Hello my friend!
Today, I’m thrilled to share my unforgettable journey to Bergama, a city full of history, mythology, and stunning landscapes.
How to Get There?
To reach Bergama, I took the İZBAN train and got off at Aliağa station. From there, you can hop on bus number 835, which will take you directly to Bergama town center.
First Stop: Bergama Museum
Located in the center of the town, the Bergama Museum is just a short walk from the bus station. I was deeply impressed by its vast collection of artifacts and inscriptions from Ancient Greece, Rome, and the Ottoman Empire. One part of the museum is also dedicated to Bergama’s traditional culture, showcasing local carpets, weapons, clothes, and more. It’s a must-see to grasp the city’s rich historical layers.
Second Stop: Pergamon Acropolis
To visit the ancient city of Pergamon, you can take a cable car, a taxi, or your own vehicle. I chose the cable car, and it was a great experience with fantastic views.
The Acropolis of Pergamon is home to:
The steepest ancient theater in the world,
Temples of Dionysus, Athena, and Demeter,
Trajan Temple, gymnasium, royal palaces, cisterns, and more.
Behind the Acropolis, you can enjoy views of the Kestel Dam, adding even more charm to your walk through history.
Third Stop: Asklepion
This was one of the most fascinating parts of the trip! The Asklepion of Pergamon is considered the world’s first psychiatric hospital and a major health center of its time. Walking through this ancient sanctuary feels like stepping back into history.
A legend I learned here amazed me:
A sick man, denied entry to the healing center, saw two snakes drinking milk and mixing it with their venom. Out of desperation, he drank from the same stone hollow and surprisingly healed. This discovery led Galen, the famous physician from Pergamon, to choose two snakes as the symbol of Asklepion.
Other Highlights
Wander through the historic streets of Bergama, full of charming old houses.
Visit the Red Basilica, one of the largest surviving Roman temples (closed temporarily during my visit).
Don’t leave without tasting local delicacies!
Bergama is not just a destination; it’s a living museum.
I highly recommend this magical city to anyone interested in history and culture.
0 Comments