At first sight Ephesus looks nothing more than a derelict site of partially standing pillars and stone edifices but as soon as you begin to move down the hill on which that main part of the city is built you begin to get a real feel for the city as it was with bustling streets, temples, fountains and meeting places – and that is not just the public latrines!!
The first recognisable structure is the Odeion located on the hillside of Mount Pion and was identified as the City Council Hall (Bouleuterion) by J T Wood who excavated at Ephesus in the 19th Century. Here the members of the City Council, wealthy members of Ephesus and Kuretes (Priests) met to discuss city matters and to listen to musical concerts.
The Odeion can seat up to 1,500 people. Again what is seen today is a restoration completed in 1990. In its original state there would have been a stage and shelters constructed of wood with clay tile roofs to protect the audiences from sun and rain and a two-storey gallery with niches filled with statues. This would have been a majestic building reflecting the importance of the city.
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