The province of Canakkale lies on both sides of the Dardanelles which connects the Sea of Marmara to the Aegean Sea. Its shores touch both Europe (with the Gelibolu Peninsula) and Asia (with the Biga Peninsula) and there are regular ferries between the two sides.
The Canakkale Marina, besides those of Karabiga, Gelibolu, Bozcaada and Kucukkuyu, hosts the colorful yachts which pass through the strait and make a stopover at Canakkale, to see this historical and mythological rich area, homeland of many widely known legends.
The province has witnessed two very important battles in history. One of them is the mythological war of Troy, which Homer immortalized in his Illiad. Archaeological digs in Troy (Truva) have proved that there had been nine separate periods of settlement (3000 BC- 400 AD). Here, one can see the ruins of city walls in addition to the Wooden Horse of Troy. The other one is the Battle of Canakkale which took place during World War I when Turkish troops under the command of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk maintained the defense of the region against enemy forces and Canakkale has taken its place in history as "Canakkale; unpassable". To honor the 500,000 soldiers who gave their lives at Gelibolu (Gallipoli), this peninsula has been made a national park of remembrance. There are memorial monuments here in surroundings of natural beauty.
The small village of Behramkale is a lovely place, facing the Gulf of Edremit. It is founded on the site of Assos where there is the famous Temple of Athena built in the 6th century BC. The panoramic view of the Gulf from the top of the acropolis is breathtaking and the remains of Assos, surrounding the acropolis are worth visiting.
Gökceada, the largest of the Turkish islands, and Bozcaada are also in this region and they have many camping facilities.
Canakkale is not only name of a city but also the province including the battelefileds and memorials of GALLIPOLI, the legendary ancient city TROY, the mystical and fascinating ancient city ASSOS, the popular historical resort island BOZCAADA, the impressive nature of MOUNT IDA and lovely GOKCEADA . According to the reports of Ministry of Culture and Tourism, there are about 175 archaeological, 34 natural and 5 historical sites in the province of Canakkale.
The city of Canakkale lends its name to the strait, whose shores touch both Europe and Asia, while connecting the sea of Marmara to the Aegean. Canakkale hosts the 60 km (38 miles) long strait, which is well-known as Dardanelles. It would be a privilege to enjoy the impressive scene of dardanelles, which is one of the two straits that split the continents Asia and Europe. Throughout the history, anyone who controlled this gateway, commanded a highly strategic area. This has stimulated the importance of canakkale province as the homeland of many civilizations and critical battles throughout the centruies. According to the Archaeologists, there are about 200 ancient sites in the province of Canakkale, where many of them are still unexcavated.
Hellespont is the ancient name for this strait. The history of the area can be traced back to 3000 B.C. According to the mythology, the children of King Athamas, Phryxus and Helle, were sent away by their step mother, Nephele, the goddess of cloud. They were mounted on a flying ram with a golden fleece. While they were flying over the straits, Pincess Helle fell off the ram into the water. Thus, the name Hellespont appeared. Phryxus flew to the Colchis, where he sacrificed the ram to the Zeus and hung its golden fleece on a tree, to be guarded by a fierce dragon.
Another commonly told story of the region is about the towns ‘ Abydose ’ on the Asian shore and ‘ Sestus ’ on the European shore. Leander was a handsome youth from Abydos, who was in love with Hero, a priestess of Aphrodite. Every night, he was swimming from Abydos to Sestus to see her. One night there was a terrible storm and he had never arrived. Hero, asuming that Leander had drowned, threw herself into the sea.
