Perinthus Archaeological Site

Perinthus is an ancient Greek city site on the northern shore of the Sea of Marmara, located in what is now Tekirdağ Province in Turkey. It was an important port and urban centre in antiquity and later periods.

Archaeological remains at the site reflect its long history as a Greek, Roman and Byzantine settlement and include defensive works and urban traces visible near the modern coastal town. The site is considered part of the classical heritage of the Thracian coast and is visited for its ruins and historical significance.

Geographically the remains lie along the Marmara coast near the modern town of Marmara Ereğlisi, within Tekirdağ Province and accessible from the surrounding Marmara coastal region.

• Also called: Often referenced in classical sources under the variant name Heraclea Perinthus; the ruins lie close to the modern town of Marmara Ereğlisi in Tekirdağ Province.

Perinthus (Heraclea) sites are accessed from Tekirdağ Province towns. From Istanbul, the drive along the E84/E87 to the Marmara coast takes roughly 2-3 hours depending on traffic. Local minibuses and regional buses connect small towns along the coast; hire a car or taxi for direct access to scattered ruins.

• Combine a visit with nearby Tekirdağ sights-the ruins sit close to the Sea of Marmara coastline and are often overlooked.
• Wear stout shoes; the site is uneven and largely open-air with limited visitor facilities.
• Bring a local map: Perinthus archaeological remains are spread out and not thoroughly signed for English speakers.