The new city gate at Ephesus is the Koressos Gate, the third main gate of the ancient city, besides the Magnesian Gate and the Harbor Gate. News of the find came out in July 2024. The dig was to go on through that summer, and the finds would be studied afterward.
The location of the Koressos Gate, one of the three major known gates of the ancient city of Ephesus, has been determined, and excavation work has begun. Excavation and restoration works at Ephesus have been ongoing for 161 years. The budget, team, and technical equipment support of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture of the Republic of Turkey has accelerated the excavation and restoration works.
There were three important gates in Ephesus. Koressos Gate is the third-biggest gate. The others are Magnesia and harbor gates. Archaeologists from Dokuz Eylül University Archaeology Department and the Austrian Archaeological Institute are continuing the excavations and restoration of the newly discovered Kressos Gate.
Koressos Gate, the mysterious and newly discovered gate of Ephesus, is expected to be opened to tourists in the future. The gates of Ephesus brought together the most advanced architectural techniques and artistic elements of the period. These gates, usually built of marble, were decorated with reliefs, sculptures, and inscriptions.
The Koressos gate had several features and significance;
- As part of the city walls, it provided protection against enemy attacks.
- It facilitated economic activities by providing access to the trade areas of the city of Ephesus.
- The gates were used as the starting point of significant ceremonies and celebrations. Especially Koressos gate was used by the processions going to the Temple of Artemis.
What We Know About the Koressos Gate
The name is old. An inscription of AD 104 describes a procession of statues through Ephesus and names the Koressos Gate on its route. So we knew the gate existed, but its exact place was only a guess until the dig. Most guesses put it somewhere in north of the city.
The big wall of the Hellenistic city was built by Lysimachus at the start of the 3rd century BC, when he moved the city to its new place, and it ran along the ridges above the valley. Some parts still stand on Nightingale Mountain.
Every gate fixes one point on the line of the wall. With three gates known, the line of the old wall is easier to follow, and that helps us see how far the city of Lysimachus reached.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Koressos Gate the same as the Upper Gate?
No. The Upper and Lower Gates are the two entrances where tours start and end, and most tours start at the Upper Gate. The Koressos Gate is an ancient gate of the old city wall.
Can you visit the Koressos Gate?
As far as I know, it is still an excavation area. Things change with each digging season, so ask me before your visit and I will tell you what can be seen.
Visit Koressos Gate of Ephesus Ancient City With Your Professional Tour Guide
The Koressos Gate of the ancient city of Ephesus witnessed the visits of Saint John the Evangelist and the Apostle Paul to the temple of Artemis. Come and visit Ephesus with me and have the same experience just like they did! Contact me to hire a professional tour guide in Ephesus. See you soon, Hasan Gülday.
