Pergamon

Bergama (Pergamon), once a great center of culture, survives as one of Turkey’s finest archaeological sites. On the Acropolis, a hill above the modern town, are the remains of the celebrated library, a steep and impressive theatre, the temples of Trojan and Dionysus, the monumental altar of Zeus, the sanctuary of Demeter, a gymnasium laid out on three terraces and the Agora. The Asclepion, located to the southwest of the lower city, was a sanctuary dedicated to the god of health, Asclepios. In town visit the Archaeological and Ethnographical Museum; nearby, is the site of a temple dedicated to Serapis, later one of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse, and subsequently converted by the Byzantines into a basilica. Dikili, frequented by cruise liners bringing visitors to Pergamon, is Bergama’s harbortown. it offers a relaxing atmosphere with many pleasant restaurants lining the Kordon Promenade. A stop at the little port of Candarli, the ancient Pitane, is recommended in order to see the Genoese fortress, one of the best preserved in Turkey. Ayvalik is a charming port, situated amid beautiful pine woods. Nearby, the 5eytan Sofrasi (Devil’s Table) offers a splendid panorama of the archipelago along the Gulf of Ayvalik and the little island of Alibey (Cunda), where there are pleasant seafood restaurants. Sarmisakli Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. The Gulf of Edremit, also known as the Olive Riviera, has a number of charming seaside resorts: Kucukkuyu, Altinoluk, Akcay (a thermal center with numerous springs), Edremit and Oren, all with beautiful beaches, ring the Gulf of Edremit and offer visitors a wide choice of hotels and guest houses with views of the sea. Here also, is situated the beautiful Kaz Dagi National Park, with magnificent landscapes, restful green areas and several hot springs. According to mythology it was in this area that the world’s first beauty contest was held. Under the shadow of Kaz Dagi (Mt. Ida, 1774 meters) in Pinarbasi, west of Akcay, Paris gave the golden apple to Aphrodite in the famous “Judgement of Paris. “