PERGAMON

PERGAMON, A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

West of present-day Turkey, Pergamon (also called Pergamum or Pergamos) and Asklepion, another ancient Greek city, served as therapeutic centres. During the Hellenistic era, it served as a significant intellectual, political, and cultural hub and was the location of one of the biggest libraries in antiquity.Famous for its Acropolis, which held multiple temples, including the Temple of Zeus and Athena, Pergamon was renowned for its remarkable artistic and architectural accomplishments. The city was also well-known for its medical school, which turned out some of the most well-known healers in antiquity, such as Galen.

After being eventually taken over by the Romans in 133 BC, the city developed into a significant Roman Empire administrative hub. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Pergamon ruins are a well-liked tourist destination today.

Back Of The East Hall Looking Toward The North Hall Of The Trajaneum

The History Of Pergamon

Established in the third millennium BC, Pergamon served as the Attalid dynasty’s capital and developed into a prominent hub for administration, science, education, and culture. The city was constructed on a difficult terrain that descended from Kale Hill’s slopes to the Bakırçay Plain. Examples of how the dominance of nature was incorporated into the urban design include the strikingly steep Theatre and the three-terraced Gymnasium. One of the largest libraries in Pergamon and the well-known sculpture school were established under the Attalid Dynasty.

When The Clouds Add A Bit Of Drama To The Temple Of Trajan At Pergamon

As Pergamon came under Roman authority and became the seat of the Roman Province of Asia in 133 BC, the city continued to grow as a hub for imperial cults and culture. Many of the amazing structures seen in Pergamon were constructed or expanded upon while preserving the buildings from the Hellenistic Era. From that era come the Asklepieion, the Aqueduct, the Roman Theatre, the Serapeum, and the Trajan Temple.

Exploring The North Hall

Subsequently, in the Byzantine Era, the administrative hubs and commercial routes moved to northwest Anatolia and Istanbul (then Constantinople). Even though Pergamon was reduced to a medium-sized town, it continued to hold religious and cultural significance as one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. The Ottomans went on to build other cities, such as baths, mosques, bridges, markets, bazaars, and an expansion of the Byzantine and Roman water systems.

Overview Of The Pergamon Upper Acropolis Seen From The Asklepieion

Today, Pergamon and Bergama are a glorious melting pot of remaining and superimposed structures from different cultures and periods, some of which are re-used and integrated into modern life. This is what makes a visit to Pergamon and Bergama memorable. The town seamlessly unites Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman heritage, embracing Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and Paganism.

Red Basilica Seen From The Pergamon Acropolis

PERGAMON: THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

In our introduction, we touched on the most crucial information you should be aware of before visiting Pergamon: most visitors only see half the site since they are ignorant that the other half even exists. This leads to a slight vicious circle. It is obvious that a great deal of work went into uncovering and repairing sites on the lower Acropolis. Nevertheless, it appears that money is being allocated more heavily to preserving and publicising the upper Acropolis as a result of a decline in tourists.
There are waymarks pointing in the direction of the lower remains of the Acropolis, although you could feel like you’re headed in the wrong direction at some point. You’re not, we assure you. You must continue past that point to get at Pergamon’s utterly magnificent lower Acropolis.

Re-Erected Columns At The Upper Gymnasium

MORE THAN ONE SITE

Hold on? Is there more? Indeed. The whole Acropolis of Pergamon comprises the ancient site of Pergamon. Beneath it is the village of Bergama, where you can also discover Pergamon remnants like the Red Basilica and the Bergama Museum, which houses many of the artefacts stolen from Pergamon. The Asklepieion, an isolated ancient site that was formerly a component of Pergamon’s metropolis, is located on the outskirts of the town. In addition, there are many Tumuli in the town and the Kybele Sanctuary close to Kapıkaya.
All of these locations are worth seeing, with the possible exception of the Tumuli and the Kybele Sanctuary, so if you want to cover this much ground, two days is the absolute minimum. Bergama and the Asklepieion will both be discussed in a later post.

