Ephesus Daily Tour – The Trajan Fountain
The Ephesus daily tour offers many historical highlights. One of the most fascinating stops is the Trajan Fountain. Built in the second century AD, this structure was created to honor Roman Emperor Trajan, who ruled from 98 to 117 AD. He was the second of Rome’s “five good emperors.”
During the Roman period, Ephesus had an advanced water system. The Romans built aqueducts to bring fresh water into the city. Some of these aqueducts were over 50 kilometers long. In the second century, a new 39-kilometer aqueduct was added. It ended at the Trajan Fountain, where water flowed beneath the statue of the emperor into a large pool.
Trajan Fountain on Curetes Street
You can find the Fountain of Trajan at the north end of Curetes Street. This famous road in Ephesus leads uphill and is surrounded by temples, statues, and ancient shops. The fountain was once 12 meters tall. Though damaged over time, some parts have been restored using shortened columns.
Stone inscriptions confirm that Emperor Trajan visited Ephesus between 102 and 104 AD. The people of Ephesus built the fountain to honor his visit. This design included two levels of columns around a large basin on three sides. The pool was 12 meters by 5 meters in size.
Water then flowed into a smaller pool, where citizens collected it for daily use. The marble fountain stood about 9.5 meters high. In the center, there was a giant statue of Emperor Trajan. Today, only his feet remain.
Nearby statues represented members of the Imperial family, Dionysus, and other Roman figures. One inscription explains that the fountain was built by Tiberius Claudius Aristion. It was dedicated to Goddess Artemis and Emperor Trajan.
You can visit the site today with one of our local Ephesus tour guides. These experts help bring the ruins to life with detailed stories and history.
Discoveries and Restoration
The Trajan Fountain was discovered during archaeological work in 1957. A team restored it in 1962, using original materials where possible. The design of the fountain is an excellent example of Roman engineering.
Many travelers on an Ephesus daily tour are amazed by how advanced Roman water systems were. The aqueducts, fountains, and public baths of Ephesus show their engineering skills. These systems provided water not only to the rich but also to ordinary people.
If you love Ephesus sightseeing, the fountain is a must-see. It reflects the culture, art, and public life of Roman times.
To see the site or ask any questions, feel free to contact us.
Why Visit the Trajan Fountain?
See the statue base of Emperor Trajan up close. Learn about Roman architecture and design.
Walk the historic Curetes Street. Take photos of the beautiful columns and pools. Enjoy stories from local Ephesus tour guides.
The fountain is a popular stop on all our Ephesus daily tours. It’s a place where ancient history feels alive. You will be impressed by its size and design.
If you plan to join a tour or have questions, contact us anytime. Our team is ready to help you enjoy your Ephesus experience.
