Bergama, the ancient city of Pergamon, is one of Türkiye’s richest archaeological destinations. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers visitors an extraordinary collection of ancient monuments, Roman temples, healing sanctuaries, Ottoman architecture, and natural thermal springs. Exploring Bergama is like stepping into more than 2,000 years of history.

Bergama Archaeology Museum

The Bergama Archaeology Museum is the ideal starting point for discovering the city’s remarkable heritage. Established in 1936, the museum houses thousands of archaeological artifacts recovered from Pergamon, the Asklepion, and neighboring ancient settlements.

Its collections include marble sculptures, inscriptions, sarcophagi, mosaics, ceramics, coins, jewelry, terracotta figurines, and artifacts dating from the Early Bronze Age to the Byzantine period. The ethnographic galleries display traditional Bergama carpets, textiles, costumes, and household items that illustrate local culture through the centuries.

Library of Pergamon

Adjacent to the Temple of Athena are the remains of the legendary Library of Pergamon, one of the greatest libraries of the ancient world.

Constructed during the reign of King Eumenes II (197–159 BC), the library rivaled the famous Library of Alexandria and reportedly contained over 200,000 scrolls. The main reading room measured approximately 13.5 × 15.3 meters and featured wooden shelves specially designed to protect valuable manuscripts from humidity.

A magnificent statue of Athena once stood inside the library, symbolizing wisdom and learning. Today, the original statue and many architectural fragments are preserved in Berlin.

The shortage of Egyptian papyrus is traditionally associated with the development of parchment (pergamenum) in Pergamon, a writing material whose name derives from the city itself.

Military Arsenals

Located at the northern end of the Acropolis are the remains of Pergamon’s military arsenals.

These long, parallel storage chambers were used to house weapons, armor, military supplies, and siege equipment that protected the kingdom during its height of power. Their strategic location illustrates the city’s sophisticated defensive planning.

Trajaneum (Temple of Trajan)

Standing on the highest terrace of the Acropolis, the Trajaneum is one of Pergamon’s finest Roman monuments.

The temple was commissioned by Emperor Hadrian in honor of his predecessor Emperor Trajan, who had been deified after his death. Built on a monumental terrace measuring approximately 68 × 58 meters, it was surrounded on three sides by elegant colonnaded porticoes.

Excavations uncovered colossal statues of both Trajan and Hadrian, demonstrating that both emperors were worshipped here. Today, these impressive sculptures are displayed in Berlin.

The elevated location offers magnificent panoramic views across Bergama and the fertile Bakırçay Plain.

Pergamon Theatre

The spectacular Pergamon Theatre is one of the masterpieces of Hellenistic architecture.

Carved dramatically into the mountainside, it is among the steepest ancient theatres in the world, with seating for approximately 10,000 spectators.

Unlike many Roman theatres, its original Hellenistic stage was constructed entirely of wood and assembled only during performances before being dismantled afterward. Today, visitors can appreciate the theatre’s remarkable engineering while enjoying breathtaking views over the valley below.

Temple of Dionysus

Situated along the northern edge of the theatre terrace, the Temple of Dionysus was dedicated to the Greek god of wine, theatre, and celebration.

Built in the elegant Ionic style atop a raised podium, the temple originally dominated the theatre complex and served as both a religious sanctuary and an architectural centerpiece.

Although modified during the Roman period, its graceful proportions remain among the finest examples of Hellenistic temple design. Many of its decorative sculptures are now preserved in Berlin.

Altar of Zeus

Perhaps Pergamon’s most celebrated monument was the Great Altar of Zeus, regarded as one of the greatest masterpieces of Hellenistic art.

Originally standing on a large terrace below the Temple of Athena, the altar measured approximately 36 × 34 meters and featured magnificent marble friezes depicting the legendary battle between the Olympian gods and the Giants.

Although only the foundations remain in Bergama today, the reconstructed altar, together with its world-famous sculptural reliefs, is displayed in Berlin’s Pergamon Museum.

Upper and Lower Agoras

The Upper Agora served as Pergamon’s principal commercial and civic center.

Surrounded by impressive colonnades, shops, and administrative buildings, it was the heart of public life where merchants, officials, and citizens gathered daily.

Further south lies the Lower Agora, which served artisans, craftsmen, and ordinary residents. Nearby are the remains of the Temple of Demeter, dedicated to the goddess of agriculture and fertility, where sacred religious ceremonies were held.

Gymnasiums

Pergamon possessed one of the largest and most sophisticated gymnasium complexes of the ancient world.

Built on three successive terraces during the 3rd century BC, each level served a different age group:

• Lower Terrace — Children
• Middle Terrace — Youth
• Upper Terrace — Adults and ceremonial activities

Besides physical training, students studied philosophy, literature, rhetoric, mathematics, and music, making the gymnasium a major educational institution.

