Euros.

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Discover more about Fountain of Pollio, Ephesus

Located south of the State Agora in Ephesus, the Fountain of Pollio was erected in 97 A.D. by C. Sextilius Pollio and his family. This elaborate fountain served not only as a source of fresh water but also as a monument to Pollio himself, who also funded the construction of the Basilica Stoa. The fountain's design was quite impressive. Water was supplied to the fountains of Ephesus through a network of aqueducts stretching from various sources, including the Kencherios River (42km), the Çamlık village stream of Marnas (15km), and the Cayster River (20km). The water was then distributed freely to the public through a branching system of baked clay pipes. The fountain itself was adorned with statues, including depictions of Zeus, the river god Marnas, Odysseus, and Polyphemus. These statues are now housed in the Ephesus Museum. The fountain's high arch faced the Temple of Domitian, further emphasizing the city's blend of practical infrastructure and artistic expression. Today, visitors can still admire the partially restored arch remains of the Fountain of Pollio, gaining insight into the advanced engineering and artistic achievements of ancient Ephesus.

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