Pergamum, today's Bergama, was one of the great cities of the ancient world and the third church addressed in the Book of Revelation. Its ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and among the most impressive in Türkiye. For a church group it is a place where the letter in Revelation and the landscape speak to each other directly.

Pergamum in the Bible

The letter to Pergamum (Revelation 2:12 to 17) is addressed to a church that lives "where Satan's throne is" and remembers Antipas, "my faithful witness, who was killed among you". Pergamum was a centre of the imperial cult and of many temples; the great Altar of Zeus that stood on the acropolis is often linked with the phrase. The altar itself was taken to Berlin in the 19th century, and only its foundations remain on site.

What to see in Bergama

  • The acropolis: reached by cable car or by coach, with the Temple of Trajan, the foundations of the Altar of Zeus, the remains of the famous library and one of the steepest theatres of the ancient world, cut into the hillside for about 10,000 spectators.

  • The Asklepion: the healing sanctuary below the town, where the physician Galen worked, with its sacred way, theatre and the tunnel leading to the treatment rooms.

  • The Red Basilica: a huge brick temple to Egyptian gods in the lower town, later turned into a church. Its scale makes the world the early Christians lived in very concrete.

How long to plan

A full visit of the acropolis, the Asklepion and the Red Basilica takes most of a day. Bergama is about 100 kilometres north of İzmir, so it works as a day trip from İzmir or as the first stop of a Seven Churches route, followed by an overnight in the area or a continuation to Thyatira (Akhisar), about an hour away.

When to go and practical points

  • Season: spring and autumn are ideal. In summer, start on the acropolis early, before the heat.

  • Walking: the acropolis is steep and the theatre steps are high; we plan a route that suits the group, and the cable car saves the climb.

  • Readings: the top of the theatre, with the valley below, is a natural place to read Revelation 2.

  • Combining: Pergamum fits well with Assos and Troas to the north for groups following the footsteps of Paul.

Planning a visit with KAMPA

We have organised faith and cultural groups in Türkiye since 1996, with our own team and licensed guides who know both the archaeology and the biblical text. Tell us your group size, language and dates and we will build the day, or a full route, around you. See our faith and cultural groups page or use the form below.