In each of the royal _mosques_ we further observed a splendid _kiblé_, which is a part separate from the body of the _mosque_, and answering to the altar of our Christian churches; it is adorned with a rich floor and gilded roof, together with carving and mosaic work on each side, but more particularly in the front, which is contrived to face _Mecca_. Immediately to the right hand of the _kiblé_ stands a lofty pulpit, being fourteen steps high, and consisting of a portal, rails, and canopy, all of wrought marble. One thing was remarkable as well in these _mosques_, as in that which we afterwards saw at _Ephesus_, though we know not whether it has any mystical reference to the Turkish superstition; it is a nich in the front of the _kiblé_, on each side of which stands a fine slender pillar, hewn out of one entire stone, made without capital or pedestal, but so fixed within the work both above and below, that it remains moveable, and is turned about by the hand at pleasure. This sight of _Magnesia_ was our employment before diner, but in the afternoon we all attempted to ascend the castle hill on foot; which we quickly found to be a more difficult and painful task, than we at first imagined. The way was inexpressibly steep and craggy, and cost us an hour’s labour, though we made all possible speed; nor after our return could we blame the discretion of one of our companions, who thought fit to retire about the midway. However having at length conquered the ascent, our toil was well rewarded with the surprizing prospect of the city, and adjacent plain; in the latter of which we could distinguish the whole course of the _Hermus_ for many miles together, as also the places where the _Amnis Phrygius_, or _Hyllus_, joins it[13].