Assos

This Turkish historical site lies in the north-western part of Turkey on the Aegean coast, near the town of Ayvalık, with spots allowing for breathtaking views of the magnificent vista of the Gulf of Edremit. Such place is the acropolis of Assos that sits 238 meters above sea level and the Temple of Athena, constructed in the 530 BC. On the terraces up to the Greek acropolis, one can see an agora or ancient marketplace. Below lies a tiny and idyllic ancient harbor.

Founded in the 8th century BC by Greek colonists from the nearby island of Lesvos, Assos has preserved tis original name and has remained popular among tourists with it instead its official name of Behramkale. Today, visitors can also see the remains of the later Ottoman legacy in the region: mosque, a fortress, and a bridge, all built in the 14th century by the Ottoman Sultan Murat I. Assos was once considered the most beautifully situated city in Europe or Asia. In its zenith Assos covered an area of 2.5 square km, part of which is now occupied by the village of Behramkale. Once in Assos, you should definitely visit the other nearby sites: the village of Gulpiar and its ancient city of Chryse with its ancient Greek temple, and Babakale and its cliff-top pictorial houses.