Where is the Ancient City of Pergamon located?

The Ancient City of Pergamon is situated north of İzmir, in the center of the Bergama district and in the Bakırçay Valley. The city is located approximately 30 kilometers inland from the sea and sits atop Kale Hill.

When was the Ancient City of Pergamon included in the UNESCO World Heritage List?

The Ancient City of Pergamon was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014. This status certifies the city’s universal cultural and historical value.

Are excavation and restoration works currently continuing in Pergamon?

Yes, archaeological excavations have been carried out in Pergamon since the 1870s, and restoration activities are still ongoing today. As of 2025, these works are continuing.

Pergamon Ancient City: A Cultural Heritage on the Summit of Anatolia

Located in the Bergama district of İzmir, the pearl of the Aegean, Pergamon Ancient City carries the grandeur of the past into the present with its millennia-old history. Housing the traces of ancient civilizations, this unique city invites visitors on a fascinating journey full of architectural and cultural marvels. If you are a history and discovery enthusiast, you should definitely add Pergamon to your itinerary in 2025!

Discover the History and Culture of Pergamon Ancient City

From Hellenistic to Ottoman Eras: A Journey Through Time

Pergamon Ancient City is one of the rare places that witnessed an uninterrupted cultural heritage from the Bronze Age to the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. The earliest finds of the city date back to the 7th and 6th centuries BC. Its true flourishing, however, began in the 3rd century BC thanks to the Attalid dynasty.

Serving as the capital of the Pergamon Kingdom for about 150 years, the city saw its golden age during the reign of Eumenes II. Especially the Altar of Zeus stands out as a symbol of the peak reached in science and arts. After becoming part of the Roman Empire, Pergamon continued as the center of Western Anatolia.

Being continuously inhabited through the ages, Pergamon held a unique position in the ancient world with its theater, temples, library, and elegant city planning. Today, it serves as an open-air museum that sheds light on humanity.

Cultural and Architectural Riches

Pergamon Library was a trove of knowledge in the ancient world second only to Alexandria. Hosting around 200,000 scrolls, this library has carried the city's identity as a center of science and art into present day.

Highlights of the city’s structures include:

Acropolis: The heart of the city, featuring ancient palaces, a theater, and temples with breathtaking views.
Pergamon Theater: An unforgettable experience with its hillside seating for 10,000 people and impressive acoustics.
Altar of Zeus: Its foundations remain in Bergama, while its reliefs are in Berlin. A mythological masterpiece.
Asklepion: One of the most important health centers of its era and a pioneering place in the history of medicine.
Red Basilica (Temple of Serapis): One of the exceptional examples of Roman era architecture.
Basilica: A Roman heritage attracting attention with its religious significance.
Pergamon Library: The very heart of knowledge and culture.

Pergamon’s urban design is also noteworthy: Built in terraces on the slopes, the city made its mark in terms of defense and aesthetics for its time.

Visitor’s Guide: How to Reach Pergamon Ancient City

Easy Transportation and Access

Bergama is located approximately 110 kilometers from the center of İzmir, and reaching it is fairly easy.

By public transport: There are regular bus services from İzmir Bus Terminal to Bergama. From Bergama Bus Terminal, you can reach the entrance of the ancient city by local minibuses or taxi.
By private vehicle: After a comfortable 1.5-2 hour drive along the İzmir-Menemen-Aliağa road, you can follow the signs to reach Pergamon.
Nearest airport: İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport is the most convenient option for those traveling to the city.

Entry Hours and Fee Information

For 2025, the current hours and fees are as follows:

Entrance: 08:30
Closing: 19:15
Entrance Fee: 340 TL (Museum Pass accepted)

For up-to-date information and details, visit the official website of the MuseumPass .

Reasons to Visit Pergamon Ancient City

Pergamon is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and will continue to be a favorite destination for archaeologists, academics, artists, and those who want to learn history in a fun way in 2025.

Thanks to ongoing archaeological excavations and festivals in the region, the city is welcoming more visitors every year. While exploring Pergamon, don’t limit yourself only to the Acropolis; make sure to also discover other historical sites such as Asklepion, Red Basilica, the center of Bergama, and local delicacies.

Affordable visits are also waiting for you with the Museum Pass.

How About Setting Off to Explore a Unique Ancient City?

If you want to meet the past, witness history, and lose yourself in the layers of culture, set your course to Pergamon Ancient City today!

Pergamon Ancient City: Unique History and Culture in Izmir Bergama