Ancient City of Pergamon

Located in the northern part of the Aegean Region, in the Bergama district of today’s Izmir, Pergamon has historically been one of the cultural and scientific centers not only of the region it is located in, but of all of Anatolia. Located in a fertile valley irrigated by the Kaikos (today’s Bakırçay) River, approximately 15 kilometers from the sea, the city has a strategic location with its proximity to trade routes and natural defense advantages.

Pergamon, first mentioned in ancient sources in the 4th century BC, experienced its real rise in the 3rd century BC when it became the capital of the Pergamon Kingdom. One of the most important cultural and scientific institutions of the period, the Library of Pergamon, was the largest library of the period after Alexandria with its huge archive of 200,000 volumes. The Altar of Zeus, one of the most magnificent structures of the period and exhibited in Berlin today, is also a legacy of this period.

The city was built on a steep hill 275 meters high. The upper city, or acropolis, was equipped with royal palaces, a theater, military garrisons and temples. This area, which had both religious and administrative functions in ancient times, also hosts extraordinary views. The structures placed on the terraces facing west of the acropolis offer visitors a journey through time as the sun sets.

The lower parts of Pergamon developed during the Roman Empire and became the center of city life. These areas include baths, agoras and many structures that bear traces of daily life. The fact that the city is connected to the cities of Hellespontos (Dardanelles) in the north and to important port cities such as Smyrna (Izmir), Ephesus and Miletus in the south made Pergamon attractive not only culturally but also commercially.

Today, it is quite easy to reach Bergama. You can take the minibuses that depart regularly from Izmir Bus Terminal or the Izban suburban train to Aliaga and from there take the Bergama minibuses.

Offering its visitors both a historical journey and a stunning geography, Pergamon is a must-see stop for anyone who wants to witness the past of Anatolia.