Parion (Parium) Ancient City – Biga, Çanakkale
The ancient city of Parion (Parium) lies near Kemer village in the Biga district of Çanakkale, on the Marmara Sea coast of northwestern Anatolia. The settlement occupies both sides of a small river where it meets the sea, forming a natural harbour, and covers an area about 4 km in diameter, making it one of the largest archaeological sites in the region.
(Source: Ondokuz Mayıs University – Parion Excavations
Canakkale.com.tr – Parion Ancient City (EN))
Parion was a Greek colonial foundation on the border between the historical regions of Troad and Mysia, probably established in the 7th–6th centuries BC. In antiquity it functioned as a major port city on the Hellespont / Propontis, serving as a commercial gateway for inland settlements. Ancient authors describe it as a coastal town west of Priapos in the district of Adrasteia.
(Source: ArticHaeology – “Parium Ancient City”
Greek Travel Pages – Information on the area Parion)
Over time Parion came under the rule of Persian, Hellenistic, Pergamene and Roman powers. In the Roman Imperial period it became an important harbour and bishopric; from the 5th century AD onward, sources refer to it as a Christian center, and by the 10th century it held the rank of archbishopric.
(Source: Wow Cappadocia – Parion (Parium) Ancient City)
Intensive excavations since 2005 have brought to light a large Roman bath complex, the cavea of a Roman theatre, a colonnaded street or agora, city walls, extensive necropolis areas, and harbour installations. Underwater research conducted in 2024–2025 revealed the remains of a second ancient port, confirming the city’s role as a key maritime hub of the Marmara region.
(Source: Turkish Archaeological News – Parion (Kemer)
Daily Sabah – “2700-year-old Roman harbor unearthed in Parion, Türkiye”
Greek Reporter – “Second Ancient Port Discovered at Parion, Turkey”)
Numismatic and epigraphic evidence shows that Parion minted its own coins from the 5th century BC onward, often featuring a gorgoneion and legends referring to the city’s name. A recently discovered coin depicting Paris, son of King Priam of Troy and regarded in local tradition as the legendary founder of Parion, further underlines the city’s close ties to Trojan myth.
(Source: ArticHaeology – “Parium Ancient City”
Anadolu Agency (EN summary of find as reported in TR) – Paris coin from Parion – see Turkish original linked above)
Today, Parion remains an active archaeological site rather than a fully developed tourist destination. Visitors can nevertheless walk among the ruins of the theatre, bath, streets and necropolis, gaining a vivid impression of a bustling harbour city that flourished for more than 2,700 years on the shores of the Marmara Sea.
(Source: Turkish Archaeological News – Parion (Kemer)
Airial Travel – Parion Ancient City)