Assos Art & Culture: Top 5 Must-See Spots

Assos, also known as Behramkale, is more or less this incredibly lovely spot where ancient history meets Turkish charm. Very much located on the Aegean coast, Assos boasts remarkably stunning views, a rich past, and that sort of captivating blend of old and new that’s pretty likely to fascinate any traveler. Actually, if you’re scheming about a trip to Turkey and are fond of history and are perhaps curious about local traditions, Assos probably should really be on your radar. Anyway, let’s take a peek at the five best spots for soaking up the art and culture that Assos offers.

1. The Ancient City of Assos (Behramkale)

No visit to Assos would, just perhaps, be complete with visiting the Ancient City of Assos itself. Just perched high on a volcanic rock, this archeological site might arguably give you some sweeping views of the Aegean Sea and the island of Lesbos. Still, the city, so to speak, traces its roots way, way back to the 10th century BC. Yet, it was inhabited by the Romans, Persians, and Byzantines, too it’s almost a real history buffet. Anyway, strolling through the ruins allows, arguably, one to almost touch the past. As a matter of fact, you might see remains of the Temple of Athena, dating back to the 6th century BC, and is pretty symbolic for the place. Seemingly, there is the ancient theater where plays and performances entertained people way back then. Just imagine how it felt to watch something there thousands of years ago!

That ancient city is not only ruins and stones, but also seemingly holds secrets. Anyway, keep an eye open for ancient inscriptions as well. Well, they tell some compelling tales of the past. The walk around might take a bit. Anyway, so wear comfortable shoes. Anyway, very often guided tours are there for a bit more perspective.

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2. Athena Temple

Probably the most recognizable monument in Assos is the Athena Temple, yet it also really sits on the summit of the ancient city’s acropolis. Anyway, built around 530 BC, this temple may well have been dedicated to Athena, that ancient Greek goddess of wisdom, crafts, and warfare. That, and those pillars are basically iconic. Still, the setting provides what is likely going to be some amazing views, arguably making it more photo-worthy, for your collection. Apparently, when you just see those Aegean sunset over those aged stones, there’s something really pretty special about it, and well, even magical. So there it is.

Unfortunately, over the centuries, some things eroded, that Athena temple. Anyway, though some of the original columns remain, archaeologists have definitely worked quite hard to preserve, to also piece things back together. The location is slightly exposed. It seems it could very easily be a bit windy there so bring a light jacket. As a matter of fact, so you are able to really savor that view comfortably.

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3. Assos Harbour (Behramkale Pier)

After all those ancient sites and so on, the Assos Harbor just gives that relaxing contrast. Actually, nestled at the foot of Behramkale, this quite picture-perfect harbor is often that very charming mix of old and new, which might likely showcase local life along with little cafes and such, and perhaps that sea air. Actually, stroll along the waterfront and observe that little colorful fishing boats bobbing in the clear blue water is quite therapeutic. Right, that gentle sound of the waves, those little fishing boats… it is so good! The little cafes and restaurants usually line the harbor are good for some local seafood with a bit of fresh catch from the sea right.

Besides being pretty picture-worthy it is a really nice spot for those souvenirs too. The little local shops offer trinkets, that handmade craft kind of stuff and probably more! anyway a perfect way of experiencing local commerce here. Right now you may or not witness, that fishermen mend their nets, or even locals gathering to drink tea and such, probably gives some feel for current Assos.

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4. Ethnography Museum in Behramkale

If there’s some wish to, you could go into those local culture more intimately? The Ethnography Museum can be quite cool. So it’s set in one pretty typical Ottoman house. Anyway, this museum definitely displays local crafts and artifacts from Behramkale region, which can tell one quite a bit concerning the everyday living from old. Basically there are some stuff regarding weaving to some stuff relating about those farming methods. Also they probably showcase regional attire. Actually, seeing all that close by just kinda brings some local customs to the light.

These are not the kinds that you run though really quick at all actually, take just little moments for appreciating just those crafts and labor that comes for keeping cultural alive over generations. Also it’s not always crowded right so one is able to definitely go over something that stands by. And the gift store is one is not only those mass produced items, those things might bring that spirit home.

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5. Hudavendigar Mosque

The Hudavendigar Mosque which goes also for Murad I Mosque too, can offer a perspective into Assos’ Islamic past. So it’s that religious site that stands pretty impressive for a great sight and the spot displays something local that really happened. It is that peaceful respite in some bustle and also hustle from tourist things. Any architecture has some touch relating local artisan ability when something traditional. Then that interior shows up light well with a rather clean atmosphere.

Do bear that respect. It could matter if one goes that way in it is good taking note from particular norms when those sacred spaces there are the expectations on apparel in mannerisms one really be certain of honoring one tradition when at this place and it might gives a nice contrast right when exploring those past that predates times by. One will have time while doing it well really!

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