Troy (Truva), also called Ilium, is located at Hissarlik on the east side of the river Scamander, where the straits join with the Agean Sea. Wooden Horse and the Archilles' Hell come from here. Troy is famous for several reasons. It is a site that was continually occupied from the early Bronze Age to early Byzantine times. It is also associated with the sagas of the Trojan War written by Homer in ‘ the iliad and odyssey ’, which is the well-known in European literature. Homer immortalized Truva (Troy) in his stories of King Priam, Hector, Paris and the beautiful Helen. Archaelogical digs have revealled nine cities with various ruins of city walls, typical house- foundations, a temple and a theather. A symbolic wooden Trojan horse commemorates the legandary war. Historical port, Alexandria – Troas, was constructed during 3rd century B. C., and St. Paul had visited here two times, and his third missioner voyage to Assos was started from here.
The excavations of Troy can be traced back to 1870s, which can be considered as another historical event by its own. From 1988 onwards, excavations have been directed by Professor Manfred Korfman of Tubingen University in Germany.
Apollo Smintheus Temple, where first episode of Iliad epic emerged, is located around Gulpinar village. Temple ruins and pieces of art revealed from the temple can be visited in here. Furthermore, Zeus’s Cavern, can be visited on the front side of a cliff, which is at the upper side of Adatepe Village of Kucukkuyu.
Other familiar historical names can be stated as follow ; Neandria, Alexandria-Troas, Assos, Chryse, Dardonos and Lampsakos. The traces of several civilizations can be found in the province of Canakkale. The persians were here in the 5th century B.C.; the persian King Xerves built his bridge of boats across the narrowest point of Dardanelles to land 100.000 troops on Thrace as part of his planned conquest of Europe. Alexander the Great began his eastern campaign by crossing the strait. The Romans took over the area between 2 B.C until 395 A.D., later on the Byzantine Empire ruled the area. There were Arab and Crusader invasions in the following centuries. The Karasiogullari, a Turkish tribe, came into the area in the 14 th century and made Balikesir their capital. In the 15th century, Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror built citadels on both banks of the strait and founded the city of Canakkale.
Dardanelles also played an important role in the first world war . The eight month-long struggle between the Allies and Turkish forces is known as Gallipoli Campaign. Serious casualties were given on both sides. Several countries have involved this battle such as Turkey, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, France, and so on. Every year on April 25th ( The so called Anzac Day ) , Gallipoli is invaded again not by the Allied troops, but by their descendants, other veterans, and tourists. The sounds of the riffle fire ring out at Anzac Cove, but this time as a salute to hereos by the Turkish Honor Guard.
When you reach galliboli pennisula you can feel the spirit of the heroes from several countries. Today galliboli pennisula is a national park, which acts as an open air museum and is open to all visitors who come to pay respect in many memorials. The following words are quoted from Ataturk , the famous Turkish commander of Gallipoli and the founders of modern Turkish Republic.
Those heroes that shed their blood and
lost their lives...!
You are now lying in
the soul of a friendly country, therefore
rest in peace. There is no differences between
the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they
lie side by side.
You, the mothers who sent their sons far away
from their countries, wipe away your tears. Your sons are now
lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having
lost their lives on this land, they have become
our sons as well."
ATATURK, (1934).
General Information page about Gallipoli Peninsula and Gallipoli Campaign
To honor about 500.000 soldiers, who gave their lives on the gallipoli peninsula ( gallipoli campaign) during World War I, the southern half of the peninsula now acts as a national park preserving that time in the history. This is the spirit that shows ‘ no war is cause for permanent hostilities but can serve as a basis for friendships as well '. The region covers 33,000 hectares (330 square kilometres). The geological, archaelogical and environmantal features of the Gallipoli Peninsula have stimulated the region as a popular tourist spot. The Peninsula has been a bridgehead, a barrier and meeting place for different cultures over the centuries. Each year thousands of tourists particularly from Australia, and New Zealand join the ANZAC day festivies. It is a profoundly emotional experience in a place where the national identities were forged. The Gallipoli Peninsula is equally revered as a site of remembrance by the allies (Britain, France and India) and by the Turkish people who suffered a quarter of a million casualties in defending their homeland against the allied invasion.
