Pergamon (Bergama)

The ancient city of Pergamon — perched on a 335 m high acropolis above the modern city of Bergama — was one of the most important cultural centers of the Hellenistic world. Its library rivaled Alexandria, and the Pergamon Altar (now in Berlin) is considered one of the masterpieces of ancient art.

Acropolis (Upper City)

• Theater: The steepest theater of the ancient world — 10,000 seats, carved into the hillside, with breathtaking views over the plain to the sea.
• Trajaneum: The reconstructed temple on the mountain top — the photo motif of Pergamon. Corinthian columns against a blue sky.
• Library: Once 200,000 scrolls — the second largest of antiquity. Allegedly, parchment was invented here (when Egypt stopped the export of papyrus).
• Altar Foundation: The base of the famous Pergamon Altar — the original is in the Pergamon Museum Berlin.

A cable car (Teleferik) conveniently takes you to the acropolis (round trip approx. 100 ₺).

Asklepieion (Healing Center)

2 km below the Acropolis lies the ancient Asklepieion — one of the most famous healing centers of antiquity. The legendary physician Galen practiced here. Therapies included mud baths, dream interpretation, theater visits, and cures at the sacred spring. An ancient healing tunnel (80 m) and a small theater (3,500 seats) are well preserved.