Pergamon

Pergamon is not a single site but several, spread around the modern town of Bergama. The ancient city proper is the Acropolis on the hill above. The Asclepion, a healing sanctuary on the lower ground outside the centre, has its own entrance. The Red Basilica (Kızıl Avlu) in town is a third stop; check whether it is open before you go.

The easiest way up to the Acropolis is the cable car from the lower station; it is run by the municipality and paid for separately from the site ticket. At the top you see the white marble columns of the Temple of Trajan, the remains of the library and the foundations of the Altar of Zeus. The altar itself is in Berlin, and only its platform is left here, so do not expect the monument you may have seen in photos. The theatre, cut into the hillside with very steep rows of seats, is what most people remember; take care going down. Allow two to three hours for the Acropolis. At the Asclepion you walk the sacred way and the vaulted tunnel between the treatment buildings; an hour is enough. With the town museum, the whole set fills a day.

Bergama is an easy day trip from İzmir. The Acropolis is windy and shadeless, so go early in summer with a hat and water, and wear shoes with good grip. Check the hours on the museum page.