Pergamum

Pergamum, İzmir 

UNESCO World Heritage Site 2014 

The capital of the great Kingdom of Pergamum in the Hellenistic period, Pergamum was the political and intellectual centre of the Aegean. The ancient city is located northwest of the modern city of Bergama, and approximately 115 km north of İzmir. 

The ancient city was not only a political stronghold, but it was also a centre of learning and culture. Pergamum was a production centre of parchment, a writing material prepared using untanned animal hides - in fact, the name itself is a corruption of the word “pergamenos” (from Pergamum). The Library of Pergamum, which contained almost 200,000 volumes of books, was second only to the Library of Alexandria. The city’s Asklepium (Sanctuary of Asclepius) was one of the largest healing centers in the ancient world.

The Roman rule started in Asia Minor through Pergamum. The city remained an important center during the Roman and Byzantine periods, and was one of the Seven Churches of Revelation, which are seven major churches of early Christianity that are mentioned in the New Testament. 

It is highly recommended to set aside a full day here, and walk from the Acropolis to the modern city of Bergama, getting a view of the entire city situated on the hillside. At the Lower Acropolis, the Sanctuary of Demeter, and the private houses and market areas reflect an excellent layout of a Hellenistic city. The Serapis Temple, known today as “Red Basilica,” at the edge of Bergama, is also a monument that should not be missed. The Bergama Museum is a perfect way to complete this visit after visiting the Sanctuary of Asclepius at the foot of the Acropolis. The center of healing dedicated to the god of healing, Asclepius, is extremely well-preserved with many extant structures.