Anzac Day (April 25th) is a national day of commemoration in both Australia and New Zealand. The Anzac landings were the first occasion where the soldiers of these two fledgling nations fought together and created a legend that survives to this day.
Gallipoli campaign can be considered as one of the most ciritcal event in the first world war and has a long and memorable history. The peninsula’s rugged landscape and historic towns provide the backdrop to the battlefields of 1915, places of heroism and sacrifice which are of immense national significance to Turks, Australians and New Zealanders.
Gallipoli wars can be examined in two phases; sea wars and land wars. By late 1914, the British and French governments had agreed it was necessary to gain control of the straits known as the Dardanelles This would allow for co-ordinated deployment of Russian and allied troops. They approved a naval campaign, aimed at destroying or capturing Turkish fortifications along the length of the Dardenelles in order to open a secure passage for the navy on their way to Istanbul , capital of the Ottoman Government. However, the role of small Turkish mine-layer Nusrat by laying mines in the morning of March 18th had changed the destiny of the naval battle. During this operation three ships from the Allied Fleet had been sunk and three badly damaged. Almost eighteen battleships entered the straits such as Queen Elizabeth, Lord Nelson, Agamemmon, Inflexible, Ocean, Irresistible, Prince George and Majestic from Britain and the Gaulois, Bouvet and Suffren from France. Overall, three ships had been sunk and three more had been severely damaged such as Bouvet, Irresistable, and Ocean.
After the failure in the navy operations, land operation coupled with naval bombardements was decided to perform in order to capture the peninsula. The Anzac Corps (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps), the 29th British Territorial Infantry Division, the 1st Royal Naval Infantry Division, the 29th Indian Infantry Brigade and the French 1st Infantry Division were to take part in this action.
At dawn on the 25th April, the Seddulbahir coast was seen to be surrounded by several ships and landing crafts. At 5.30 am. a hellish fire was opened from the allied warships. Bombardment from the sea held the tip of the peninsula under fire from three sides. The 29th British Infantry Division attempted to move into the land. The defending forces broke the first wave of the invading forces with success. Then, with the reinforcements, which were later brought in, the operation was extended on the land without much success.
The area chosen by the Anzac Corps as a landing area was the coast to the north of Kabatepe. However, the Anzacs had landed in the steep, inaccessible area of Ariburnu (later it was called as Anzac Cove) due to their boats having been carried by the strong current. The other reason was claimed as the Turkish forces’ trick by changing location of the sign of Allied forces to an rough cove, which is hard to access. The Anzac attack began at 4.30 on 25th April. They landed at Ariburnu in the form of a surprise attack. Heavy fights had occured between ANZACs and Turkish Troops. The Anzacs were in great difficulty to defend their positions with the latest assaults. The allied commander decided to evacuate his forces into Hamilton. Due to the lack of necessary vehicles, the evacuation move was suspended. Dig-in and defend order was given instead. As time passed both sides were gradually reinforced. Fierce Anzac assaults on Ariburnu continued steadily and the fighting went on until the end of May. The opposing forces were extremely close to each other, indeed as close as eight meters on some certain locations.
General Hamilton, unable to achieve any success on the Seddulbahir and Ariburnu fronts in the past five months decided to open a third front in Anafartalar bay in order to encircle and destroy the Turkish Army from the rear. He assigned this task to the 9th British Corps.The aim was to immediately seize the Conkbayiri and Kocacimen blocs, advance from there and take control of the Straits. During this landing limited action was to be taken in order to keep the Turkish forces in the Seddulbahir and Ariburnu regions pinned down.
British Army Corps began landing on the night of 6-7 August, to start the final attack against the Turkish troops aproximately on the 9th of August. Due to the hot weather and exhaustion of the British soldiers, 9th corps spend a day on the beach front instead of moving to the target hills immediately. During this time two Turkish divisions were transferred to the front with Mustafa Kemal as commander. One of these divisions pushed the 9th corps into the sea while the other one prevented the Anzacs to reach to the battle front.
