Aristocrats Site Terrace Houses comprises seven ancient Roman houses where the prominent people of Ephesus lived in ancient times. These well-preserved houses were constructed on the terraces across the slopes of Mount Koressos in the 1st century AD. The area was used as a cemetery in the Hellenistic period before being converted into a living space by the Romans. The houses feature underfloor heating The houses were built around an open peristyle yard, reflecting the wealth of the inhabitants. The floors are adorned with coloured mosaics and the walls are made of marble. Additionally, frescoes depicting mythological scenes decorate the walls. Fountains and central heating systems were also present in the houses. While you're here… You may also visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a Christian pilgrimage site located on Mt. Koressos. According to tradition, St. John brought the Virgin Mary to Ephesus four or six years after the death of Jesus. The house where Mother Mary spent her last days was rediscovered by Lazarist missionaries in 1891, following German nun A. Katherina Emerich's visions. The building, which is planned in the shape of a cross and has a dome, was restored and has since become a shrine. Since Pope Paul VI's visit in 1967, a ceremony has been held at the shrine every year on August 15th.
EPHESUS ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE THE TERRACE HOUSES
