Priene is in a beautiful setting, looking down on the Meander Delta from Mt Mykale. Founded around 450BC, it was once a sea port with two harbours, and both Alexander the Great and King Mausolos of Caria had plans for a great city here. Untroubled by the Romans, it is one of the most complete Ionian sites. Its Temple of Athena has five columns standing, there are starting blocks in the stadium, and graffiti can be seen on the gymnasium walls. The theatre held 5,000 and the council chamber seated 640 delegates.
Getting there. Dolmuş minibuses run regularly to Priene (Güllübahçe) from Söke, which is 120km south of Izmir.