Thus the allied forces clearly saw that no possibility remained either of breaking the Turkish defense in the Dardanelles or of achieving any result in the Gallipoli Campaign, above all of achieving their ambition of taking Istanbul. On 20th December 1915 they ordered the evacuation of Ariburnu - Anafartalar and on the 9th January 1916 Seddulbahir.
The results of the the Gallipoli campaign was appalling. 26,111 Australian casualties of whom 8,141 were killed. In addition, New Zealand suffered 7,571 casualties of whom 2,431 were killed. Britain endured 21,255 dead over 120,000 casualties, while French troops lost about 10,000 over 27,000 casualties. India and Newfoundland lost 1350 and 49 soldiers respectively. The Turkish lost about 80.000 soldiers over 220,000 casualties
Today Gallipoli peninsula serves as a national park nearby Canakkale, where several war memorials and cemetaries belonging to Turks, Australians, New Zealanders, British and French reflect the drama of those days. Every April the 25th, thousands of people from those countries meet here to commemorate the Gallipoli Campaign. Scuba-diving to the shipwrecks is also possible in the cool water of lovely Dardanelles.
General Information page about Troy (Troia)
Troy (Truva, Troia, Tros) is located at the mound ‘Hisarlik’ on the east side of the river Scamander, where the Dardanelles strait join with the Agean Sea. Different names, depending on the period, were given to Troy such as Ilion or, in Latin, Ilium. Troy ( Truva, Troia) is about 32 Km. away from the city of Canakkale. The transportation is easy and frequent by minibuses from the city center.
The roots of the city can be traced back to more than 4000 years, and known as the center of ancient civilizations. Thus, Troy was selected as the World Cultural Heritage by international legislative bodies. Wooden Horse and the Archilles' Hell come from here. Many years, people believed that it was the city in tales and never existed until it was first found. Troy is famous for several reasons. It is a site that was continually occupied from the early Bronze Age to early Byzantine times. It is also associated with the sagas of the Trojan War written by Homer in ‘ the iliad and odyssey ’, which is the foundation stones of European literature. Homer immortalized Troy (Truva) in his stories of King Priam, Hector, Paris and the beautiful Helen.
The excavations in the site can be traced back to 1870s, which can be considered as another historical event by its own. From 1988 onwards, excavations have been directed by Professor Manfred Korfman of Tubingen University in Germany in the sponsorhip of Daimler – Benz, who received the UNESCO "Media Save Art" award in the area of sponsoring. Archaelogical digs have revealled nine cities with various ruins of city walls, typical house- foundations, a temple and a theather. After nine cities were unearthed, those have been subdivided into 46 strata. A symbolic wooden Trojan horse commemorates the legandary war. Unfortunately the famous Trojan treasures were stolen by Heinrich Schliemann, the famous archaeologist, in his excavation period in 1870s and now it is subject to the great efforts of the Turkish Government to return back those treasures from the Pushkin museum in Moscow.
