If you’re seeking history and a tranquil coastal setting, head to Assos in Canakkale Province. This attractive village dates back more than 2,000 years and was once home to Aristotle, who opened a philosophy academy in the area. The ancient city ruins can still be seen today, as well as the remains of the Temple of Athena, from where you can enjoy an incredible sunset over the Aegean.

About Assos

Add a trip to Assos to the itinerary if you’re looking for a low-key stop while exploring the beauty of the local bays. It’s opposite the Greek island of Lesbos to the south of the Biga Peninsula (Troad) and was once a thriving city that offered the only decent harbour along an 80 km stretch of the Adramyttian Gulf. The main settlement, now known as Behramkale or Behram for short, was home to the Persians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, who all left their mark on the landscape. Its most famous resident was the Greek philosopher Aristotle, who built a school in the area. Still, St. Paul and Luke the Evangelist also visited Assos, as mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 20:13-14).

Assos has a long and fascinating past and now appears on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. It is believed that colonists from Lesbos founded the original settlement in 900 BC, with the Doric Temple of Athena built circa 530 BC. King Hermias of Atarneus, a student of Plato, ruled over Assos and was the first to encourage philosophers to the area. Aristotle answered the call in 348 BC, married Hermias’ niece, and built a philosophy academy in the city. The school prospered, and the students made many important observations in biology and zoology. The city’s prosperity continued for several years until the Persians took over and killed Hermias, causing Aristotle to flee to the safety of King Philip II of Macedon, where he tutored his son, Alexander the Great. It was Alexander that freed Assos from Persian rule in 334 BC. The Kings of Pergamon then ruled between 241 and 133 BC. It was then conquered and became part of the Roman empire, where the importance of Assos slowly dwindled. The Ottomans then built the village of Behramkale opposite, leaving the ancient city to fall into ruins.

What to Do in Assos

Assos today is a small resort that comprises three neighbourhoods: Behramkale, Assos Liman (Harbour), and Kadirga Beach. Although the view over the Aegean from the Temple of Athena is perhaps the main lure to the area, you can easily spend a few more hours exploring the old city, the protected village of Behramkale or enjoying a fresh seafood dinner served in one of the harbourside restaurants. Here are a few things to do in Assos:

Enjoy Sunset at The Temple of Athena

The Doric Temple of Athena towers over the old city and offers spectacular views over the Aegean, especially at sunset. The site was built in 530 BC, and six of its original 38 columns still stand. It is dedicated to Athena, the daughter of Zeus, and would have been an impressive structure in its heyday. Many of the original sculptures were removed and taken by the Americans in the 1800s. They can now be seen at the Museum of Fine Art in Boston, with other relics from the site on show at the Istanbul Museum of Archaeology and the Louvre.

Visit The Ancient City of Assos

The Ancient City of Assos was formed in the 6th century but was gradually left to ruin when the Ottomans set up neighbouring Behramkale village. It is built on an extinct volcanic hill and was first excavated by the Americans in the late 1800s, even today, the excavations are ongoing. You can see a Roman amphitheatre seating 1500 that has been tastefully restored and now holds the occasional festival. There is also an agora and a necropolis.

Explore Behramkale

The former Ottoman village of Behramkale has only 150 buildings and is an excellent place to spend time as you head up the hillside to the Temple of Athena. The town was built within the old city walls and is now protected, with no new buildings or heavy construction allowed in the area. Many of the former stone houses have been restored and made into cafés, artisan stores, galleries, and local restaurants, making it easy to make a pit stop on your way to the temple. Enjoy a look around, refresh, or stock up on locally produced olive oil, soap, shawls, and herbs from the vendors.

Assos Liman (Harbour)

Assos Liman is a small, protected fishing harbour with the ruins of the ancient port still evident in places. Many old stone buildings are now converted into boutique hotels, and there are a few souvenir and craft stalls. The harbourfront is known for its fish restaurants, with locals, tourists, and passing yachts often stopping to enjoy the fresh daily catch.

Attend Philosophy Lectures in Assos

Recent years have seen philosophy lovers retrace the footsteps of Aristotle and return to Assos for debates and meetings organised by the non-profit organisation, Philosophy in Assos. Philosophical talks, discussions, and lectures held by university professors from the U.K., U.S. and other countries come together at various venues throughout the village. For dates and information, please see www.philosophyinassos.org.

Add Assos to Your Cruising Itinerary

If you would like to visit the Temple of Athena or experience the delights of Assos for yourself, please get in touch with 360 YACHTING.