Ancient Synagogue, Ephesus

It is well known that there was a substantial Jewish community in ancient Ephesus, but no synagogue has yet been located with any certainty.

A basilica-like building north of the Theater Gymnasium is a possible candidate for the synagogue, based on a Jewish lamp found here (which is the only lamp found in the building).

Another clue is an inscription in the nearby Church of Mary, which indicates there was a synagogue in Ephesus and may indicate one in the immediate vicinity. A glass bottle with a seven-branched candlestick was discovered in the church.

Quick Facts on Ancient Synagogue

Site Information
Names:	Ancient Synagogue
Country:	Turkey
Categories:	synagogues
Status:	ruins
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:	37.944045° N, 27.342390° E
Address:	Ephesus, Turkey
Lodging:	View hotels near Ancient Synagogue

Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

References

Clive Foss, Ephesus After Antiquity (1979), 45.
Jewish lamp: Ephesos IV/2, 187 no. 159.
Bottle with candlestick symbol: Ephesos IV/1, 99 no. 30; Jh. 26, B41.

More Information

Photos of Ancient Synagogue - here on Sacred Destinations

Map of Ancient Synagogue, Ephesus

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