Explore the Ancient City of Pergamon

Located in Bergama, İzmir, the Ancient City of Pergamon (or Pergamum) is one of Turkey’s most impressive archaeological treasures. Once a powerful Hellenistic kingdom and later an important Roman city, Pergamon is today recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its acropolis, libraries, temples, and theatres, Pergamon offers visitors a journey into one of antiquity’s most advanced civilizations.

A Glimpse into Pergamon’s History
Founded in the 3rd century BC, Pergamon rose to prominence as the capital of the Attalid Dynasty. The city became renowned for its achievements in politics, culture, science, and medicine. Its library, rivaling that of Alexandria, contained over 200,000 scrolls, making Pergamon a center of learning in the ancient world.

Under Roman rule, Pergamon continued to flourish, with monumental architecture, advanced urban planning, and the famous Asklepion, one of the most important healing centers of antiquity.

Highlights of Pergamon Ancient City
The Acropolis: Located on a steep hill, the acropolis houses temples, palaces, and monumental buildings with breathtaking views of Bergama.

The Theatre of Pergamon: Built into the hillside, this dramatic theatre had a capacity of 10,000 spectators and is one of the steepest in the ancient world.

The Library of Pergamon: Once the second-largest library of antiquity, where parchment (pergamenum) was invented.

The Temple of Trajan & Athena Sanctuary: Stunning Roman and Hellenistic temples that showcase the city’s grandeur.

The Asklepion: A healing complex dedicated to Asklepios, the god of medicine, where holistic practices like hydrotherapy, dream interpretation, and music therapy were performed.

The Red Basilica (Kızıl Avlu): A massive Roman temple, later converted into a Byzantine church, located in modern Bergama town.

Visiting Pergamon
Location: Bergama district, İzmir Province, around 100 km from İzmir city center.
-Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for mild weather; summers can be hot.
-How to Get There: Accessible by car, bus, or guided tours from İzmir. A cable car (teleferik) takes visitors up to the acropolis.
-Tickets: Separate entrances for the Acropolis, Asklepion, and Red Basilica.