PERGAMON: Ancient Centre of Health
Pergamon, (105 km north of Izmir), is one of the major antiquity sites in Turkey, having been a great center of culture and civilization throughout history. The site has remarkable remains from the Roman and Byzantine periods. The Asclepion to the southwest of the lower city, was built to pay homage to the God of Health, Asclepios, and it was the most celebrated in the world. The temples of Trajan and Dionysus, majestic Altar of Zeus, the temple of Demeter, inspiring theatre, the gymnasium, the arsenals, the lower agora and the famous library form the Acropolis. In addition, you may see the finds from Pergamon and the surrounding area in the Archeological and Ethnographical Museum. The temple of Serapis, also called the ‘Red Courtyard’ due to its red tiles, is today located within the town of Bergama. It was built as a sanctuary dedicated to Serapis and was then converted into a basilica by the Byzantines. Bergama is the homeland of many philosophers and scientists. Among them is Krates who invented and produced the ‘parchment paper’ here.
Dikili is a harbor town close to Bergama, visited by cruise liners bringing visitors to Pergamon. Dikili is an ideal place to relax after a Pergamon excursion. A walk along the Kordon is a pleasure. Between Dikili and Izmir, do not forget to visit the port of Çandarli which is crowned with one of the best preserved Genoese fortresses.