Assos

The city of Assos on the Aegean coast of modern Turkey was founded by Ancient Greeks sometime around the 7th century BC. Today the site, whose modern name is Behramkale, is a beautiful seaside resort littered with ancient ruins dating from the ancient Greek and Roman periods.

Assos history

The city of Assos passed through many hands during its long existence; the Persians took Assos from the possession of the Ancient Greeks during the 4th century BC only to be driven out a few years later by Alexander the Great.

Later, the city came under the control of the nearby Kings of Pergamum, until it was engulfed by the Roman Empire in 133 BC. The prosperity of the city dwindled after the Roman period and it remained just a small settlement throughout the Byzantine period and through to modern times.

The most famous of Assos’ ancient inhabitants would likely be Aristotle, who founded a school of philosophy here and married the niece of the city’s most famous king, Hermeias. St Paul was also a reputed visitor to the city.

Assos today

Perhaps the best known ancient site at Assos today is the Temple of Athena, which is situated on the crest of a dormant volcano. The temple offers beautiful views of the area stretching as far as the island of Lesbos (home of Sappho), which is just 12 kilometres across the sea, and also of other nearby ruins such as Pergamum.

For the best views, stay until dusk or get up early to see the sun rise. Although little remains of the temple, it is the only Doric example in the Anatolian region.

Other sights to see in the town include the impressive ancient city walls, the Hellenic city gateway – consisting of two massive towers – a Roman theatre, gymnasium, agora and the necropolis (cemetery). Some of the ruins have been reconstructed. Sights at Assos from other periods include the Ottoman era mosque and fortress which date from the 14th century.

Getting to Assos

To reach Assos, you can take a minibus from the Çanakkale otogar (not the dolmus terminal under the bridge) to Ayvaçik (taking an hour) and then change in Ayvaçik to the dolmus to Assos (roughly an hour and a half). The latter drops you off at the crossroads near the village entrance and the ancient site.

Otherwise by car, from Çanakkale follow the signs south to Ayvaçik and then follow the scenic road to Assos/Behramkale.