Main Building Seen From The Courtyard

HOW TO GET TO THE ACROPOLIS? CABLE CAR OR NOT?

At the summit of the Acropolis, there is only one entrance, although Pergamon has two exits. You have a few choices when you visit the historic location. hike up, however we wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re travelling at off-peak hours and are in excellent physical shape because it’s a really lengthy hike! As an alternative, you can ride the Teleferik, or cable car, which drops you off just next to the entrance gate, or you can drive up and park your car close to the entrance.
We blended the two together. We took a car up and followed the route mentioned here to get out at the lower gate of the Acropolis, which is not too far from the cable car departure point. After a little stroll, we took use of the Teleferik’s unique viewpoint to appreciate the surroundings. Yet there’s a cost associated with the view. If you’re travelling with a larger party, you could be better off using a cab, which costs 30TL per person for a one-way ticket (or 50TL for a return trip).

The Upper Seats Of The Theater And The Temple Of Trajan Above

THE PERFECT PERGAMON ITINERARY

The trick is to start at the upper Acropolis’s highest point and slowly work your way day towards the lower exit. This way, you’ll get to experience Pergamon to its fullest.

We won’t describe all the ruins you will see using this itinerary, but we will highlight the most remarkable landmarks. You’ll see the rest marked on the map below.

UPPER ACROPOLIS

First, you can go up for a tour of the upper Acropolis from the entrance. After the city gates and walls, you’ll find a series of ruined Palace Buildings on your right-hand side. You can explore these upon arrival or after you’ve circled the upper Acropolis, just before you go down.

SANCTUARY OF ATHENA & LIBRARY OF PERGAMON

Opposite the Palace Buildings, you’ll find what is left of the Sanctuary of Athena, some ruined houses and the Library of Pergamon. They are both located right above the Theatre. The Sanctuary of Athena is the oldest known Temple in Pergamon and dates back to the four-century BC. It was surrounded by Doric columns, of which only the foundations are still visible today.

The adjacent Library with a double-aisled Stoa was added later, during Eumenes II, around 197 to 159 BC. The Library held 200.000 scrolls Anthony took in 41 BC as a gift to Cleopatra. The circular base in the centre of the court had a statue of Emperor Augustus.

Detail Of The Circular Pedestal At The Sanctuary Of Athena

Stoa At The Sanctuary Of Athena Looking Towards The Palaces

THEATRE

One of the most famous sites in Pergamon is the Theatre, which may be reached by following the indications from the Library area and going through the “tunnel” to descend the stairs. There are 10,000 seats available in three parts of the theatre. The steepness of Pergamon’s Theatre is perhaps its most striking feature. From the 245-meter-long terrace below, which was surrounded on all sides by stoas, people entered the theatre.
It’s interesting to note that the stage architecture from the Hellenistic Period was purposefully transitory, consisting just of a wooden beam framework. The reason for this was that it had to be removed after it was used so as not to obstruct the view of the Dionysos Temple, which is situated at the north end of the terrace, directly underneath the Theatre. But because the theatre was used for political events, a permanent stone speaker’s platform was constructed in the orchestra during the Roman era.

Epic Views Are Part Of The Pergamon Experience

The Spectacular Theater, Liong Terrace, And Temple Of Dionysos

TEMPLE OF DIONYSOS

At the end of the Theatre terrace, the Temple of Dionysos was constructed in the first part of the second century BC. A fitting site for a Temple honouring the God of Theatre. Following their ascent of the 25 steps that led to the Sanctuary, visitors could enter the Temple. After a fire in the second century damaged the original structure, it was likely never finished when Emperor Caracalla visited Pergamon in 214. Based on available evidence, it appears that Hermogenes of Priene, the architect responsible for the largest Dionysos Temple in antiquity at Teos, most likely designed the Temple of Dionysos at Pergamon.

