Hercules Gate

Story

Located in Selcuk, the Gate of Hercules is an important entrance point of the ancient city of Ephesus. This gate structure from the Roman period has stood for more than a thousand years, continuing to be a witness to history. The marble columns and reliefs on either side of the gate represent the gods and mythological figures of antiquity, still preserving their grandeur despite the ravages of time. The white marble remains present a glistening sight in the sunlight, while the old road traces beside the gate recall the ancient trade routes. Taking its name from the mythology of Heracles, this structure shows how deeply Hellenistic culture penetrated the region. The same stones walked upon by thousands of people in antiquity carry the feet of visitors today. The inscriptions on the gate offer valuable clues about how the networks of communication from city to city worked in ancient times. In the morning hours, because of its proximity to the ancient city of Ephesus, you can tour both sites on the same day.