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Assos ruins

Behramkale Köy Yolu, Behram, Çanakkale

Description

The Assos Archaeological Parc includes ruins from the Greek city of Apollonia, best known for having hosted Aristotle for several years after he left Athens, and for having the best natural harbour in Troad (today's Biga Peninsula in the Çanakkale Province of Turkey). The neighbouring town is nowadays formally called Behramkale. The highlights include the Temple of Athena dating from 530BC (6 of the original 38 Doric columns remain), the 3rd century BC ancient Theatre of Assos, the 4th century BC city wall and main gate, and the 2nd century BC gymnasium and agora.

Access & Transport

The ruins are 15km south of the small town of Ayvacık and 25km west of Küçukkuyu from where buses and minibuses run to the archaeological park. From Ayvacık, it is 70km to the closest city of Çanakkale, 370km to Istanbul and 250km to Izmir.

Instructions & Recommendations

In the summer, make sure to take some water with you and sun protective gear (cap/hat, sunglasses, sunblock). We would also recommend having stable footwear.

Meta review

The site seems to be increasingly popular as the infrastructure gets upgraded (new paths and entrance were being worked on pre-Covid). It is far from being well-known internationally but there are very few negative comments; those center mostly on the steep paths and lack of signboards to describe what one is seeing. On the positive side, reviewers highlight the views from the temple of Athena over the Aegean Sea and the impressive Theatre.

Environmental & Social

Environmentally green. Helps preserve the architectural and historical heritage of the region and brings some economic influx to the surrounding villages.

Conclusion

Assos is an extremely pleasing archaeological site worth being included in any regional itinerary for those passionate about Hellenistic ruins. It is also relatively uncrowded, in a beautiful natural environment, but requires quite a long drive to reach.

Key positive

Some spectacular ruins and views

Interesting historical background

Key negative

Time consuming to get to

Access paths need improvements

Suitability

Suitable for all ages but children under 12 may not find it very interesting. Some areas are currently not accessible for visitors with reduced mobility but that is set to change

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Ticket office stops selling 30mins before closing time

av. transport time:1h 30m

est. visit time:1h 30m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Apr, 01

Season 1

MONDAY08:30 - 19:00

TUESDAY08:30 - 19:00

WEDNESDAY08:30 - 19:00

THURSDAY08:30 - 19:00

FRIDAY08:30 - 19:00

SATURDAY08:30 - 19:00

SUNDAY08:30 - 19:00

Start of Season 2:Nov, 01

Season 2

MONDAY08:30 - 17:00

TUESDAY08:30 - 17:00

WEDNESDAY08:30 - 17:00

THURSDAY08:30 - 17:00

FRIDAY08:30 - 17:00

SATURDAY08:30 - 17:00

SUNDAY08:30 - 17:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€11
Adult
18 - 64
€11
Teen & Young
8 - 17
€11
Child
3 - 7
€0
Infant
0 - 2
€0
No details available regarding child price and age threshold

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