TEMPLE OF TRAJAN

Next up is a well-known landmark: the Trajan Fountain. Once you have ascended from the Temple of Dionysos, investigate the subterranean Sanctuary of Trajan. This stunning system of vaulted supports is erected atop a wall that reaches a height of 23 metres. Their sole purpose is to maintain the platform in front of the Trajan Temple from above. When you follow our plan, you will precisely use them as a passageway—they were never intended to be used as storage. But during the Middle Ages, the foundation rooms used as cisterns.

The Arched Substructure Of The Temple Of Trajan

Terrace And Substructure Of The Temple Of Trajan At Pergamon

The construction of the Temple of Trajan continued during the rule of several Emperors between 98 and 138 AD. It started under Roman Emperor Trajan and was completed under Hadrian, serving the cult of rulers and Zeus. The Sanctuary of Trajan is the only Roman monument on the upper fortress. Built on a high marble podium, the Temple building has a free-standing main body, with respect for Greek traditions. It was later surrounded on three sides by halls with monolithic columns and unique Corinthian capitals.

Looking Towards The East Hall Of The Temple Of Trajan

Headless Armored Statue Of Trajan In The East Hall

The exact date of the Temple’s destruction is unknown, although studies suggest that its walls and substructure underwent multiple restorations over the Middle Ages. Although the Temple was discovered in the late 1800s, the authorities didn’t give restoration any thought until 1960. Beginning with preparatory work in 1965, the Temple of Trajan was restored over the course of many months-long restoration periods that ended in 1994.

Columns Lying On The Floor Of The North Hall

Overview Of The Trajaneum At Pergamon

The Temple’s Propylaeum with three entrance doors hasn’t been rebuilt. A re-erected doorpost represents it in its original position. You can see a collection of elements and fragments belonging to the Temple stored in their original finding spot behind the eastern Hall.

The Only Partially Restored Trajaneum At Pergamon

Almost Like A Painting, The West Hall Of The Trajaneum

ARSENAL & AQUEDUCT

Follow the wooden path that leads to the rear of the Citadel from the Trajaneum. In addition to the breathtaking vistas, visitors can take in the city wall and fortification towers. Among the olive fields below, keep an eye out for the remnants of Pergamon’s magnificent aqueduct when you arrive to the abandoned Arsenal. From Madra Dağ, the Roman Aqueduct dates back to the second century AD and spans 45 kilometres. If you would like to view it up close after your visit, you can also go there by automobile. Great views of the reservoir lake below are available from an observation deck at the top of the loop, shortly before re-entering the inner Citadel.

Walking Back To The Citadel From The Arsenal

Part Of The Extensive Aqueducts At Pergamon

CIRCULAR CISTERN

This amazing circular cistern features a stone column in the centre and is currently used by tourists as a wish pit. According to some accounts, this column served as the foundation for a device that allowed the water to rotate. In order to keep the water “fresh” during a protracted siege, this approach supplied oxygen.

Circular Cistern At The Top Of The Citadel

ZEUS ALTAR

After circling around the Trajaneum, turn back towards the entrance and proceed until you arrive at the Sacred Precinct of the Cult of the Rulers. Proceed to the remnants of the Zeus Altar by following the path below. Now, you might have heard discussions about the Altar of Pergamon described in epic terms. It was, admittedly, magnificent. It still is, too. That is, the Zeus Altar is now housed in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin rather than in Pergamon itself.
To view a virtual tour of the Berlin Altar of Pergamon, click this link.

In the second century BC, the Great Altar of Pergamon was constructed. It commemorated the triumph against the Gauls in 190 BC and was dedicated to Zeus and Athena. A 120-meter-long relief adorning it showed the Olympian Gods battling the underground forces. The location is breathtaking, with views that go as far as the glittering Aegean and the plains below. One can’t help but wonder how spectacular this Altar must have been and how amazing it would be if the rebuilt Altar were here, in its original location, rather than hidden away in a distant museum hall.

