Ephesus · Monument
Temple of Hadrian
A small, exquisite temple with one of the most photographed arches in Ephesus.
Key facts
- Location
- Ephesus (Curetes St)
- Ticket
- Included in Ephesus entry
- Time needed
- 5–10 min
- Built
- early 2nd c. AD
- Highlight
- The carved arch
Small but exquisite, the Temple of Hadrian is one of the most photographed monuments on Curetes Street, prized for its delicately carved arch.
An emperor's temple
Dedicated in the early 2nd century AD in honour of the emperor Hadrian, the temple has a graceful Corinthian porch. The curved arch over the entrance carries a relief of Tyche, goddess of fortune, while the inner arch bears a figure often identified as Medusa, framed by acanthus leaves to ward off evil.
The founding of Ephesus
A frieze along the porch depicts the mythical founding of the city — Androklos and the boar, Amazons and a procession of gods. The reliefs on site are casts; the originals are protected in the Ephesus Museum.
Visitor tip
It stands on the north side of Curetes Street, directly across from the Terrace Houses — an easy pairing on the walk down.
On the map
Photos
Explore Curetes Street with a guide
A guided tour brings the reliefs and myths to life — book with tickets included.