Priene Ruins — Attraction in Söke

Visiting Priene is like stepping into a portal back to ancient times! Perched on a hillside overlooking the scenic Meander Valley, Priene is one of Turkiye’s most captivating ancient cities, steeped in history, culture, and unparalleled beauty. This remarkable site, with its well-preserved ruins, offers a unique glimpse into ancient Greek civilization and the Hellenistic world.

What makes Priene truly special is its association with Alexander the Great, who is said to have spent time here. It’s incredible to walk among the same streets and buildings that Alexander himself may have strolled through centuries ago. The city’s history and connection to such a monumental figure really bring its past to life.

The city is famous for its meticulously designed grid layout, an innovative urban planning feat for its time that influenced city planning in the ancient world and beyond. The Temple of Athena, constructed with Alexander’s support, is awe-inspiring with its soaring columns, standing as a testament to Greek architectural brilliance. Standing there, surrounded by the breathtaking mountain backdrop, you get a profound sense of history and timelessness.

Priene also has a beautifully preserved theater that provides a clear picture of ancient entertainment and community life. With seating for 5,000, it’s one of the best-preserved examples of a Greek theater, and imagining performances there is a surreal experience.

The peaceful, uncrowded setting adds to Priene’s magic, allowing you to explore and absorb the ancient city without the rush of crowds. It’s the perfect place for history enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone intrigued by the ancient world.

Priene is a true jewel of Turkiye, a place that deserves as much recognition as other ancient sites globally for its architectural innovations and historical importance. If you’re in Turkiye, make time to visit this extraordinary site and experience the stories and spirit of the past—it’s an experience you...

If you're visiting the ancient city of Priene in the summer, I recommend to visit either early in the morning or late in the afternoon…

On our way back, we were momentarily blinded by the heat as we descended the ancient road…

Priene is a visual delight.. One of the first planned cities of the ancient period… It used to be a coastal city and an Ionian civilization like Miletus.

The city was built on a hillside, making it very easy to defend.

However, I would have expected at least some of the city's information signs and the roads used for visiting to be more well-maintained and organized. Some information signs have been destroyed, and some have faded from the sun. The writing is small.

TRANSPORTATION: For those coming from Izmir, turn right from the Söke exit.

For those coming from Milas/Bodrum, turn left from the Söke district entrance onto the GÜLLÜBAHÇE road. It's approximately 10 km from the junction.

BREAK: Right before entering the ancient city, there's a village coffeehouse in the village square. There are various breakfast and lunch options under the large trees.

IMPORTANT: The ancient city is built on a hillside, and from the entrance, it's a walk along uneven, winding paths. Comfortable sneakers are a must.

Also, bring binoculars if you have them to admire the view. Take in the unique Menderes Delta from the city's shores.

Sometimes, internet service is not working at the entrance. The Museum Card app didn't work properly either. We've created a barcode for easier access through the e-government app.

There are still various trees and plants, especially pine trees, within the city, and there can be insects and bugs.

The ancient city of Miletus is in the immediate vicinity along with the old village of Doğanbey, these places I highly recommend...

• take plenty of water, some food, wear good cushioned walking shoes, sunscreen, and reapply as the sun is harsh* Can't believe we haven't heard more about this amazing place before arriving to stay in Eski Dogenbey! Firstly, it is physically challenging at times if you're not young and fit. You park in the carpark, pay 75 lira per person entry fee, then begin the steep walk up. It is a nice board walk at first then you will hit the stone steps, of which there are many, they're uneven and at times awkward due to height of one vs the next one. Take your time and have a few stops to get your breath back, drink water, then go a little further. We spent 2.5hrs here and it is magnificent!! I am in awe of the huge layout of the city over the years, the chairs in the theatre, the residential areas, the water channels, clay pipes, remnants of fountains, and partial frescos that we found. The 50ft columns have to be seen. Walking amongst the pine trees and resting in the shade is lovely, make the effort to go as high as you can. The view's amazing and you get the feel of how massive, detailed and well thought out the planning was. The only negative for us was the toilets, they were disgusting and it was morning when we got there, not the end of the day. There are a few cafes along the bottom road if you've worked up an appetite at the end. The exit walk felt tough on my knees but it's all downhill and totally worth it. I...