LOWER ACROPOLIS

SMALL ODEON & HEROON

Proceed up the path past the upper Agora below after admiring the views from the Zeus Altar. Take a leisurely stroll down the historic route that offers a view of Bergama and follow the signs to the Gymnasium. The terrain gets a little tougher from this point on, so make sure you’re wearing supportive footwear. You’ll see a modest edifice with a Heroon and a small Odeon honouring Diodoros Pasparos further down. The remnants of a tiny Roman bathhouse are located just next to it. Bath, Odeon, Heroon, and the entire complex had to have been a part of a smaller Gymnasium.

Heroon To Diodoris Pasparos

Small Bath Complex Next To Odeon And Heroon

BUILDING Z

Not only does Building Z have an intriguing name, but its inside is also intriguing. It is roughly 1.500 m2 in size and is situated just over the Temple of Hera and the Sanctuary of Demeter. This is the location of exquisite mosaics found in 1990, the discovery of which prompted a 1996 start and 2004 completion of a shelter-building project. We assure you that you simply must not miss this location! However, based on our conversation with the guard, it appears that the majority of individuals do, since he greets roughly ten guests per day!

Courtyard At Building Z

Based on available research, Building Z most likely originated in the early 2nd century BC and was used as a cult centre. Later in the century, the structure underwent an extension that included the addition of an L-shaped courtyard, which was completed by the formation of an atrium by the eastern and southern wings. Thermal baths were added during the Roman era, and the interior was completely rebuilt, including the flooring covered in mosaics. Unfortunately, following a devastating earthquake in 178 AD, the building was abandoned. Its ruins were covered by other constructions during the Byzantine era, which accounts for the comparatively recent discovery of these intact mosaics.

Entering Building Z

The oldest chamber that has been preserved is the one featuring the mask mosaic. It is likely that the mosaic floor was made during Roman restorations of the pre-existing construction in the early second century AD. The stucco wall embellishments were also fixed at that period. These days, the numerous fragments that were discovered during the excavation work have been used to piece together the recovered stucco. To make it simple to tell the difference between the original and the old, grey sections are utilised.

The Room With The Mask Mosaic

SANCTUARY OF DEMETER

Continue down the stairs past the Temple of Hera, which has a view of the Gymnasium, from Building Z. Proceed to the right after that to investigate the Sanctuary of Demeter. From earlier than 282 BC to the Late Roman Period, the Sanctuary was continuously in use. A natural rock peak served as the foundation for the Temple. There had once been a spring, an offering pit, and viewing stairs for the ceremonies that were particularly significant to the ladies of Pergamon.

Beautiful Remains Of The Sanctuary Of Demeter

GYMNASIUM

The Gymnasium complex of Pergamon’s lower Acropolis consists of several layers and structures. It is located right beneath the Temple of Hera and it’s the largest known Gymnasium of the Hellenistic era. Built in 197 – 160 BC, it stretches over three terraces, each dedicated to a particular age group. The Lower Gymnasium was used by children, the Middle Gymnasium was for young adults, and the Upper Gymnasium was exclusively visited by adult males.

Overview Of The Upper Gymnasium And The Semi Circled Odeon

Pretty Scenery At The Upper Gymnasium

East and west of the upper terrace, the complex featured a spacious two-story colonnaded courtyard encircled by Doric columns, which was known as the Bath portion. Around the year 100 AD, the Doric buildings were replaced with Corinthian order architecture during the Roman era. Additionally, the northwest corner of the Palaestra was expanded to include a semi-circled, roofed Odeon that could accommodate 1.000 people for seats.

The Substantial Upper Gymnasium Baths

Still Life At The Upper Gymnasium

To get to the exit, continue along the old road past the House of Attalus and the Lower Agora to the farthest east point of the Gymnasium. The magnificent mosaics and murals within the House of Attalus can be seen if you look over the fence, even though it is not open to the public. If you left your car in the parking lot, you can either walk down to the cable car to get back up from here. Alternately, stroll back to Bergama town to see the Red Basilica.