From the technical point of view, 9 cities or 9 layers of Troy are universally accepted as follow:
Troy I (3000 – 2500 B.C.) : Initial settlement of the early bronze age * Construction material: sun – dried bricks
Troy II (2500 – 2200 B.C.) : First settlement, where town plannig can be seen * Construction material ; stones, sun – dried clay bricks * The most interesting building ; The megaron house with pillars * Center of contemporary civilization * Ended in a raging fire
Troy III ( 2200 – 2050 B.C. ) : Surrounded by walls * Construction material ; stones * Buildings were larger and more developed than the previous period
Troy IV ( 2052 – 1900 B. C. ) : Blocks of the houses were attached to each other * More advanced building techniques
Troy V ( 1900 – 1800 B. C. ) : More advanced techniques and workmanship in the construction of the walls and the houses
Troy VI ( 1800 – 1300 B.C. ) : Middle bronze age * Prominent Acropolis of the period with its strong walls, and very well planned beatiful houses * Big leap in the construction techniques and fortifications compared to previous periods * Excavations conducted by Wilhelm Dörpfeld in the 1890s indicated that the sixth stratum, representing the sixth settlement of the city, was the Homeric Troy, which represents the legendary Trojan War
Troy VI A ( 1300 – 1260 B.C. ) : Large storage jars that were set deeply into the ground and covered with a heavy stone slab to store solid and liquid supplies for an emergency * Advanced techniques in planing the city * Later discoveries by the University of Cincinnati expedition under Carl W. Blegen claimed that, the seventh level was the Troy of Homer’s period, which was the Priam’s city
Troy VII B 1 ( 1260 – 1190 B. C. ) : Founded on Troy VI A * Similar construction techniques with Troy VI A
Troy VII B 2 (1190 – 110 B.C.) : New settlers * Change in building technique * The use of orthostats in order to strengthen the lower courses of the walls * Destroyed by fire and left
Troy VIII ( 700 – 350 B. C. ) : Repopulated by Greeks from Lesbos and Tenedos * Remains of hellenistic and pre-helenistic periods are visible * The temple of Athena with its altar built in Doric order is the most prominent remain * Later, taken over by the Romans
Troy IX (350 – 400 A. D. ) : The city spread and covered the whole mound ‘ Hisarlik’ * Emporor Augustus rebuilt the city * The temple of Athena was the most important building * The Bouleuterion, theather, and the auditorium all dated from the Roman period *
In the Bronze age, Troy had a great power because of its strategic location between Europe and Asia. Between 3000 - 2000 B. C., Troy was a cultural centre. After the Trojan War , the site was apparently abondoned. About 700 B. C., Greek settlers occupied the Troas. Troy was resettled and named Ilion (ilion) . At the time, Ilium or Ilion was regarded as a 'sacred' city which attracted pilgrims by the fame of its wars and its woes, and by the shadow of ancient sanctity resposing upon it. Alexander the Great ruled over the area successively from the late 6th century B . C. . After the Romans captured Troy in 85 B. C. , it was partially rebuilt. After the occupation of Constantinopole ( Istanbul ), Troy lost its importance.
The famous Troijan war
This is the legendary war between the Greeks and the people of Troy, which was narrated by Homer in ‘ the iliad and odyssey ’ . Once upon a time, Paris, the handsome son of King Priamos, visited Menelaos, the King of Sparta. He seduced the beautiful queen Helen and abducted her away to Troy in the dark of night with his ship. Later on, King Menela Menelaus persuaded his brother Agamemnon to lead an army against. In order to win favorable winds for the journey, Agamemnon sacrificed his daughter Iphigenia to Artemis. The winds came and the fleet set sail for Trojan War, which lasted for ten years. After the failure of The Spartans to capture the Troy, a devious plan was decided. A big wooden horse were built, which was filled with their best warriors. Spartans was seen as giving up the siege of Troy and returning back to their homes. The Trojans, who were watching the situation from the towers went out of their castle, victoriously shouting and took the horse into the city as a war loot. Big celebrations were performed at night by the people of Troy. When everybody get drunk in Troy, the warriors inside the wooden horse got out and attacked the soldiers of Troy. In a few hours time, Troy was conquered by Spartans.
General Information page about Bozacaada
This is , the famous Greek historian, Herodot ‘ s quote, which you will certainly agree at the end of your unforgettable visit to Bozcaada. This lovely island is also known with its former name ‘ Tenedos ’, which was mentioned in ‘ the iliad and odyssey ’ of Homer. The island is situated at the opposite of Troy, and this strategic location was claimed to be the station of the Greek fleet during the legendary Trojan War in the Homer ‘ s account. Bozcaada (Tenedos) lies at the mouth of the Dardanelles, blessed with the beautiful colours of Aegean Sea. Transportation to Bozcaada from Canakkale is easy and frequent. You need to take the mini-busses to Geyikli Yukyeri ferry jetty. The distance between Canakkkale and Geyikli Yukyeri ferry jetty is about 40 Km. and, then you will have a lovely half hour ferry journey to the island. The ferry schedule for summer weekeds are as follow. Please consult with the marinelines for the latest updates and more detailled schedule + 90 286 697 81 85.
