Things to do in Pergamon / Comprehensive Travel Guide to Bergama (Pergamon)

Nestled in Turkey’s Aegean region, Bergama, historically known as Pergamon, is a treasure trove of ancient history, cultural heritage, and architectural marvels. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient city offers travelers a journey through Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods. Renowned for its “firsts”—including the invention of parchment, the world’s first hospital, and one of the steepest theaters in antiquity—Bergama is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and curious explorers alike. This guide provides an in-depth look at Bergama’s historical significance, key attractions, and practical travel tips, enriched with insights from German archaeological research that has shaped our understanding of this remarkable site.

Historical Significance of Bergama (Pergamon)

Pergamon rose to prominence in the Hellenistic period (323–30 BCE) as the capital of the Attalid dynasty, becoming a major cultural, scientific, and political center. Strategically located on a 335-meter-high hill overlooking the Bakırçay Plain, it was a hub of innovation and artistry. Its library, rivaling Alexandria’s, housed 200,000 scrolls and fostered intellectual advancements, including the development of parchment (derived from the city’s name) when Egypt restricted papyrus exports.

Pergamon’s influence continued under Roman rule, with a population of approximately 200,000 by the 2nd century AD, making it one of the largest cities in the region. It was a center of healing, home to the Asclepion, and a religious hub, with the Red Basilica as one of the seven churches of Revelation cited in the New Testament. The city’s legacy includes pioneering achievements like the first trade union, market law, and public building regulations.

German archaeologists, particularly through the German Archaeological Institute (Deutsches Archäologisches Institut), have excavated Pergamon since 1878, uncovering treasures like the Pergamon Altar, now housed in Berlin’s Pergamon Museum. Their work has illuminated the city’s urban planning, architectural grandeur, and cultural contributions.

Key Attractions in Bergama

1. The Acropolis

Perched atop a steep hill, the Pergamon Acropolis was the administrative and royal heart of the city. Accessible by cable car or a challenging hike, it offers panoramic views of the Bakırçay Valley. Key highlights include:

• Temple of Trajan: A white marble structure from the Roman period, restored by German archaeologists in 1976, showcasing intricate palm-leaf capitals.

• Hellenistic Theater: One of the steepest theaters in the ancient world, carved into the hillside with a capacity of 10,000. Its portable wooden stage, a first in theater design, was removed to preserve views of the Temple of Dionysus.

• Altar of Zeus: A monumental structure from the 2nd century BC, famed for its high-relief frieze depicting the Gigantomachy. Most of it was transported to Berlin by German archaeologist Carl Humann, but its foundations remain on-site.

2. The Asclepion: The World’s First Hospital

Located 3 km west of the Acropolis, the Asclepion was a renowned healing center dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine. Established in the 4th century BC, it is considered the world’s first hospital, combining medical, spiritual, and psychological treatments. Patients were treated with methods like herbal remedies, mud baths, music therapy, dream analysis, and radioactive spring water.

• Galen of Pergamon: The most famous physician of antiquity after Hippocrates, Galen (129–216 AD) trained and worked at the Asclepion. His groundbreaking work in anatomy, pharmacology, and venom-based antidotes laid the foundation for modern medicine. He served as the personal physician to Emperor Marcus Aurelius.

• Serpent Column: A marble column with snake reliefs, symbolizing renewal and healing, is a replica on-site (the original is in the Bergama Museum). This icon became the modern symbol of medicine and pharmacology.

• Treatment Methods: Patients underwent holistic therapies, including sleep in sacred rooms for dream-based diagnoses, hydrotherapy in sacred pools, and massages. The Asclepion’s theater (3,500 seats) entertained patients, aiding their recovery.

• Underground Tunnels: The cryptoporticus, an underground corridor, connected treatment areas and was used for psychiatric care, where patients slept to receive divine prognoses. Its acoustics and ambiance enhanced the therapeutic experience.

Tip: Follow the brown signs from Bergama’s center to reach the Asclepion. Entry requires a separate ticket (check current prices).

3. Red Basilica (Temple of Serapis)

Located 1 km from Bergama’s center, the Red Basilica, or Kızıl Avlu, is a massive 2nd-century AD Roman structure built for the Egyptian gods Serapis and Isis. Constructed with red bricks, it was later converted into a church, becoming one of the seven churches of Revelation. Its 200-meter-wide platform rests on the Pergamon Bridge, a remarkable Roman engineering feat with arched tunnels still visible today.

• Architectural Features: Two circular towers flank the basilica, one used as a prison during Ottoman times. The Selinus River flows through ancient tunnels beneath, a testament to Roman hydraulic engineering.

• Cultural Continuity: The site’s religious use spans Roman paganism, Christianity, Byzantine worship, and Ottoman-era mosques, reflecting Bergama’s multilayered heritage.

Tip: Entry costs 5 TL. You can view the exterior for free, as interior access may be limited for safety reasons.

4. Royal Tumuli / Imperial Burial Mounds

Scattered around Bergama, tumuli like Maltepe and Yığmatepe are Hellenistic burial mounds for royalty and elites. These dome-shaped structures, visible on Google Maps, reflect the Attalid dynasty’s wealth and power. German archaeological surveys have documented their strategic placement along ancient routes, enhancing the city’s monumental landscape.

Tip: Visit the tumuli en route to the Asclepion for a glimpse of Pergamon’s funerary traditions. They’re best seen from a distance, as access is restricted.

5. Bergama Archaeological Museum

This small but significant museum in Bergama’s center houses artifacts from Pergamon and nearby Allianoi. Highlights include the original serpent column, gladiator depictions, and mosaics. German architects designed the museum in the 1930s to showcase finds from their excavations.

Tip: Open daily (8:00–19:00 in summer, 8:00–17:00 in winter). Müzekart is valid. Don’t miss the ethnography section for insights into Ottoman Bergama.

6. Pergamon Bridge and Underground Tunnels

The Pergamon Bridge (Aka. Bodrum üstü by locals), supporting the Red Basilica, is the largest Roman bridge substructure, spanning 200 meters. Its arched tunnels, still functional, allow the Selinus River to flow beneath. Other underground features, like the Asclepion’s cryptoporticus and vaulted structures under the Trajaneum, highlight Pergamon’s advanced engineering. German studies emphasize the city’s sophisticated water management, including the Madradağ aqueduct, which supplied 30,000–35,000 cubic meters of water daily.

Tip: Observe the bridge’s arches near the Red Basilica. Guided tours may provide access to restricted tunnel areas.

7. Ottoman and Modern Bergama

Beyond ancient ruins, Bergama’s Ottoman quarter, Kale Mahallesi, features colorful Greek houses, the Ulu Camii (1399), and traditional carpet shops. The Bakırçay River’s bridge houses and the covered bazaar add charm. The Bergama International Theater Festival in May showcases the city’s vibrant culture.

Tip: Dine at Akropol restaurant for mezze and views of the Acropolis. Buy handwoven Bergama carpets or parchment souvenirs.

Practical Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer mild weather. Summers are hot, winters mild but rainy.

• Tickets: Separate tickets are needed for the Acropolis, Asclepion, Red Basilica, and Bergama Museum. Check current prices online or at entrances. Müzekart is accepted at most sites.

• Duration: Plan at least two days to explore the Acropolis, Asclepion, Red Basilica, museum, and town. Half a day is insufficient for the full experience.

• Accommodation: Boutique hotels and guesthouses near the town center offer affordable stays

• Local Cuisine: Try local olive oil, figs, and traditional dishes like köfte or mezze at restaurants in the Ottoman quarter. Black mulberry juice is a refreshing specialty.

Why Visit Pergamon ( Bergama )?

Bergama is more than an archaeological site; it’s a living testament to human ingenuity and cultural fusion. From the world’s first hospital to the invention of parchment, its contributions to medicine, science, and art resonate today. German archaeological efforts have preserved and revealed Pergamon’s grandeur, making it a pilgrimage site for history lovers. Whether marveling at the steep theater, tracing Galen’s legacy, or wandering Ottoman streets, Bergama offers an immersive journey through time.

For more information on Pergamon’s excavations, visit the German Archaeological Institute’s Pergamon Project. To plan your visit, check out our turkey packages includes Pergamon.

Historical and Political Connection with Perperene as a Satellite of the Pergamon Kingdom
Perperene (also spelled Perperena or Perperini) was an ancient city located in the Kozak Plateau, near modern Aşağıbey village in the İzmir Province of Turkey. It functioned as a satellite settlement or subsidiary city under the influence of the Pergamon Kingdom (281–133 BCE), which had its capital at Pergamon (modern Bergama), approximately 20–30 km away. 

During the Hellenistic period, the Pergamon Kingdom, ruled by the Attalid dynasty, controlled much of western Asia Minor, including the region of Mysia, where both Pergamon and Perperene were located. Perperene’s proximity to Pergamon placed it within the kingdom’s sphere of influence, likely as a strategic outpost or agricultural hub. 

Administrative and Economic Role
Perperene was established or developed during the Pergamon Kingdom’s reign to exploit the fertile lands of the Kozak Plateau, particularly for agriculture and viticulture. The region was renowned for its vineyards and copper mines, which contributed to the kingdom’s wealth. 

The Attalid rulers, known for their intelligent governance, supported the growth of smaller settlements like Perperene by sending skilled artisans and granting tax remissions to foster economic development. Perperene’s agricultural output, especially its famed grapes, likely supported the kingdom’s economy and trade networks. 

Cultural and Religious Influence
The Pergamon Kingdom was a major cultural and intellectual center, and its influence extended to nearby settlements like Perperene. The kingdom’s patronage of art, architecture, and religion likely shaped Perperene’s development. For example, Perperene is associated with the worship of Dionysos, the Greek god of wine, aligning with its reputation for vineyards. This cultural connection reflects the kingdom’s broader Hellenistic influence. 
Archaeological evidence suggests that Perperene had a temple, possibly later converted into a Byzantine church, indicating a blend of Hellenistic and later Christian influences, a pattern seen across Pergamon’s territories. 

Geographical Context – Proximity and Strategic Location
Perperene’s location on the Kozak Plateau, northwest of Pergamon, placed it in a strategically important area within the Caicus (Bakırçay) Valley. This fertile valley was central to the Pergamon Kingdom’s agricultural and economic prosperity. 

The Kozak Plateau, surrounded by pine nut forests and granite-rich soils, was a key resource area. The Attalid king Attalus II is credited with planting thousands of pine nut trees in the region, a legacy that continues to define the Kozak Plateau’s landscape today. This initiative underscores the kingdom’s investment in the area’s long-term productivity, including Perperene. 

Trade and Connectivity:
Perperene’s position near Pergamon and its access to trade routes connecting the Caicus Valley to coastal ports like Elaea (the kingdom’s main port) facilitated economic integration. The city likely served as a local hub for processing and distributing agricultural goods, such as wine and copper, to Pergamon and beyond. 

Archaeological and Historical Evidence of Perperene’s Remains
Archaeological remains in Perperene, including Hellenistic walls, a theater, an agora, and temple foundations, reflect the urban planning and architectural styles typical of the Pergamon Kingdom’s influence. These structures, though less grand than Pergamon’s, indicate a planned settlement designed to support the kingdom’s regional administration. 

The presence of coins from Perperene suggests it had some level of economic autonomy, but its political subordination to Pergamon is evident from its modest scale compared to the capital’s grandeur. 

Historical Mentions:
Ancient sources, such as Strabo, briefly mention Perperene as a settlement in Mysia, noting its copper mines and vineyards. While Strabo’s reference is minimal, it confirms Perperene’s existence as a notable local center within the Pergamon Kingdom’s territory. 

The Suda, a Byzantine encyclopedia, records that Hellanicus of Lesbos, a 5th-century BCE Greek historian, died in Perperene at age 85, suggesting the city’s cultural significance even before the Attalid period. This early prominence likely made it a natural candidate for integration into the Pergamon Kingdom’s network. 

Perperene’s Role in the Pergamon Kingdom’s Legacy

Agricultural Backbone:
The Kozak Plateau, including Perperene, was a critical agricultural zone for the Pergamon Kingdom. The region’s pine nut forests, vineyards, and granite quarries provided resources that supported the kingdom’s wealth and cultural projects, such as the Pergamon Altar and the Library of Pergamon. 

Perperene’s role in viticulture may have contributed to the kingdom’s reputation as a center of Hellenistic culture, as wine production was closely tied to religious and social practices.

Transition to Roman Rule:
When Attalus III, the last Attalid king, bequeathed the Pergamon Kingdom to Rome in 133 BCE, Perperene, along with other regional settlements, became part of the Roman province of Asia. During the Roman period, Perperene was known as Theodosiopolis and served as a bishopric, reflecting its continued importance as a local center. 

The transition to Roman rule was not seamless, as Aristonicus, claiming to be Attalus III’s brother, led a revolt against Rome with support from local populations, possibly including those in areas like Perperene. The revolt was crushed in 129 BCE by the Roman consul M. Perperna, whose name coincidentally resembles Perperene, though no direct connection is confirmed. 

Perperene’s Hidden Charm: Unlike the well-known ruins of Pergamon, Perperene remains largely unexcavated and shrouded in mystery, offering a unique opportunity for adventurous travelers to explore an off-the-beaten-path site. Its scattered Hellenistic walls and theater, nestled among Kozak’s pine forests, evoke the quieter, rural side of the Pergamon Kingdom’s legacy. 

Perperene was a vital, though lesser-known, cog in the Pergamon Kingdom’s Hellenistic machine. As a satellite city, it contributed to the kingdom’s agricultural wealth, cultural richness, and regional influence, benefiting from the Attalid dynasty’s vision for a prosperous Mysia. Its vineyards, copper mines, and strategic location in the Kozak Plateau tied it economically and culturally to Pergamon, while its modest ruins today offer a glimpse into the kingdom’s rural heartland. For your website, Perperene’s story can captivate travelers seeking authentic, undiscovered gems, blending history with the natural beauty of Kozak’s landscapes.

Cultural Continuity: The Kozak Plateau’s pine nut forests, initiated by Attalus II, and Perperene’s ancient vineyards highlight a remarkable continuity of agricultural practices from the Hellenistic period to today. Visitors can taste local products like Kozak grapes, pine nut helva, and Bergama tulum cheese, connecting modern flavors to ancient traditions. 

Eco-Tourism Potential: Perper Perperene’s serene setting in the Kozak Plateau, combined with its historical ties to Pergamon, makes it an ideal destination for eco-tourism and cultural exploration. Encourage your website visitors to hike the plateau, visit Perperene’s ruins, and stay at local guesthouses like Perperene Konağı, which aims to raise awareness of the site’s heritage. 

Practical Information for Travelers

Location: Perperene is near Aşağıbey village, Kozak Plateau, ~20 km northwest of Bergama (Pergamon). 
What to See: Hellenistic walls, a small theater, agora traces, and temple foundations. The site is not formally maintained, so expect a raw, unpolished experience.

Tips: You can combine and extend your visit to Perperene with a trip to Pergamon’s Acropolis and Asclepeion with 2 full day of exploration.