A Review of The Temple of Athena in Assos (Behramkale)

Assos, also known as Behramkale is a small historically rich town in Turkey. Aristotle went to Assos after leaving the Platonic Academy in Athens, and opened and Academy in this city. In the Academy of Assos, Aristotle became a chief to a group of philosophers. When the Persians attacked Assos, Aristotle fled to Macedonia, which was ruled by his friend King Philip II of Macedon. There, he tutored Philip's son, Alexander the Great.

Even today, many people go to Assos to visit the ruins of the Temple of Athena. The ruins are welcome you with a beautiful view.

Ruins of the Temple of Athena in Assos, Turkey

The location of the settlement of Assos is unique with its interplay of use of the natural environment, combined with embedding of the architecture. The most remarkable “landmark” from Assos is the sheer rock walled acropolis at the highest point of the city. On the east side of the acropolis the temple of Athena is situated, where it could easily be seen when one approaches the city from the sea.*

Temple of Athena in Assos, with the nearby island of Lesbos at right.

HOW TO GO?

The way to get to Assos is by bus from Çanakkale or Ayvalık. You'll probably have to get off the bus at Ayvacık (not Ayvalık) and switch to a minibus or taxi to make the final 19-km (12-mile) run into Assos.**

The nearest small airport is at Çanakkale, the nearest large one is Adnan Menderes Airport south of İzmir. The Bandırma-İzmir train stops at Balıkesir, 161 km (100 miles) to the east. Going by bus is faster.***


Temple of Athena in Assos, with the nearby island of Lesbos at right.


Emel

References
https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/6242/
** https://turkeytravelplanner.com/go/Aegean/Assos/index.html
*** https://turkeytravelplanner.com/go/Aegean/Assos/index.html