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Day trips from Izmir
Ancient City of Pergamon, the acropolis and Asklepion near Izmir
Pergamon is an ancient city above the town of Bergama, about 110 km north of Izmir and around an hour and a half by car. A cable car climbs to its hilltop acropolis, and the Asklepion, a healing sanctuary of the ancient world, lies below. Allow half a day.
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At a glance
Pergamon from Izmir, in brief
- about 110 kmNorth of central Izmir, in Bergama
- around 1 hour 30 minutesBy car from Izmir
- half a dayFor the acropolis and Asklepion
- UNESCOWorld Heritage Site since 2014
What is the Ancient City of Pergamon?
Pergamon was the capital of the Attalid kings in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC and later an important Roman city. Its rulers built on a steep hill above the plain, crowning it with temples, palaces, a theatre and a library that was once one of the largest of the ancient world.
The famous Pergamon Altar no longer stands on the acropolis: it was excavated in the 19th century and is now displayed in Berlin. Its foundations remain on the hill, next to the white marble columns of the Temple of Trajan and the theatre, one of the steepest of the ancient world.
Below the acropolis is the Asklepion, a sanctuary of the healing god Asclepius where patients came for rest, water, diet and treatment. Galen, the most influential physician of the Roman world, was born in Pergamon and worked there. Pergamon and its landscape have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2014.
Getting there
How to get to Pergamon from Izmir
Bergama is around an hour and a half north of central Izmir by car, depending on your hotel and traffic. Your coordinator can arrange a driver for the day once your surgeon is happy for you to go.
Buses also run from Izmir's main bus station to Bergama. From the town, the acropolis and the Asklepion are separate sites a short taxi ride apart; a cable car takes you from the lower station up to the acropolis, so you do not need to climb the hill.
Recover, then explore
Face and dental packages in Izmir, with time for Pergamon
A longer day trip like Pergamon suits the stage of recovery when a few hours in the car feel comfortable. Each card shows the hospital and hotel nights it covers.
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What to see
Visiting Pergamon and what to see at each site
Most visitors start at the acropolis by cable car and finish at the Asklepion.
| Site | What it is | Allow |
|---|---|---|
| Cable car to the acropolis | A short ride from the lower station to the top of the hill | about 10 minutes |
| Temple of Trajan and library | White marble columns on the summit and the remains of the library | about 45 minutes |
| Theatre | Seating cut into the steep western slope, with views over the plain | about 20 minutes |
| Altar foundations | The base of the Pergamon Altar, whose sculptures are now in Berlin | about 15 minutes |
| Asklepion | The healing sanctuary below the town, with its colonnaded street and sacred spring | about 1 hour |
Times are a guide for a relaxed pace. Opening hours, tickets and the cable car timetable are set by the site; check them before you go.
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Rhinoplasty and body surgery reviews from patients in Izmir
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Visiting Pergamon after surgery
Pergamon is the longest of the four day trips: around three hours in the car in total, plus walking on uneven ancient paving at two separate sites. The cable car removes the climb to the acropolis, but the theatre steps are very steep and easier to view from the top.
Whether you can go, and when, depends on your treatment and on how you are healing, so ask your surgeon first. After rhinoplasty you will usually be advised to protect your nose from knocks and strong sun; after body surgery, long periods of sitting may need breaks. Many patients keep Pergamon for a later visit to Izmir.
Results vary from patient to patient. Your surgeon will tell you what is realistic for your recovery at the consultation.
Plan your days in Izmir
More day trips from Izmir
Back to the guide
Izmir travel guide
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Pergamon questions from patients
How far is Pergamon from Izmir?
Pergamon is above the town of Bergama, about 110 km north of central Izmir. The drive takes around an hour and a half, depending on traffic.
Is there a cable car at Pergamon?
Yes. A cable car runs from a lower station in Bergama up to the acropolis, so you do not need to walk up the hill.
Where is the Pergamon Altar today?
The altar was excavated in the 19th century and its sculptures are displayed in Berlin. Its foundations can still be seen on the acropolis.
What was the Asklepion of Pergamon?
It was a healing sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, where patients came for rest, water and treatment. Galen, the famous Roman physician, was born in Pergamon and worked there.
Can I visit Pergamon after rhinoplasty?
It depends on how you are healing, so ask your surgeon first. The day involves a long drive and walking in the sun; many patients plan it for a later visit.
Rhinoplasty guide →Your trip to Izmir
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