The ancient city of Priene is located very close to the town of Güllübahçe, which is 15 km away from the Söke district of Aydın. Although there is not much information about the first year of establishment, it is estimated that the existence of the city dates back to 2000 BC. The ancient city was ruled by of Ptolemaic kingdom, Seleucid kingdom, Pergamon kingdom. After the death of Attalus II, the king of Pergamon, the city was ruled by the Roman kingdom and later the Byzantines. In later periods, the city lost its importance and was abandoned. The ancient city was built on steep cliffs of 370 meters. The main reason for this is the idea of providing an advantage against attacks.
The ancient city was built by Miletian architect Hippodamos, using the grid system. Since the city is on a hill, many of its streets have stairs. As the ancient city is located at a high point, it can be seen from different places and points. And the first information about the city is found in the ancient sources of the 7th century BC. The ruins of the ancient city include Demeter temple, Athena temple, Zeus temple, an Egyptian temple, theatre built in 350 BC that could fit 5 thousand people, agora, bouleuterion, two gymnasiums on upper and downsides of the city, house of Alexander the Great, Byzantine church, necropolis and residential areas. Those who will go to the ancient city by private vehicles should follow Aydın-Söke-Güllübahçe direction. For those who want to come with public transport, minibuses and buses depart from Aydın and Söke to Güllübahçe.
Visiting hours of the ancient city of Priene:
April 15, October 2, 08:00 – 18:45
October 3, April 14, 08:30 to 16:45.
Museum cardholders can visit this area free of charge.
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