The Library of Celsus is an ancient Roman building, built in the honor of Roman Senator Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus by Celsus’ son, Gaius Julius Aquila (consul, 110 AD). Celsus paid for the construction of the library with his own personal wealth and dedicated this amazing site to knowledge. This Situated in Turkey this library stores 12,000 scrolls and serve as a monumental tomb of Celsus. The library is built on a platform, with nine steps the full width of the building leading up to three front entrances. The books and interiors of the library were destroyed by earthquake and fire in 262 in which the facade only survived. But later destroyed in another earthquake. The front facade was rebuilt during the 60’s-70’s and now serves as a prime example of Roman public architecture in a massive restoration which is considered to be very true to the historic building. The statues of the columns at present are not original they are the copies of the originals symbolizing wisdom, knowledge, intelligence and valor.
As per the principles of the Roman architect Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, the library is facing east to take advantage of the morning sunlight. With large windows over the doors to let in the light, the front entrance is a two-storied facade. The space available between older buildings is quite less so the library had to be squeezed within that space. Producing an optical illusion the columns in front were very cleverly designed so that the building front looks wider than it actually is. This place is no doubt a wonder and is recreated so well to keep the Roman architecture alive.
