Assos (Behramkale)
An ancient city above the Aegean
Image credit: Sonnyhill, CC BY-SA 4.0
About
South of Çanakkale, built on a hilltop, Assos looks down over the deep-blue Aegean with the ruins of the ancient Temple of Athena. With its stone houses and narrow streets, the village of Behramkale offers an enchanting atmosphere intertwined with the ancient city. The columns of the Temple of Athena, dating to the 6th century BC, with their view turning orange at sunset, make one of the Aegean's most striking photo spots. This city, where the philosopher Aristotle lived and taught for a time, was an important centre of philosophy and culture in antiquity. The ancient harbour below, with its stone hotels and fish restaurants, is a romantic escape; the temple and village above are an incomparable stop uniting history and views. Assos offers nature, history and peace together.
History
Founded in the 7th century BC, Assos is the city where Aristotle lived and founded a school of philosophy between 348 and 345 BC. It flourished in the Hellenistic and Roman periods; the Temple of Athena is one of the region's most important ancient structures.
Visiting Tips
- ✓Go up to the Temple of Athena for sunset
- ✓Have a fish meal at the ancient harbour
- ✓Walk the stone streets of the village
- ✓The road between the upper village and harbour is steep
- ✓About a 1.5-hour drive from central Çanakkale
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Assos (Behramkale)?
Assos (Behramkale) is located at Behramkale, Ayvacık, Çanakkale in Çanakkale.
When is the best time to visit Assos (Behramkale)?
Recommended time: May – October, at sunset.
