About Pergamon
Bergama, north of Izmir, stands on the legacy of Pergamon, capital of one of the most brilliant kingdoms of the Hellenistic age. Pergamon and its multi-layered cultural landscape are a UNESCO World Heritage site. On the acropolis above town you'll find a theatre set into the hillside, often called one of the steepest in the ancient world, the white marble columns of the Temple of Trajan and the remains of the famous library. The word parchment is traced back to the city's name. Below, the Asklepion, where the physician Galen trained, and the brick-built Red Basilica reveal other chapters of its history.
The easiest way to see Pergamon is on a guided tour that covers the Acropolis, the Asklepion and the Red Basilica in one day, usually starting from Izmir or from nearby resorts such as Ayvalık and Dikili. There is plenty of walking on the acropolis slopes, so comfortable shoes are essential. With extra time, add the Bergama Archaeology Museum, the old town's narrow lanes and its carpet shops, or the stone pine forests of the Kozak plateau. TurTalebi gathers tours to Bergama from local firms so you can compare them and book securely by card.
Pergamon Tours
Tours run by local firms in the area. Pick a date, see the price and book securely by card.
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All ToursTop Things to See
Pergamon Acropolis
The hilltop city, with the Temple of Trajan, the library ruins and the foundations of the Altar of Zeus, is the most dramatic sight in Bergama. The altar itself is now displayed in a museum in Berlin.
Acropolis Theatre
Set into the slope so sharply that it is counted among the steepest theatres of antiquity, it rewards the climb with sweeping views over the Bakırçay plain from its upper rows.
Asklepion
Dedicated to Asclepius, god of healing, this ancient medical center features a sacred way, a theatre, a healing spring and an underground tunnel. The physician Galen is known to have worked here.
Red Basilica (Kızıl Avlu)
This massive red-brick temple was built in Roman times for Egyptian gods and later converted into a church. Tunnels carrying the Bergama stream beneath it are one of its most curious details.
Bergama Old Town
The narrow streets around the Red Basilica, lined with old houses, small mosques and handwoven carpet shops, are well worth a wander. Bergama carpets are one of the town's long-standing crafts.
Bergama Archaeology Museum
Sculptures, coins and architectural pieces from the Acropolis and Asklepion give useful context before or after your visit to the sites. The museum is in the town center.
Plan Your Trip
When to Go
The best times to visit Pergamon are April to June and September to November, when the weather is mild. In July and August, inland temperatures soar and there is almost no shade on the acropolis, so plan your visit for early morning. Spring brings green hillsides and wildflowers that make the ruins even more photogenic. Winters can be cool and rainy, but the sites are quiet and easy to explore.
Getting There
Bergama is about 100 km north of Izmir, roughly an hour and a half by road, and Izmir Adnan Menderes is the nearest major airport. Regular buses run from Izmir's main bus terminal. Dikili is about half an hour away and Ayvalık about an hour, which makes day trips from the north Aegean coast easy. The Acropolis crowns the hill above town, while the Asklepion and the Red Basilica are in or near the town itself.
Practical Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes with good grip for the steep, stony paths on the acropolis, and bring a hat and water.
- The Acropolis, Asklepion and Red Basilica are spread out, so plan to drive or join a tour rather than walk between them.
- Take your time on the theatre's very steep steps, and keep a close eye on children near the upper rows.