Priene
A Hellenistic ancient city built on a terrace at the foot of Mount Mycale, with a grid of streets and a Temple of Athena whose columns stand against a cliff, quiet and with few visitors.
Priene lies on the hill above Güllübahçe village, about 45 km south of Selçuk. It was rebuilt in the 4th century BC on a Hippodamian grid plan, making it a classic example for studying ancient Greek city planning. The ruins are spread along the hillside. The Temple of Athena, funded by Alexander the Great, has only five Ionic columns left, backed by the steep cliffs of Mount Mycale. There are also a small bouleuterion (council house), a theater, a marketplace, and residential streets. Surrounded by pine forest and with few visitors, it has more of a sense of ruin than Ephesus. Check the official website for admission, and allow about 1.5 hours for a visit. There is no direct bus, so it is often visited by minibus or as part of a tour combining Miletus and Didyma, a 'three ancient cities' day trip.
Opening hours
Summer about 8:00 am–7:00 pm; winter until 5:00 pm
Nearby sights
- Dilek Peninsula-Büyük Menderes Delta National Park
- Kuşadası & Güvercinada
- Çamlık Railway Museum
- House of the Virgin Mary
- Lake Bafa & Herakleia under Latmus
- Pamucak Beach
- Terrace Houses of Ephesus
- Library of Celsus