Bergama (Pergamon) Ancient City Route

Route and Why This Order

This route brings together the different layers of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Pergamon in Bergama district in a single day. It begins at the Pergamon Acropolis, overlooking the city; home to the Altar of Zeus and the Temple of Athena, this hilltop is the day's largest and highest stop, so it is placed in the cool morning hours. Coming down the hill, the route continues to the Asclepion, an ancient healing center founded in the 4th century BC; a short drive is needed, as it is physically separate from the acropolis. Back in the city center, a stop follows at the Red Basilica; this massive structure, a temple in Roman times and later a basilica, shows the day's third layer — the pagan-to-Christian transition. The nearby Bergama Grand Mosque, the only imperial mosque still standing in İzmir province, adds the Ottoman layer. The route closes at the Bergama Archaeological Museum, which brings together artifacts from all the excavations — ending the day with a museum visit completes the context for everything seen since morning.

Duration, Distance and Transport

The total distance between stops is about 9 km; the route takes 5-6 hours. The interiors of the Acropolis and the Asclepion are explored on foot; a car or the cable car (to the acropolis) can be used for transfers between them.

When to Go

Visiting the Acropolis early in the morning is the way to avoid the heat on the shadeless hilltop. Leaving the Bergama Museum for the end of the day allows for a restful close in a cool interior setting.

Local Tip

Taking the cable car up to the acropolis saves time and lets you save your energy for the long walk within the site itself.