Asklepion

Located southwest of the Acropolis, the Asklepion was one of antiquity’s most famous medical centers.

Dedicated to Asklepios, the god of healing, the sanctuary attracted patients from throughout the Roman Empire.

Treatments combined medicine with psychology and spirituality, including:

• Herbal remedies
• Mineral and thermal waters
• Mud therapy
• Exercise
• Theatre performances
• Music therapy
• Dream interpretation
• Psychotherapy

Patients entered via a magnificent Sacred Way lined with columns. Highlights include the Temple of Asklepios, the underground healing tunnel, the sacred spring, treatment rooms, and the Roman theatre.

The celebrated physician Galen, one of history’s most influential doctors, was born in Pergamon and trained here.

Red Basilica (Temple of Serapis)

One of Bergama’s most recognizable landmarks is the Red Basilica (Kızıl Avlu).

Built during the reign of Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD, the enormous temple was dedicated to the Egyptian gods Serapis, Isis, and Harpocrates.

Constructed almost entirely from red brick, it ranks among the largest Roman religious buildings in Anatolia.

During the Byzantine period, the complex was transformed into a Christian basilica dedicated to Saint John and later became associated with one of the Seven Churches of Asia mentioned in the Book of Revelation.

Today, visitors can still admire its towering walls, monumental architecture, and one of the later Ottoman mosques incorporated into one of its side towers.

Historic Mosques

Bergama also preserves several fine examples of Ottoman and Seljuk religious architecture, including:

• Ulu Mosque
• Şadırvan Mosque
• Seljuk Minaret
• Kurşunlu Mosque
• Hacı Hekim Mosque
• Laleli Mosque
• Yeni Mosque
• Emir Sultan Minaret

These monuments reflect Bergama’s importance during the Ottoman period and showcase beautiful examples of Islamic architecture.

Historic Inns (Caravanserais)

Çukur Han

Dating from the 14th or 15th century, Çukur Han once welcomed merchants traveling along important trade routes.

Located near the traditional leather market, the caravanserai features characteristic Pergamon stone-and-brick masonry, vaulted rooms, and brick-framed windows typical of early Ottoman architecture.

Taş Han (Stone Inn)

Built in 1432 during the reign of Sultan Murad II, Taş Han served as an important stop for merchants and travelers.

The caravanserai contains vaulted storage rooms, stables, administrative chambers, and an elegant entrance featuring finely carved stonework that reflects classical Ottoman design.

Kozak Plateau

Located approximately 20 km north of Bergama, the Kozak Plateau is famous for its cool mountain climate, extensive stone pine forests, and traditional villages.

The region is Türkiye’s leading producer of high-quality pine nuts and offers excellent opportunities for hiking, picnicking, photography, and enjoying spectacular natural scenery.

Thermal Springs

Mahmudiye Thermal Spring

Rich in sodium minerals and naturally radioactive elements, the 26°C waters of Mahmudiye have long been valued for therapeutic bathing.

Geyiklidağ Thermal Spring

Situated between Bergama and Kozak, these sulphur-rich hot springs are traditionally believed to benefit respiratory ailments, chronic infections, and certain kidney disorders. The area remains largely undeveloped, providing visitors with a peaceful natural setting.

Güzellik Thermal Spring

Only 4 km from Bergama, Güzellik Thermal Spring has been famous since the Hellenistic period.

Originally known as the Eskulap Baths, the spring is believed to have been developed during the reign of King Eumenes II. Its warm 35°C mineral-rich waters contain sodium bicarbonate and sulphur, traditionally used to help relieve rheumatic conditions, kidney disorders, circulatory problems, and certain skin conditions.

According to local legend, Cleopatra bathed here during her visit to Pergamon, contributing to the spring’s enduring reputation as a place of beauty and rejuvenation.

Modern visitors can enjoy thermal pools, bungalow accommodation, and nearby hotels surrounded by attractive woodland.

Haydar Thermal Spring

Located near the village of Ilıca, north of Bergama, this thermal spring features the remains of ancient Roman baths.

Its sulphurous waters are traditionally believed to relieve muscle pain, joint disorders, and certain skin conditions.

Dereköy Spa

Situated west of Bergama near Altınova, Dereköy Spa offers therapeutic thermal baths in a tranquil natural setting.

The mineral-rich waters are traditionally used to ease muscular aches, joint pain, and general fatigue, making the spa a popular destination for visitors seeking relaxation and wellness.

Why Visit Bergama?

From the spectacular Acropolis and the legendary Library of Pergamon to the world-famous Asklepion, Roman temples, Ottoman monuments, and healing thermal springs, Bergama offers one of the richest cultural experiences in Türkiye. Combining over 2,500 years of history with beautiful landscapes and authentic local traditions, it remains an unforgettable destination for archaeology enthusiasts, history lovers, and travelers exploring the Aegean region.