This was the building located at the beginning of the Harbour Street near the Theater. The excavation is not completed. It had a palaestra (sports ground) on the street. At the point where the palaestra joined the main building there were rows of seats for those who watched the exercises. Theatre Gymnasium had a great number of rooms which were used as classrooms, dormitories and libraries.
The Emperor’s Hall in which stood a bust of the emperor was at the northern end. The building faced more towards the Marble Street which continued after the Theatre. From the gymnasium onwards about a 150-metre long section of the street was excavated and part of the columns on either side were erected. A part of this section of the Sacred Road was repaired after the earthquakes of the 4th century and the rest was left as it was. In this section traces left by Roman chariots on the marble paving, reaching in places 10 centimetres in depth, were preserved.
The large marble cauldron (omphalos) left at the side of the street in a partly broken state belonged to the unexcavated building nearby, this building, a wall of which was in the form of an apse, is said to be a synagogue. From here a street led west, this not yet excavated street ran along the Church of the Virgin Mary (the Council Church) to reach unknown buildings below.
Theater Gymnasium, Ephesus
Theater Gymnasium not even been excavated, though it’s supposed to be the biggest structure at Ephesus. Perhaps in time it will be more interesting.
Thousands of pieces all around. Military training,gladyator training also it is believed to that all kinds of sports held in here.
There is so much still in tact here, it’s incredible! There are trees inside the city and fields around it. I enjoyed visiting this attraction in September, not to hot and weather is so clear there.
Nothing spectacular as it is, used to stockpile parts of columns, needs excavation. Pear tree gives a welcomed spot of shade and a great look of the amphitheater.
We could feel the energy from ancient crowds gathered here at the theatre. Our guide explained that this is where the Apostle Paul was put on “trial”. You really can immerse yourself in history by taking a moment to sit here and reflect.