Pergamon Acropolis (Acropolis of Pergamon)

Parchment takes its name from Pergamon. The story goes that when the kings of this hilltop city set up a library to compete with Alexandria's, Egypt refused to sell them any more papyrus, so Pergamon turned to treated animal skins as a writing surface. Nothing remains of the library itself, yet a large part of the royal city survives on the hill over modern Bergama, roughly 100 km north of Izmir. The view would be reason enough to make the climb.

Quick facts

History

Pergamon's rise began once Alexander the Great had died. During the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC its ruling family, the Attalids, transformed a fortress into one of the most splendid cities of the Hellenistic world, adding temples, palaces, a great altar and a renowned library. The last king, Attalus III, bequeathed his kingdom to Rome in 133 BC, and for a period Pergamon served as capital of Rome's province of Asia.

Under the Romans the city grew downhill into the plain, where the Red Basilica stands today alongside most of modern Bergama. Pergamon appears in the Book of Revelation as one of the Seven Churches of Asia. In 2014 UNESCO inscribed the site and its surrounding landscape on the World Heritage list.

Main sights

• Theatre. Cut into the hillside beneath the temples, it seated about 10,000 people. Few ancient theatres anywhere are as steep, and looking down from the top rows over the valley can make you dizzy.
• Temple of Trajan. Its white marble columns were partly re-erected by German archaeologists, on a terrace that rests on vaults. The temple was dedicated to the emperors Trajan and Hadrian.
• Altar of Zeus. Just the foundations are left, beneath two pine trees. In the 19th century the carved frieze was removed to Berlin, where the Pergamon Museum displays it.
• Library. Next to the sanctuary of Athena, low walls trace the rooms of the famous library.
• Palaces and arsenals. On the summit lie the foundations of royal palaces and storerooms, looking far out over the reservoir and the surrounding country.

Who it suits

Travellers who enjoy grand views and a dramatic location as much as the ruins themselves will like Pergamon. Even in peak season it draws smaller crowds than Ephesus. People with bad knees or poor balance will struggle on the theatre steps, but gentle paths lead from the cable car to the upper terraces with the temple and the altar.

Reaching the acropolis

The cable car climbs from a lower station close to town to the acropolis in a few minutes, so you avoid a long, steep road; it is the simplest option. Cars and coaches can instead use the upper car park. You can walk up from Bergama, but it is a hot, steep climb. Fares and hours for the cable car should be checked on the day.

When to go

The best seasons are spring and autumn. In summer the exposed summit gets very hot, so be there when it opens. The late afternoon light on the theatre and temple is beautiful, but bear in mind that ticket sales stop at 17:00. Strong wind is possible on the top at any time of year.

Our For Cruisers: Pergamon Acropolis & Asclepion Tour from Kusadasi Port rides the cable car up to the acropolis and also visits the healing sanctuary below, taking eight to nine hours with a private guide, from US$600. Pergamon is one of the stops on the 5-Day Seven Churches of Revelation Biblical Tour, from US$760, while the 3 Days Private Turkey Tour: Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon and Ephesus pairs it with Troy and the battlefields.

Tips

• Allow half an hour just for walking down to the theatre and back up again.
• Shade is scarce, so take water and a hat.
• The Asclepion of Pergamon is a short drive away and fits into the same day.
• In town, the Bergama Museum displays finds from the acropolis along with a model of the altar.

Frequently Asked Questions