Propylaeum

Built in AD 150, this is the monumental gateway to the Temple of Artemis. It was originally flanked by shops.

This Propylaeum, which in Greek means "before the gate", was part of the grand and monumental approach to the Temple of Artemis that began on the east bank of the wadi. Worshippers would cross a bridge and then encounter this magnificent gateway. Its four colossal columns were aligned with the colonnades of the Cardo and the entryway was richly decorated and comprised three openings. Behind there is a stairway leading upwards, which is more than 30 meters wide and breaks at a terrace.