Sirince once was a Greek Orthodox village, 7 Miles away from Ancient city of Ephesus (current Selcuk town) and  20 miles away from Kusadasi. Sirince was once called Cirkince (ugly). The name is especially chosen to distract people from moving to the village.

How old is Sirince?
First foundation of the village dates back to the 1st century. Early christians of Ephesus escaped to the village to be protected from prosecutors. The village stayed as a Greek Orthodox Village until the exchange agreement between Republic of Turkey and Greece in 1924. During this exchange Greeks living in Turkey were exchanged with Turks living in Greece. This was a forced migration of both sides at the post war period of WW1. Turkish families mainly from Kavala region moved to the area. Greek families who moved from the village founded a new town named as "Nea Efesos'' (Νέα Έφεσος)

The official name change of the village was in the early years of the Republic of Turkey. Name of the village changed from Cirkince to Sirince. Until 20 years ago, the main industry of the village was agriculture. Because of its unique historical background, beauty. Since the village name was mentioned many times in novels and travel shows and documentaries, Sirince Village today is a very touristy site. 

​What is Sirince famous for?
Today the main industry is tourism. A lot of village homeowners converted their homes into restaurants, hotels and shops. Sirince Village, today is known with olives and peaches grown in july and fruit wines. Fruit wines are sweet wines, more like dessert wine. The most popular fruit wine from Sirince is black mulberry. 

Visitors can also find lots of herbal products such as lavender teas, sage, bay leaves, olive oil soap bars, olive oil lotions. Today the village is a perfect synthesis of Turkish-Greek culture. Visitors may enjoy taking pictures of old Greek homes. Most of them today are being restored and turned into small hotels. There are two abandoned Greek Orthodox Churches from the 19th century. 

On the weekends, Sirince becomes so crowded with Turkish visitors from big cities like Izmir and Aydin. Our recommendation is to visit this village during the weekdays. 

For the visitors there are many restaurants and small hotels.

Is Sirince worth visiting?
For travelers, traveling to Kusadasi, Selcuk and Izmir, we recommend to visit Sirince Village.
A visit to Sirince is highly recommended after visiting Ephesus on a day trip. But it is best to spend the night in Sirince. This hidden gem in Turkey really comes alive when the sun goes down.

For travelers who are overnighting in Sirince Village, we provide private Ephesus Tours from Sirince and also we offer private tours of Ephesus including visit to Sirince Village. If requested private airport transfers from Izmir Airport to Sirince Village.

For more information, contact us.

Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Star of Norwegian Cruise Line will have over 37 port of calls  to Kusadasi Cruise Port in 2023. We had the pleasure to be in be in service to Norwegian Cruise Line Passengers in the past.

Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Star is scheduled to do Eastern Mediterranean Cruises. Norwegian Jade will have the first call to Kusadasi Port on March 04 2023 during  9 Night Mediterranean: Greece, Turkey, Israel & Cyprus Cruise. Norwegian Jade will stay at Kusadasi Port between  0800 and 1430,

Mediterranean ports, including Kusadasi Cruise Port, can expect to profit from the cruise industry’s distress in the coming tourist season. The Far East is largely being replaced by the Mediterranean. After all, the ships have to sail somewhere. What this also means is that Mediterranean ports, including Kusadasi Cruise Port, can expect to profit from the cruise industry’s distress in the coming tourist season. Cruise lines are expressing their trust in the Kusadasi Cruise Port, and we, on our part will make every effort to be at the service of Norwegian Cruise Line passengers in this difficult period they are now experiencing.  Kusadasi Cruise Port has already seen an impressive jump in the number of cruise ships scheduled to dock at Kusadasi Cruise Port.

Avoid big Cruise Ship group tours for a more intimate exploration of Ephesus. Plan a day on your own on a private Ephesus tour. See the sights you want to see, at your own pace. In addition, our Ephesus private guide will provide you with more information about Ephesus and will answer your questions and cater to your interests.

​We organize private Ephesus tours for cruise passengers calling to Kusadasi Cruise Port.
Norwegian Jade stays at Kusadasi Port between 6am and 1pm. We offer half day tours of Ephesus visiting Temple of Artemis, House of Virgin Mary, Ancient City of Ephesus, Terrace Houses. ​For more information about our Ephesus Tours, please contact us.

