Excursion Pergamum & asclepion tour at Dikili

Discover the archaeological ruins from the ancient Roman city of Pergamon and the ancient health center, The Asclepion on this half-day tour.

Pergamum

Depart from Dikili port to Pergamum, passing through the fertile plains watered by the Selinus River, a site settled by one civilization after another since ancient timamum was ruled by Lydians and by Persians before falling to Alexander the Great in 334 BC. When Alexander died, control of the city passed to one of his generals, Lysimahchus, who controlled a great part of the Aegean region. After Lysimachus' death a cascade of kings and emperors ruled the city and the kingdom of which it was the center, from Philatairos to Attalus to Eumenes, to Atallus II, whose will finally declared that Pergamum would become a part of the Roman Empire after his death.

500 years later, around 300 AD, this already great city's golden age began with the invention of parchment in the city. You will tour the remains of the city's most famous landmark, a library that contained 200,000 volumes and put Pergamum on a par with Alexandria as a cultural center of the Roman Empire.

Next, a panoramic cable car ride will bring guests to the acropolis located high upon the hilltop. As you walk around the acropolis and take in the spectacular view, you will get the impression that the city was built to be an inaccessible fortress. And it was. Continue on, admiring the celebrated library, a steep and impressively dignified theater, temples of Trajan and Dionysus, the monumental altar of Zeus, the sanctuary of Demeter, a gymnasium on three terraces, and the Agora.

Asclepion

Your next stop will be the Asclepion, named after the god of health, which is reached via a sacred road lined with still more monuments and architectural fragments from antiquity. The Asclepion added to the city's reputation as a center of learning and science, and contained a rehabilitation center, an Ionic portico, sacred spring, latrines, and a "psychotherapy tunnel".

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach for the 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: The visit to Pergamum involves an extensive amount of walking (approximately 1.5 km / 0.9 miles) uphill and downhill across uneven ground. The site of the Asclepion is on level ground. It is not recommended for guests who utilise a wheelchair or those with limited mobility. Sturdy walking shoes, a sun hat and long pants to avoid scratches from the briar bushes are recommended. Guests will need to take a cable car to reach the Acropolis that is located on the hilltop.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Pergamum Acropolis, Library, Theatre, Trajan and Dionysus Temples, Zeus Altar, Demeter Sanctuary, Gymnasium, Agora, Asclepion