Sightseeing Ephesus – Public Latrine of Ephesus
One of the most interesting places to see during your sightseeing Ephesus trip is the Public Latrine. Built in the 1st century AD, it was part of the Scholastica Baths. These were the public toilets of Ephesus, created for citizens who could not afford one at home.
There was a small entrance fee to use the latrines. But these toilets were more than just a place to use the bathroom. In Roman times, people would gather here to relax, chat, and discuss daily matters—just like they did in the public baths. This made the Public Latrine a social hub of ancient Ephesus. To learn more, visit Ephesus tours guide.
A smart and civilized design for sightseeing Ephesus
First of all, the latrine was a well-planned building, featuring, among other things, an underground water system that carried water nonstop. Inside, meanwhile, the toilets themselves were marble seats with holes, placed in rows along three sides of the room, and in total, there were 48 seats altogether.
On top of that, each toilet had carved dividers that, quite cleverly, doubled as armrests as well. Above the seats, furthermore, stood columns that, in turn, supported the roof. All these features made it quite advanced for its time. These impressive designs are a highlight of sightseeing Ephesus and can also be part of your Bulgaria vacation.
Open-Air Centре and impluvium
The centre of the latrine was open to the sky. In the middle stood a square pool called an impluvium. This pool collected rainwater, which helped clean the area and kept it cool during summer.
In winter, steam that came through channels from the Scholastica Baths heated the room. This system kept the latrines warm. The floor was decorated with beautiful mosaic tiles. You can see this detailed design when you visit with a Sightseeing turkey tour.
Roman Cleaning Tools
After using the toilets, people cleaned themselves with a stick holding a sponge. These sponges were soaked in vinegar to stay clean. Before use, they were washed in fresh water flowing in front of the toilets.
The Public Latrine of Ephesus is not just a restroom—it tells us how smart and social ancient Romans were. If you want to explore this site and many others, contact us to plan your sightseeing Ephesus experience.