Bergama, located on the north of İzmir, 100 kilometers from the city centrum, is one of the most important settling areas of the antique age. Bergama shines like a light in Anatolia with its history that goes back to prehistoric times and buildings and sculptures from the Pergamon Kingdom and the Roman Empire.
Bergama is the leading health center of Anatolia. Its posesses one of the three big Asclpins of the antique age consecrated to Asklpios, the god of health.
Galenos, who is referred to as the "father of pharmaceutics", has healed is parents in the asclepion of Bergama. A tablet attracts attention at the monumental enterance gate of the Asclepion, where the methods of curing by instilling and music were applied fairly well: "No entrance by illness".
Walls and glorious temples that surround the Acropolis built at a height of 300 meters, salute visitors at the entrance of the city. The world-renowned Temple of Zeus hollers the history of Bergama. One of world's steepest theaters is located here. Sitting on the steps of the theaters and watching Bergama is a heavenly pleasure.
It is quite difficult to define the Red Courtyard located at the city centrum. There are those who call it "Red Courtyard" because red bricks were used in its construction and those who call it "Temple of Serapis" because it was built in the name of Egyptian God Serapis. Or, would it be more accurate to describe it as a basillica because it was turned into a church in the Christianity period? No matter how it is defined this temple, which is one of the most significant examples of interreligious interaction, has unique qualities; and with its height of 19 meters, it is the heighest building in Anatolia remaining from the antique age.
Bergama gets its name from the Pergamon Kingdom founded in the antique age. Although the history of Bergama and its vicinity keeps going back further to scientific researches, it is believed that urbanization has started with the Ionian era.
Like many settling areas in the Aegean Region, Bergama has hosted the cultures of Hittites, Phrygians, Helens, Pergamon Kingdom, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans.
You can see important sculptural and ceramic works of this rich history at the Bergama Museum. Today, 
Bergama which is one of the largest district of İzmir, is a giant outdoor museum with its rich history and is visited by one million tourists evey year.
Bergama, which is advanced in the art of weaving, is especially famous for its kilims. Nonethenless; bed linens, thin cotton fabrics, wool carpetbags and prayer rugs have an important place in weaving. Plate shops lined up along the Bergama Brook are worth seeing and going around. It is a tradition which is still alive in Bergama for the profession of plate making descends from father to son.
KOZAK PLATEAU
With pine forests, cold waters gushing from fountains and clean air, Kozak Plateau which is 20 kilometers from Bergama, is a favorite spot for nature lovers. It offers possibilities for nature an hunting tourism.
The most important means of living in the small villages of Kozak Plateau; Kaplan, Aşağıbey, Aşağı Cuma; is pine nut. Carpets and kilims in the area of Yunt Mountains are the most characteristic craftman's products of the district.
Product like carpets, kilims, prayer rugs, carpetbags and sock which are woven by using madder, can easily be distinguished from others by their motifs and colors. Geometric patterns, plant and animal motifs have regional traces. With the name "Holbein", carpets of Bergama have animportant place among examples in the world.
You Must
Bergama meatballs, çığırtma, Bergama tulum cheese, fıstık helvası and Höşmerim dessert are tastes from the Bergama cuisine which should not be missed.
Note:
On the way to Bergama take the opportunity and visit Menemen.Where you take a cold refreshment called "Ayran" and have a look at the special Menemen-handmade earthware jugs.