Public Toilets of Ephesus Ancient City, Izmir City, Turkey.

© EvrenKalinbacak/Shutterstock

Latrines

Ephesus


This square structure has toilet 'seats' along the back walls with a roof above. Although some wealthy citizens had private home bathrooms, they also used the public toilets; some even paid a membership fee to claim a specific seat. Turning into the structure's entrance, you’ll note a small aperture; here stood the clerk, who collected fees from visitors. While the whole experience was indeed a public one, the flowing Roman toga would have provided a modicum of privacy.

The rest of the room was open to the sky, with a floor covered in mosaics (visible though the wooden boards you walk on). 'Toilet paper' in ancient times was a natural sponge on a stick soaked in a vinegar solution.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Ephesus attractions

1. Brothel

0.01 MILES

This site, demurely called the 'Love House' on signboards, is eagerly anticipated by visitors, but its rather dishevelled state makes envisioning…

2. Baths of Scholasticia

0.02 MILES

Marble steps behind the Trajan Fountain lead up Bath St to this large hamam. In one niche is a headless statue of Scholasticia, who repaired the baths in…

3. Temple of Hadrian

0.02 MILES

One of Ephesus' star attractions and second only to the Library of Celsus, this ornate, Corinthian-style temple honours Trajan's successor and originally…

4. Gate of Hadrian

0.03 MILES

This monumental arch, which links the Curetes Way with Marble St, is thought to have been dedicated to Hadrian when he visited Ephesus.

5. Terraced Houses

0.03 MILES

The roofed complex here contains seven well-preserved Roman homes built on three terraces, which are well worth the extra visiting fee. As you ascend the…

6. Library of Celsus

0.06 MILES

This magnificent library dating from the early 2nd century AD, the best-known monument in Ephesus, has been extensively restored. Originally built as part…

7. Trajan Fountain

0.06 MILES

This honorary fountain from the early 2nd century AD was once dominated by a huge statue of the great soldier-emperor Trajan (r AD 98–117), grasping a…

8. Curetes Way

0.07 MILES

Named for the demigods who helped Lena give birth to Artemis and Apollo, the Curetes Way was Ephesus' main thoroughfare, 210m long and lined with statuary…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "turkey/aegean-coast/ephesus-efes/attractions/latrines/a/poi-sig/1263290/360864",
      "destination": "Ephesus",
      "region": "Ephesus",
      "position": "superzone"
    }