Priene was a Greek settlement of some regard, formerly a harbour city and one of the twelve colonies which formed the Ionian Confederation. Due to it's location on a flood plain, constant silting of the river has resulted in the sea receding and over the years, Priene has become separated from the coast by some distance.

The design of the city was modelled on that of Athens, with streets in an unusual grid-like formation. Today the remains of Priene, 15km from Söke, are spectacularly set halfway up a marble cliff in the Samsun/Mykale Mountains, and the ancient city is a considerable draw for tourists in the vicinity.

Main sites include a theatre originally built in the 4th century B.C. and the stunning view from the ruins of the acropolis at the city's summit.