We offer Private Tours of Aphrodisias, one of the most spectacular archeological sites of Western Turkey from Kusadasi Cruise Port and Hotels of Kusadasi, Selcuk, Sirince.
From Kusadasi to Aphrodisias takes approximately 2 hours by car.

Aphrodisias,is a well known Greco Roman ancient city, located at the Western Turkey. It is one the UNESCO World Heritage List sites of Western Turkey. The Ancient City of Aphrodisias is known with the marble quarries which are located north of the city. Wealth of Aphrodisias comes from its marble quarries. 

Aphrodisias, one of the most magnificent ancient cities dating to the Ancient Greek and Roman periods is currently located in Aydın's Karacasu district, is famous for the Temple of Aphrodite, Aphrodisias preserved its glory from the 2nd century BC to the 6th century AD. 

The Unesco Heritage Sites located at the Western Turkey:

1. Ancient City of Hieropolis-Pamukkale (Denizli)(1988)
2. Ancient City of Pergamon (İzmir)(2014)
3. Ancient City of Ephesus (İzmir)(2015)
4. Ancient City of Aphrodisias (2017)

Aphrodisias is excavated by New York University. Head of Aphrodisias archaeological excavations Prof. Dr. Roland Smith mentioned that sculptors trained in the ancient city of Aphrodisias travelled parts of the Roman Empire, and it is possible to see the signatures of the sculptors of Aphrodisias in the villa known as 'Hadrian's villa' in Italy.

The ancient city of Aphrodisias, which holds the title of 'the most famous sculptor center' of the Roman period, fascinates tourists with its sculptures that have survived to the present day and well preserved city structures..

Although its history goes back to 7 thousand years ago, Aphrodisias, which lived its most glorious period in the Roman period, is located in the district of Karacasu in Aydın. Aphrodisias, known among the cities dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty in ancient times, Aphrodisias became a sculptor center of the Roman Empire.

Aphrodisias welcomes many enthusiasts and art lovers every year with its sculptures and reliefs unearthed during excavations. 

Cost of Private Aphrodisias Tour from Kusadasi: 250 Euros (Total to be paid 1-6 people)

* Above rate is NOT a per person rate. It is total to be paid for your group.
​
Rates Cover:

• Services of an excellent English speaking tour Guide 
• A/C Mercedes Minibus
• All transportation costs.
• Tax, service charges.
• Pick up and drop off from/to Cruise Port / Hotel.
• Traditional Turkish Lunch 
• Parking fees to the sites.

Rates Do Not Cover:

• Entrance fees to the sites.
• Drinks during lunch​​

​* There is no prepayment required for the reservation. To avoid disappointment, we recommend to make your private tour reservation at earliest possible.

Payment Terms:
Payment can be made in Euros, Turkish Liras, British Pounds and US Dollars cash at the end of the tour. There is no prepayment required for the booking.

Cancellation Policy
You can cancel a tour 72 hours in advance of your tour departure without any charges. If you would like to cancel a tour, simply send us an email and we will  be happy to assist you. Once you are within the 24 hour tour departure window,  the tour becomes non-refundable. This is because our guide and vehicle have set  aside space to accommodate your request and will often not be able to  fill that  space with another customer so close to departure.

​For more information, please contact us.

Azamara Quest was at the Port of Kusadasi today.  We had two private shore excursions of Ephesus from Azamara Quest.The private shore excursion is leaded by Mr. Semih Tazegul and Mrs. Ezgi Pekoz

We offer private shore excursion of Ephesus from Kusadasi Port for Azamara Cruise Passengers.

