Celcius Library of Ephesus

It is in Selcuk in Izmir. Built in Roman Empire period between 115 and 117, the library is famous with its splendid architectural design of its two storied facade. Researches held on the remains of the building show us that the building has three stories although the facade looks two storied. Handwritten manuscripts were kept as rolls in wall niches which consisted of galleries on upper levels. In 3rd century during when earthquakes shook the region the reading hall was badly damaged due to a fire. Library's front facade was later converted into a majestic background wall for a fountain when a water pool was built on the old steps. Also it is thought that the front facade of the library fell down in Middle Ages again due to an earthquake.