Apollo Smintheion
Apollon Smintheion
The ruins of a Hellenistic Ionic temple dedicated to Apollo the "Mouse God". Its stone columns and relief fragments are well preserved.
The Smintheion lies in the village of Gülpınar. It was built around 150 BCE, with Ionic columns in the style of the architect Hermogenes, and was dedicated to Apollo as the god who protected crops from rodent damage. The Iliad opens by mentioning this deity. Some columns have been re-erected. An on-site small museum displays drum reliefs depicting scenes from the Trojan War. Admission is inexpensive, and a visit takes about an hour. It is often combined with Babakale and Alexandria Troas as a western one-day trip.
Opening hours
About 08:30–17:30
Nearby sights
- Babakale Castle & Cape Baba
- Alexandria Troas
- Assos Ancient City (Theatre & Walls)
- Temple of Athena, Assos
- Behramkale Village
- Assos Harbour (İskele)
- Kadırga Bay
- Troy Archaeological Site