Pergamon

Bergama

An impressive hilltop ancient city featuring the well-preserved Theater and Temple of Trajan, once a major cultural center of the ancient world. The dramatic ruins and commanding views make it one of Turkey's finest archaeological sites.

Things to do

• Explore the Ancient Theater — Walk through one of the steepest theaters in the ancient world, carved into the hillside with seating for 10,000 spectators and panoramic views over the modern town below.
• Visit the Temple of Trajan — Examine the remarkably intact Corinthian columns and marble ruins of this 2nd-century Roman temple dedicated to Emperor Trajan, located at the acropolis summit.
• Tour the Pergamon Museum — Discover artifacts including sculptures, coins, and pottery from the site's Hellenistic period, providing essential context for understanding the ancient city's significance.
• Climb to the Acropolis — Hike or take the cable car up the steep hillside to reach the upper city where royal palaces and temples once stood, offering commanding views of the Bakırçay Valley.
• Walk through the Lower City — Explore the gymnasium, marketplace, and residential areas of the ancient lower settlement, which showcase daily life in a prosperous Hellenistic metropolis.
• Examine the Library of Pergamon — Study the ruins of what was once the third-largest library in the ancient world, where parchment was invented as an alternative to papyrus.

Food to try

• Bergama Köftesi — Local meatballs made with lamb or beef mixed with herbs and spices, typically served with lemon and fresh bread as a regional specialty of the area.
• Saç Böreği — Thin, crispy pastry layered with cheese or meat filling, cooked on a flat griddle and folded into a distinctive shape, a beloved street food throughout the Aegean region.
• Fresh Aegean Fish — Daily catches prepared simply grilled or pan-fried with olive oil, lemon, and local herbs, showcasing the bounty of nearby coastal waters.
• Bergamot-Infused Desserts — Local sweets made with bergamot citrus fruit that grows abundantly in the region, including preserves and candied peels often served with Turkish tea.
• Fava with Onions — A warm purée of yellow split peas topped with crispy fried onions and olive oil, a comforting Aegean dish served as a meze or light meal.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the Sacred Spaces — Though ancient, these ruins are treated with reverence by locals; avoid climbing on delicate structures or removing stones, as Pergamon remains spiritually significant.
• Bring Plenty of Water and Sun Protection — The hilltop site offers little shade and can be extremely hot; locals and guides recommend arriving early morning or late afternoon with adequate hydration and hats.
• Learn Basic Turkish Greetings — While many in tourist areas speak English, older residents and shopkeepers in Bergama town appreciate efforts to greet them in Turkish, enhancing interactions and respect.
• Visit During Local Festivals — Pergamon hosts cultural events celebrating its heritage throughout the year; attending these celebrations offers insight into how locals honor their ancient past and maintain traditions.