Geyikli – Bozacada Bozacada – Geyikli
10:00 07:30
14:00 12:00
19:00 17:30
21:00 20:00
24:00 23:00
Bozcaada is a lovely tiny island with several historical places, wonderful beaches, delicous fish dishes and famous vineyards. Bozcaada takes its place on the viniculture literature with the grapes such as Karakız (Kuntra), Karalahana and Vasilaki raised for wine and the famous delicious Cavusuzumu for meals, which is quoted by Evliyacelebi, the wellknown Turkish traveller, as the most tasteful grape in anywherelse. Grape culture is the inseparable part of life in Bozcaada (Tenedos , Tenes) , which also decorates the balconies of beautiful old Greek houses on narrow streets. Every year between July 26 and 28 Vintage Festival is held in Bozcaada ( Tenedos ). The beauty of the crystal clear waters and lovely beaches will stimulate your praise to the imressive nature of Bozcaada. Some of the well-known beaches of the island can be stated as Ayazma cove, Sulubahce cove, and Habbeli cove.
Due to the island's strategic position, Bozcaada has been occupied by several civilisations such as Greeks, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Geneose and Ottomans. The story of Bozcaada starts with the arrival of Tenes , the son of King Kyknos, to the Leukophrys island, which is renamed as Tenedos ( Tenes ‘s Island). Pelasginas are thought to be the first inhabitants of the island approximately 5000 years ago. Beginning from the ancient times the strategic location of Bozcaada, which is located at the mouth of Dardanelles, played a critical role in order to control firstly Troia and than the Dardanelles. More recently the island was used as an air base by the Allied forces in the Gallipoli Campaign of First World War (WW I).
Bozcaada castle is the first historical structure, which attracts your attention, when you come to the harbour. The castle have a very deep history dated back to Phoenicians time with cut stones. Later on, it was restored by the Genoese and the Venetians. After the Ottomon take over, Fatih Sultan Mehmet ordered the reconstruction of the Bozcaada Fort as it is remained today. This was performed by Gedik Ahmet Pasha. Some of the other historical structures that are worth to visit are Koprulu Mehmed Pasha Mosque, which was built in the 17th century, and the active church that was remained from Venetians. While you are walking on the streets, old Greek architectural structure can be seen in all narrow streets of lovely Bozcaada
Overall, we strongly reccomend you to visit Bozcaada (Tenedos). The island is a popular tourist stop particularly during July and August and the population reaches up to 15.000 from 2500.
General Information page about Mount Ida
Mount IDA (Kaz Dagi), 1774 m. / 5820 ft. height mountain, is located near the Edremit Bay between Ayvacik and Edremit. From Canakkale, follow the road to Bayramic ( 60 Km.), then carry on about 20 Km to Mount Ida National Park. The site is blessed with magnificent landscapes, restful green forests, and several springs and rivers. The Mount IDA is also very popular in Greek mythology like Olympos Mountain, due to its role in legendary Trojan war. According to the Greek Mythology, the first beauty contest was held in Mount IDA among the goddesses Aphrodite, Hera and Athena. This event was also considered as the origin of the Trojan War due to the jealousy of goddesses.
