Priene Ancient City Guide: Discover the Hidden Historical Side of the Aegean in Turkey
Priene, located in the Söke district of Aydın, attracts the attention of history enthusiasts as one of the best preserved cities of the Ionian civilisation. This ancient city, which stands out with its Temple of Athena, ancient theatre, orderly city planning and magnificent view, attracts attention with its cultural richness and natural beauties. If you are looking for historical places to visit in the Aegean Region, ancient cities to see in Aydın or cultural heritage routes in Turkey, Priene invites you on a journey through time. In this article, you can find everything you need from the history of Priene to transportation information, from the places to visit in the vicinity to its mythological significance.
History of Priene Ancient City
The known history of Priene dates back to the 7th century BC. It is thought that the first settlement was established on the banks of the Büyük Menderes River, but the river moved away from the sea over time due to the alluvium of the river. For this reason, the city was moved to its present location in the 4th century BC. The city is considered one of the 12 important cities of the Ionian Union. Thanks to its strategic location, it became one of the leading cities of the period in terms of trade, culture and politics.
Priene is also a city that attracted the attention of Alexander the Great. Alexander, who came to Anatolia in 334 BC, visited the city and financed the construction of the Temple of Athena, one of the most important structures of the city. In this context, Priene is not only a city but also a centre that sheds light on the political relations of the Hellenistic period.
Cultural and Mythological Importance
Priene stands out in ancient Greek mythology with its sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Athena. The Temple of Athena Polias was both the religious and political centre of the city. This architecturally important temple was designed by the famous architect Pytheos. Pytheos was also the architect of the Mausoleion of Halicarnassus.
The grid system used in the planning of the city is considered one of the most advanced urban planning examples of the period. In this system, the streets cut each other perpendicularly, and each of them consists of equal-sized parcels. This architectural approach makes Priene one of the earliest examples of modern urbanism.
Must-See Buildings in Priene
Priene Ancient City attracts attention with its well-preserved structures. Visitors can experience the architectural features of the Hellenistic period.
Temple of Athena Polias: It is located at the highest point of the city and has a magnificent view. The temple, whose five columns are still standing today, is the symbol of Priene.
Greek theatre at Priene: With a capacity of 6,500 people, it was one of the important social activity areas of the period. The seating arrangement is still in very good condition, and the stone “king's chair” in the centre of the orchestra attracts attention.
Agora and Bouleuterion: These two buildings, where the social and political life of the city took place, are important for understanding the democratic functioning of Priene.
Byzantine Church: The city, which was also inhabited after the ancient period, has church ruins from the early Byzantine period. This is important evidence of Priene's multi-layered history.
House structures: The remains of houses in Priene provide detailed information about living conditions in ancient times. These structures, which are generally two-storey and courtyard buildings, give clues about the urban life of the period.
How to get to Priene Ancient City?
Priene Ancient City is located within the borders of Güllübahçe Neighbourhood of Söke district of Aydın province. It is approximately 15 kilometres from the Söke district centre. For visitors who want to go by their own vehicle, it is enough to follow the Güllübahçe sign from the Söke-Milet road. The road is extremely smooth and scenic.
For those who want to reach by public transportation, there are minibus services from Söke to Güllübahçe. However, since the frequency is limited, it is useful to consider this situation when planning.
There is a small parking lot at the entrance of the ancient city. In addition, hats, water and sunscreen are recommended for those who will visit in the summer months, because the region is quite sunny and there is little shade.
Entrance Fee and Visiting Hours
Priene Ancient City is an archaeological site under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The Museum Card is valid. As of 2025, the entrance fee is approximately 90 TL. Museum cardholders can enter free of charge throughout the year.
Visiting hours are usually between 08:30 - 19:00 for the summer period. In the winter period, these hours vary between 08:30 - 17:00. Although it is open on public holidays, it may be closed until noon on holiday mornings; it is useful to check before you go.
What to see around Priene
For travellers visiting Priene, there are also many historical and natural beauties to explore in the surrounding area.
Ancient City of Miletus: It is about 20 km from Priene. It is worth seeing with its ancient theatre, bath complex and Miletus Museum.
Didim - Temple of Apollo: Located in Didim, about 30 km from Priene, this temple is one of the largest divination centres in the ancient world.
Bafa Lake: An ideal spot for hiking, bird watching or landscape photography. It is about 25 km from Priene.
Herakleia Ancient City: It is located on the shores of Lake Bafa and attracts attention with its ancient ruins integrated with the natural environment.
Kusadasi: For those who want to swim in the sea and watch the sunset, Kuşadası beaches are very close.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Priene is during the spring and fall months. Especially in April-May and September-October, the weather is neither too hot nor too rainy, making it ideal for long walks in the ancient city.
During the summer months, temperatures can be very high, so early morning visits are recommended. In winter, rain and wind conditions can affect the comfort of the visit.
Suggestions for Visitors
Make sure you bring water, a hat and sunscreen.
Wear sneakers; the ground can be stony and uneven.
After the entrance, it can be difficult to turn around and go back up again, so take care of your needs in advance.
The city's hilltops offer great photo opportunities, so don't forget your camera.
If there are guided tours, it is useful to join them to get a better grasp of the historical details.
The ancient city of Priene offers a fascinating experience to its visitors with its architectural excellence and its settlement in harmony with nature. Far from the crowds, this ancient city, where history and nature are intertwined, is one of the most valuable historical treasures to be discovered in the Aegean Region. If you are planning a trip to Aydın or its surroundings, you should definitely include Priene in your itinerary.
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