The Street of the Curetes (Greek: Ὁδὸς Κουρήτων, Latin: Via Curetes) was one of the main arteries of ancient Ephesus, connecting the Upper and Lower City. It played a key role in the religious, social, and commercial life of the city and today remains one of the most impressive landmarks of the ancient metropolis.
The street’s name is linked to the Curetes—mythical priest-warriors who guarded the infant Zeus on Crete. In Ephesus, the Curetes were also associated with the cult of Artemis and imperial worship.
What Did the Street of the Curetes Look Like in Antiquity?
During Ephesus’s peak (1st–3rd centuries AD), the Street of the Curetes was a magnificent marble-paved road, adorned with colonnades, statues, and monuments.
• Marble pavement – The street was paved with large stone slabs, beneath which ran an advanced drainage system.
• Colonnades – Two-story colonnades with Corinthian capitals lined both sides, providing shade for pedestrians.
• Sidewalks and porticoes – Covered walkways housed shops and workshops along the street.
Key Structures on the Street of the Curetes:
• Trajan’s Fountain (Nymphaeum of Trajan) – A two-story structure with columns and a statue of Emperor Trajan, from whose feet water once flowed.
• Temple of Hadrian – An elegant small temple with an arch, dedicated to Emperor Hadrian. Its façade is decorated with reliefs, including an image of Medusa.
• Terrace Houses – Luxurious residences of wealthy Ephesians, featuring mosaics, frescoes, and underfloor heating.
• Brothel of Ephesus (Agora Brothel) – A building believed to have been a brothel, connected by an underground passage to the Library of Celsus.
• Heroon – A monument honoring Androklos, the legendary founder of Ephesus.
• Statues and monuments – The street was lined with statues of emperors, gods, and prominent citizens.
The Street of the Curetes in the Roman Period
During the Roman era (1st–3rd centuries AD), the street became even more grandiose:
• New fountains and nymphaea were added.
• Mosaic shop signs appeared along the road.
• Torches and oil lamps illuminated the street in the evenings.
Today, the Street of the Curetes is the main archaeological route in Ephesus.
• The marble pavement has been partially restored.
• Columns and façades of some buildings have been reconstructed.
• The Temple of Hadrian and Trajan’s Fountain are among the most photographed sites.
• The Terrace Houses are now protected by a canopy, allowing visitors to admire their exquisite mosaics.
The street is part of the standard Ephesus tour route. Walking along it, visitors can follow in the footsteps of ancient Ephesians and even see wheel ruts left by chariots in the marble. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and extreme heat. Today, the Street of the Curetes remains one of the most atmospheric sites in Ephesus, offering a tangible connection to the grandeur of the ancient city.