According to the greek mythology, The gods and goddesses were feasting together in order to celebrate the marriage of Peleus and Thetis. Eris, the goddess of discort, get very angry to not to be invited to the marriage. Then, she secretly came to the feast place, and put a golden apple, which was written "To The Fairest", on the feast table. After some controversy, Zeus ordered to held a contest for the fairest among Aphrodite, Hera and Athena according to the judgement of a mortal. That mortal was chosen as the son of the Trojan King Priamos, Paris. May be the first bribes in the history were offered to Paris by the three goddesses in order to win the contest. Hera offered Paris power and richness, if he decided in her favor. Athena proposed the wisdom and glory in wars. Finally, Aphrodite offered the most attractive one to Paris. She promised to give him the love of the most beautiful woman, Helen, in the world. Paris gave the apple to Aphrodite. Afterwards Hera and Athena became enemies of the Trojans. According to the legendary Trojan War, these events triggered the Paris’s move to Sparta in order to take Helen, the wife of Sparta King ‘ Menealus ’ , to Troy. This was mentioned as the reason for the famous Trojan war between Spartans and Trojans (see TROY section).
General Information page about Assos
Assos, the famous teaching center of antiquity, is situated about 90 Km. away from Canakkale at the south part of the province. While travelling from Canakkale, you need to follow the road to Ayvacik and take the road to Assos, which is 17 Km long, narrow but scenic way. Assos is located on the southern Troad, nearby to Cape Lectom (Bababurnu), and opposite of the Island of Lesbos. Assos lies within the the village of Behramkale, which is situated at the top of the hill. The impressive ancient ruins dating back to the early bronze-age, the crystal clear turquoise sea, hidden beaches, the luminance of the Aegean skies, unforgettable sunsets, delicious fish and lovely scenery all contribute to the attraction of Assos, which stimulates the town as a lovely tourist spot. Prof. Serdaroglu, the famous archaeologist of the site, summarizes the characteristics of Assos as the unique synthesis of history, scenic beauty, and ethnic culture.
Several changes had occured in Assos since the first settlement in the early bronze age about 3 rd millenium B.C. In the Hommer’s account, it was claimed that the southern shores of Troad were belong to Lelegians and they made their living as seamen and pirates during the years of the Trojan wars. It was claimed that the oldest name of the city was Pedasos and the name Assos was derived from it. On the other hand, Behram, the present name of the area, is a derivation of Makhram, Byzantine official who came to Assos on duty. Due to its strategic location by the sea, several civilizations were inhabited around the site such as Lydians, Persians, Gallians, Pergamons, Latinians, Seljukians and the Ottomans.
The acropolis of Assos, built on a hill dominating both sea and land is about 238 metres above the sea-level and is surrounded by walls about 3 Km. in lenght. The hill offers spectacular views of the Aegean sea and the nearby Greek island of Lesbos.The temple of Athena, the bouleterion consisting of statuettes, small monumental buildings, and the gymnasium, the theater, the stoa, the necropolis and the agora can be stated as the finest examples of the ruins.
In the village part, 14 th century Murat Hudavendigar Mosque, 6th century Byzantine church, and the 600 year old bridge crossing the river can be stated as some of the other monuments worth to visit. At the bottom of the hill by the sea, the hourbour, and several old stone houses take you to the mystic atmospere of a relaxing small town.
Between 384 -387 B.C. , Aristotale, Plato’s most famous student, was also invited to Assos by Hermeias, student and friend of Aristotale, and spent over three years living and teaching there. He conducted his early explotary work in zoology, biology and botony, and gave lectures at the gymnasium. Along with other Platonists Xenokrates also lived in Hermeias' palace for a while. During the Byzantine period, Assos was one of the first cities in Western Anatolia, who accept Christianity. This could be considered as the result of St. Paul's and St. Lucas' visit to the city. When St. Paul came to Assos from Alexandria Troas on foot and met St. Lucas there, then they sailed to Lesbos.
Beside the several ancient and historical places in Asssos, Alexandria Troas, Chryse in Gulpinar, the shrine of Apollo Smintheus with luted pilars, the altar of Zeus in Adatepe village, which was mentioned in Iliad of Homer can be staded some of the other places worth to visit.