Pergamon was a grand ancient capital, with its acropolis built in terraces up a steep hill above the town of Bergama. You can also visit the Asklepion, a famous healing centre.

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Things To Do in Bergama Turkey | Is Pergamon Worth Visiting? | Pergamon Museum Turkey (In That Postcard). Watch on YouTube.

Plan your visit

  • Getting there: Fly to İzmir (ADB). Bergama is about 100 km north, 90 minutes by car. The bus terminal is about 7 km from the centre, so take a taxi. A cable car goes up to the acropolis. Many visit as a day trip.
  • How long: Allow 2 to 2.5 hours for the acropolis alone.
  • Best time: Avoid the peak summer heat or go early. The acropolis has little shade.
  • Tickets and hours: Hours are reported as around 08:30 to 17:30, so confirm before you go. The museum is closed Mondays. Check the current price and hours on the official page.
  • Tip: Take the cable car up, then walk down the ancient road past the gymnasium.
  • Tip: Bring water, a hat and sturdy shoes. A taxi helps because the sites are spread out.
  • Nearby: The Red Hall Basilica is in the town centre. The Asklepion is about 15 minutes' walk from the centre.

Header photo: The Greek theatre at Pergamon — Photo: Erika Praefcke via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 1.0

More UNESCO sites in Turkey

Previous: Ephesus. Next: Sardis. See the full list of all 22 UNESCO sites in Turkey.

Inscription details checked on 8 November 2026 with UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Prices, hours and transport change, so check the official page before you go.