The Middle Gymnasium For Young Adults

Inside The Semi Circled Odeon

IN TOWN

RED BASILICA

One prime example of how Pergamon constructions were appropriated by succeeding cultures is the Red Basilica, also known as Red Hall or Kızıl Avlu. When it was first constructed in the second century AD, this location served as a Serapeum—a Roman sanctuary to the gods of Egypt—and was home to the biggest collection of structures in all of Pergamon. One of the Seven Churches of Revelation, the Church of St. John, is housed inside the Red Basilica’s main structure. Later, the structure was converted into an Ottoman mosque and housed a Jewish synagogue.

Exploring The Red Basilica

Inside The Main Building At The Red Basilica

The main building and two round towers were situated on a site that was approximately 265 by 100 metres. Entrance was by way of a large courtyard encircled by Stoas. More Stoas could be seen on either side of the main structure, where massive statues of Egyptian deities supported the galleries. To give visitors a clearer impression of the scale and the impact these galleries must have had on people, one of these figurines, which represents the lion-headed goddess Sekhmet, has been restored. These figurine supports, which are located to the north and south of the Red Hall, must have originally stood 36 metres tall, including their pedestals.

Admiring Sekhmet From A Distance

Restored Figurine Of Sekhmet

A spherical tower known as a Rotunda stood at the eastern end of each courtyard; its original purpose was most likely religious. The two Rotundas remained sturdy over time. The southern one has been rebuilt and is open to the public as a part of the museum complex, while the northern one is currently in use as a mosque. The gorgeous dome in stepped bricklayers is supported by walls that are 1,90 metres thick. The Opaion, or the opening in the centre of the dome, was formerly 3,70 metres in length but was later lowered to 1 metre during the Ottoman era. The interior’s black walls are what’s left over from the Rotunda’s use as the machine room for the nearby 19th-century olive factory.

The Beautiful Southern Rotunda

Detail Of The Ornamental Frieze On The Southern Rotunda

TUMULI & AMPHITHEATER

You’ll find several Tumuli spread over the town. These burial mounds look like a pile of gravel or sand because that is what they are covered with, multiple layers of whatever soil or sand is available in the surrounding area. Underneath are sarcophagi or multiple grave chambers. The Tumuli are of great archaeological interest, but unfortunately, the ones near Pergamon are closed to visitors. Click here to read more about a study carried out at Yığma Tepe.

You can also see what remains of the former Amphitheater in the lower town. It is possible to go and have a look up close, but you can easily spot the ruins during your visit to the Acropolis.

ASKLEPIEION

And lastly, another must-see in a different location is the Asklepieion. Once more, this is a standalone attraction, so we suggest planning to spend at least half a day there. One of the buildings that contributed to Pergamon’s continued development throughout the Roman Era was the Asklepieion. This sacred spring continues to flow in this sanctuary, which rose to prominence as a healing haven. In a later post, we’ll give you a tour of the Asklepieion. Read it, please, as these pictures don’t really show anything!

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR YOUR PERGAMON VISIT

Bergama is easy to reach by car, and well signposted from the E87 highway. If you are relying on public transportation. You have several options, including a regular service from Kınık and Aliağa. Simply enter Bergama Akropol Örenyeri as a destination on this page. Please, allow enough time to visit this area. As we mentioned in our introduction, two days is the absolute minimum.

You’ll need four different tickets if you want to get a complete picture. Click on the links below for current ticket prices and opening times of the locations.

• Pergamon Acropolis
• Red Basilica
• Asklepieion
• Bergama Museum

The Acropolis site has facilities on-site, including toilets and a few small shops and eateries near the entrance. Please, keep in mind that – apart from the toilets – these places are usually closed when traveling out of season. Bring your own water and snacks. Also, while the upper Acropolis is on easy terrain, exploring the lower part is an entirely different story. Good walking shoes are a must!

Top tip: after exploring the entire Acropolis, you will have covered a lot of terrain. Make sure to carry the phone number of a local taxi company with you just in case. If you’re looking for a place to stay. There are some lovely boutique hotels in town. Click below to check them out on a map.

PLACES WE RECOMMEND

POSTS NEARBY

• Bergama: life in the shadow of the Pergamon Acropolis 1.29 km
• The Asklepieion of Pergamon: mystic & sacred treatment center 2.17 km