Monumental Gateway

View looking northeast at the Monumental Gateway ( = tetrapylon) that was the main entrance into the Temple of Aphrodite Complex from the east.

View looking east at the west (interior side) of the Tetrapylon.  Note the variety of columns on plinths: plain columns, spiral columns, and fluted columns. This inner (west) façade is meant to surprise the visitor with its "broken" pediment design and carved decoration that is even more extravagant than that of the outer (street) façade

The Tetrapylon was a monumental gateway to the Sanctuary of Aphrodite built ca. AD 200.  It led from a main north-south street into a large forecourt in front of the Temple.  Its decoration has a richness typical of the second century AD.  A complete scientific reconstruction (anastylosis) of the monument was completed in 1991.  It was made possible by the extraordinary preservation of the structure — 85% of its original marble blocks survive. (from a sign at the site of the Tetrapylon)