The Pergamon Acropolis crowns a hill rising roughly 300 m above the town of Bergama in Izmir Province, western Türkiye. It was the capital of the Hellenistic Attalid kingdom from the 3rd century BC and preserves the world's steepest ancient theater, the marble Temple of Trajan, the foundations of the Great Altar of Zeus, and the site of one of antiquity's greatest libraries — reasons it was inscribed in 2014 as the UNESCO World Heritage property 'Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape.' As of 2026 a cable car runs to the summit for easy access, and the site is open year-round. Note that the famous frieze of the Great Altar is now displayed in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, so on site only the altar's platform remains.
The steepest theater of the ancient world — an incline of about 70 degrees, 80 rows and seating for roughly 10,000, carved into the hillside
Temple of Trajan (Trajaneum) — a Roman imperial-cult temple on the summit terrace with strikingly reconstructed white marble columns
Site of the Great Altar of Zeus — where the Hellenistic sculptural masterpiece once stood (the original frieze is in Berlin's Pergamon Museum)
Sanctuary of Athena and the Library of Pergamon — a library that rivaled Alexandria and gave its name to parchment
Panoramic views over Bergama and the valley from the summit, with the dramatic three-terraced Gymnasium descending below
Good to know
SafetyThe summit ruins have uneven ancient stone paving and very steep grades, including the near-vertical theater. Wear grippy walking shoes and watch your footing along unfenced cliff and seating edges.
SeasonSummers (June–September) on the Aegean are very hot and the exposed hilltop offers almost no shade. Visit in the early morning or late afternoon and bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
RulesThe summit cable car (teleferik) fare is not included in the site ticket or the Turkish Museum Card and must be paid separately. Fares and opening hours change often, so confirm the latest details before you go.
MannersThis is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an active excavation. Do not climb on the ruins or touch and remove stones or fragments — such acts are prohibited and enforced.
CautionNear the entrance and car park, unofficial 'guides' and taxis sometimes overcharge tourists. Buy tickets only at the official booth and agree on any taxi or tour price in advance.
SafetyThe steep theater and terrace edges have few safety railings. Keep children and elderly companions by the hand and avoid stepping backward for photos near drop-offs.
Practical info
Pergamon lies at Bergama, about 100 km north of Izmir; reach it by intercity bus from Izmir's coach station, then ride the cable car (teleferik) from town, which climbs to the acropolis in about five minutes. The site opens year-round (roughly 08:30–19:00 in summer, with shorter winter hours), but opening times, admission, and cable-car fares vary — check the official site for the latest before visiting.
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