Audio Guide of the Ancient City of Pergamon

The Ancient City of Pergamon is open to the public every day. Hours are usually 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM during the summer season (April to October) and 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM in winter (November to March), although it is advisable to verify exact hours on the official website of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism or the National Museums before your visit. To get there, you can take a taxi or bus from the center of Bergama to the base of the hill, and then a cable car up to the Acropolis of Pergamon.

Admission to the Ancient City of Pergamon costs around 200-250 Turkish lira (TL) for adults. Children under 8 usually enter free, and there may be discounts for students with an international card or for holders of the Museum Pass Turkey. I recommend checking updated prices on the official website of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey.

To explore the Ancient City of Pergamon and immerse yourself in its history, I recommend dedicating at least 3 to 4 hours. This will allow you to tour the Acropolis, the Theater, and the rest of the main ruins at a leisurely pace. If you also want to visit the Asclepeion at the foot of the hill, you will need an additional 2 hours.

Pergamon was one of the most powerful and wealthy Hellenistic cities of Ancient Greece, famous for its great library, the second most important in the ancient world after that of Alexandria, and for having given rise to parchment. It was an important cultural, scientific, and medical center, with sites such as the Theater of Pergamon and the Sanctuary of Asclepius, a center of healing and pilgrimage.

The best time to visit Pergamon and enjoy a more peaceful experience is during spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October), when the weather is milder and there are fewer tourists. If you can only go in summer, I recommend doing so first thing in the morning (right when it opens) or late in the afternoon to avoid the intense heat and the crowds.

Unfortunately, accessibility at the Ancient City of Pergamon can be challenging for people with reduced mobility or in wheelchairs due to its uneven terrain, steep slopes, and historic stairs. The cable car is accessible, but once at the top, moving around the ruins can be difficult. It is recommended to contact the site in advance for specific information about controlled vehicular access for people with reduced mobility through the designated entrances, or to assess whether the use of special wheelchairs for difficult terrain is feasible.

Yes, of course! In addition to Pergamon, you can't miss the Asclepeion, the ancient medical center located at the foot of the hill. You can also explore the center of Bergama with its Seljuk Mosque and the Red Basilica, or visit the Bergama Archaeological Museum to see artifacts found in the ancient city.

For a spectacular view, I recommend taking the cable car up to the Acropolis. Wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, especially in summer, since there is little shade. Consider hiring a local guide or using a digital audio guide such as those offered by IAudioguia to truly understand the historical magnitude of the site. And don't forget your camera to capture the breathtaking views!