Assos
Kaz Dag |
BEHRAMKALE (ASSOS)
The
acropolis of Assos (Behramkale) is 238 meters above
sea level and the Temple of Athena was constructed on
this site in the 6th century B.C. This Doric temple is
being restored to its former glory and role as
guardian of the Biga Peninsula and Edremit Gulf. Linger
to see the moonlight scattered through the temples, or
rise early for the gentle awakening of dawn over the
ruin acropolis, from the top of which you can take in
the magnificent vista of the Gulf of Edremit; and you
will appreciate why this heavenly location was chosen.
On the terraces descending to the sea are agoras, a
gymnasium and a theatre. From the northern corner of
the acropolis, you can see a mosque, a bridge and
fortress, all built in the 14th century by the Ottoman
Sultan Murat I. Below lies a tiny and idyllic ancient
harbor. Assos has gained the reputation of being the
center of the Turkish art community with its lively,
friendly and bohemian atmosphere. This may be the
holiday you will remember for years to come. 25 km
west of Behramkale, in the village of Gulpinar is the
ancient city of Chryse where the 2nd century B.C.
temple of Apollon Smintheus is located. 15 km west of
Gulpinar on an unmarked road along the jagged
coastline lies Babakale, a scenic village of houses
terraced on a cliff which drops to the sea. The town
of Biga has tent its name to its entire peninsula. A
town of parks, it is a good place to see houses built
in a traditional style. The closest beaches are at
Karabiga and 5ahmelek, where you will find reasonably
priced accommodations. Karabiga was known in ancient
times as Priapos, after the god, and thus has cult and
fertility associations. Can is well known for its
ceramics and sulphur springs, said to be helpful in
various disorders of the liver, intestine and urinary
tract. There are two other hot springs at nearby
Kalcaler and Kirazli. Kaz Dagi (Mt. Ida, 1,774 meters)
is situated at the southern tip of Canakkale by the
beautiful Kaz Dagi National Park with magnificent
landscapes, restful green areas and several hot
springs. At the northern entrance, via Bayramic, and
Evciler, to the Kaz Dagi National Park are the main
day-camping facilities. In Bayramic, 60 km from
Canakkale is the beautiful 18th century Hadimogullari
Mansion (Ottoman House) with its ethnography museum.
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