Priene Archaeological Sitevisitor guide.

Located near Güllübahçe town in Aydın province, excavation and research work in Priene is conducted by the German Archaeological Institute. While the city's existence reaches back to the 2nd millennium BC, knowledge concerning its earliest foundation remains hypothetical. Throughout the Hellenistic era, the city came under the dominion of the Ptolemaic, Seleucid, and Pergamene Kingdoms. Following the death of King Attalus III of Pergamon in 133 BC, his territories were bequeathed to Rome, bringing Priene under Roman authority. During the Byzantine era, the city was an episcopal see. Archaeological finds demonstrate that settlement continued until the collapse of the empire, after which Priene was completely abandoned. Priene represents the finest example of ancient city planning, built following the 'grid system' developed by architect Hippodamus of Miletus. The side streets, generally 3.5 meters wide, feature stairs due to the sloped terrain. Civic and official buildings typically occupy entire blocks in the city center. Among these, the well-preserved Temple of Athena (4th century BC), Theater, Agora, Temple of Zeus Olympios, Bouleuterion (150 BC), 2 Gymnasia, and the Demeter Sanctuary stand out. The city features three gates: one in the west and two in the east. Priene's main entrance, the 'East Gate,' is located northeast of Theater Street, reached after ascending a long paved ramp. TO DOWNLOAD MUSEUM BROCHURES NEARBY MUSEUMS AYDIN ARCHAEOLOGY MUSEUM MAGNESIA ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE DIDYMA TEMPLE OF APOLLO MILETUS ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE KARACASU ETHNOGRAPHY MUSEUM ALABANDA ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE