Discovering Bergama: A Journey Through Ancient and Cultural Treasures

Located approximately 120 km from the city center of Izmir, Bergama is an ancient district with a history dating back to the 5th century BCE. The town is home to the ancient city of Pergamon, modeled after the Acropolis of Athens. With its well-preserved ruins, temples, historic mosques, churches, and museums displaying remarkable artifacts, Bergama is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.

Beyond its historical significance, Bergama offers breathtaking natural beauty and a variety of tourist attractions. Some of the key places to visit include the vibrant Arasta Bazaar, the impressive Pergamon Ancient City, the awe-inspiring Red Basilica (Kızıl Avlu), and the Bergama Archaeology Museum. Moreover, the town is home to Asklepieion, the world’s first known psychotherapy center, and the historic Hacı Hekim Hamam, both adding unique cultural depth to your journey.

Pergamon Ancient City

Known as the Greek city of Pergamon in antiquity, this ancient settlement lies on a hill overlooking the Bakırçay valley, about 25 km from the Aegean Sea. Now within the borders of the modern Bergama district, the site dates back to at least the 5th century BCE.

Pergamon became a significant city in the 3rd century BCE, serving as the seat of a powerful Hellenistic dynasty. It continued to flourish under the Roman Empire, maintaining its prestige.

The city is built on a hill approximately 350 meters high, inspired by the urban model of ancient Athens. In the upper city, you can find royal palaces, temples, sacred sites, an amphitheater, and a renowned library, which was considered the second most important library of the ancient Greek world after Alexandria. The lower city houses temples, the Attalus House, the Agora, Eumenes Gate, and a Gymnasium.

Pergamon Ancient City is open to visitors from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM during summer and from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM in winter. Entry is free with a Museum Pass.

Kale Mahallesi

Although Bergama has lost much of its historical multicultural character, the old stone houses in the narrow streets of Kale Mahallesi still offer a glimpse into its past. Once inhabited by the Greeks, this neighborhood retains its historical charm. The central square, known as Domuz Meydanı (Pig Square), once served as a marketplace for pig trading.

Overlooking the Bakırçay Plain and the Selinos River, Kale Mahallesi is a great spot for capturing historical ambiance and stunning photographs. The fortress that gives the neighborhood its name is a must-visit attraction.

Arasta Bazaar

Dating back to the 14th century, Arasta Bazaar is an old Ottoman marketplace and the main bazaar of Bergama. Just a few minutes’ walk from the town center, it features traditional shops including shoemakers, saddlers, tailors, and basket weavers.

In the heart of the bazaar, you can enjoy a refreshing break at one of the charming tea gardens or cafes under the shade of an ancient tree. At the entrance of the marketplace, a large, historic plane tree welcomes visitors. Nearby, you can sip on authentic Turkish coffee or browse a second-hand bookstore. Don’t forget to try the famous black mulberry juice, a local specialty.

Historic Bergama Houses

Bergama’s long history is reflected in its architecture, with traditional Bergama houses lining its streets. The eastern and northern parts of the district feature an abundance of old stone and wooden houses that capture the essence of the town’s past.

One notable structure is the Bergama House, located near Yeni Cami, a historic mosque. Exploring the town on foot will allow you to discover these beautiful remnants of history.

Bergama Covered Bazaar

Situated in Barbaros Mahallesi, about 1 km from the town center, Bergama Covered Bazaar is easily accessible via İsmet İnönü Street. Once used as a vegetable and meat market in the 1980s, it has since transformed into a hub for souvenir and electronic goods shopping. It’s an ideal stop for visitors looking to purchase unique gifts.

Red Basilica (Serapeion Temple)

The Red Basilica, named for its reddish hue due to its brick construction, is one of the few surviving structures from the extensive spread of the Pergamon Ancient City. Originally built as a temple dedicated to the Egyptian underground god Serapis during Emperor Hadrian’s rule in the 2nd century CE, it was later converted into a church in the 5th century. During the Ottoman era, parts of the structure were adapted into a mosque, a function that continues to this day. Over the centuries, this site has served as a temple, church, and mosque, making it a remarkable symbol of religious transformation.

Izmir Bergama Museum

The Bergama Museum houses artifacts unearthed from archaeological excavations in the Pergamon Ancient City. Exhibits include relics from the Early Bronze Age to the Byzantine period, featuring sculptures, mosaics, kilims, handicrafts, and decorative artifacts that provide insight into the region’s cultural heritage.

The museum accepts the Museum Pass and operates from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM between April 15 and October 2, and from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM between October 3 and April 14.