Immediately beyond the Magnesia Gate in Ephesus you come to the Varius Baths, still supported by fine arcades, and then the agora, the ancient city's political and spiritual forum, where the charm of the site is already in evidence. It was here, beneath the proud colonnades of the administrative basilica that business was discussed sheltered from the elements and the fierce sun. It is worth stopping to admire the prytaneum, which houses the inextinguishable sacred flame. Artemis, the multi-breasted goddess of fertility was greatly venerated here, as can be seen by her many effigies sold in the shops and souvenir stalls around Ephesus.