The Turkish town of Behramkale is not crowded with tourists yet it has interesting sights to offer to the few who come there. The main attraction are the excavations of the ancient Greek town of Assos.
The present-day Turkish town of Behramkale, where Aristotle once lived, offers a unique tourism experience to those who are willing to climb up to the site where the beautiful temple of ancient goddess Athena is. The town is rather off the beaten track, so you will not find crowds of tourists there. It is more popular among locals. Women sell hand made socks and oil as well as home grown olives. Visitors can also buy salty sheep cheese and white bread both of which are produced there. Perhaps the only things there that strike as new are flush toilets and a new ATM. Guides do not often speak about the place because the journey there is long, complicated and uneasy. Nevertheless, if a visitor overcomes the obstacles it is definitely worth seeing.
The top tourism attraction are the excavations of the ancient town of Assos. It was founded by Greek settlers from the island of Lesbos in 8th century BC. In the middle of the ruins there is one of a few partially preserved Doric temples, which was dedicated to Athena. The opening hours of the complex are adjusted to the sunset because it is the right time when one can have the best view of the scenery. Apart from the temple there is also a Roman theatre, necropolis, ruins of public baths, agora or gymnasium. According to the server Ihned.cz, other remains of the ancient town are on the opposite hill. Everybody can visit them on their own, there is no entrance fee.
The interesting sights of the place are not only on the ground but also under the water. With diving gear it is possible to see the remains of the ancient port at the bottom of the sea. After enjoying local food and sights tourists may get on one of the minibuses that travel around and go to other places of interest.