Éfeso se encuentra en la costa oeste de lo que ahora es Turquía, a unos 80 kilómetros al sur de Izmir ya 18 kilómetros al norte de Kusadasi. Se tarda 25 minutos en coche desde el puerto de Kusadasi hasta la antigua ciudad de Éfeso. Éfeso hoy es el nombre de las antiguas ruinas. La ciudad moderna se llama Selcuk.
Lo más destacado para visitar en Kusadasi son las ruinas de Éfeso. Éfeso atrae a muchos visitantes de todo el mundo. Éfeso, una de las 4 ciudades principales del mundo antiguo con una población de más de 200.000 personas. Seleccionada como la capital de la provincia de Asia del Imperio Romano por el sobrino de Julio Galio César conocido como Augusto, llamado Octavio. Sirvió como capital hasta que Constantino ordenó la expansión de otra ciudad ubicada a 400 millas al norte de Éfeso. Llamó a esta ciudad como Constantinopolis y seleccionó esta ciudad como la nueva capital. Éfeso hoy, considerada como una de las ciudades antiguas mejor conservadas del mundo.

Кушадасы - очень популярный порт захода круизных судов Royal Caribbean. Несколько круизных лайнеров Royal Caribbean пришвартовываются в порту Кушадасы, например Odyssey of the Seas.

Мы гордимся тем, что нам сообщили о том, что мы предлагаем эксклюзивные индивидуальные туры для пассажиров круизных лайнеров Royal Caribbean из порта Кушадасы.

Эфес расположен на западном побережье современной Турции, примерно в 80 км к югу от Измира и в 18 км к северу от Кушадасы. Поездка от порта Кушадасы до древнего города Эфес занимает 25 минут. Эфес сегодня носит название древних руин. Современный город называется Сельчук.
Изюминкой, которую стоит посетить в Кушадасах, являются руины Эфеса. Эфес привлекает множество посетителей со всего мира. Эфес, один из 4 крупных городов древнего мира с населением более 200 000 человек. Избран в качестве столицы провинции Азия Римской империи племянником Юлия Галия Цезаря, известным как Август, по имени Октавий. Служил столицей, пока Константин не приказал расширить еще один город, расположенный в 400 милях к северу от Эфеса. Он назвал этот город Константинополем и выбрал его в качестве новой столицы. Эфес сегодня считается одним из наиболее хорошо сохранившихся древних городов мира.

Для получения дополнительной информации и рекомендованных программ туров свяжитесь с нами.

Эфес был городом в древней Малой Азии, ныне Турции. Это был один из двенадцати Ионических городов, расположенных на Эгейском море. Сегодня его руины являются основной туристической остопримечательностью. Это всеобъемлющий сайт, который не был полностью раскопан, но вы можете видеть то, что дает некоторое представление о его первоначальном великолепии.

Эфес Travel Guide (Эфес Путеводитель) с гордостью предлагаем эксклюзивные индивидуальные экскурсии и туры в Ефес и многие другие интересные сайты в Турции. Мы предлагаем разнообразные экскурсии для крейсеров в Турция u туры для путешественников землю. Если вы хотите посетить другие сайты, которые не перечислены просто дайте нам знать и дать нам возможность предоставить Вам большой программы.


В зависимости от количества участников мы используем седанов, микроавтобусов, мини-автобусы и автобусы. Мы используем лучшие гиды. Все наши гиды имеют лицензию турецкого министерства культуры и туризма. Наши частные туры идеально подходят способ познакомиться с историческим значением Эфесе. Мы в Ефесе предлагаем экскурсии для туристов не только наилучшим береговые экскурсии, но и самый высокий обслуживания клиентов.

Индивидуальные туры Эфес и дом Девы Марии. Эфес является одним из наиболее хорошо сохранившихся древних городов в мире. На протяжении всей своей истории, Эфес был одним из самых важных центров в мире. Тур также включает посещение Дома Девы Марии где Дева Мария провела последние дни своей жизни, и теперь местом паломничества для христиан по всему миру. Выезд из порта Кушадасы и Измир.

 Мы предлагаем индивидуальные туры в Кушадасы и Измир порты в Эфес и дом Девы Марии. Все наши поездки во главе гиды. Mы предлагаем все, что нужно, чтобы сделать вашу поездку успешной.

Как только вы бронируете с нами, вы будете иметь следующее:
* Опытные лицензированные русские гиды.
* Частные марки новых автомобилей
* Профессиональные водители.
* Обед в местном ресторане.
* Не приходится нелегко услышать экскурсовода.
* Наслаждайтесь комфортом имеющих частный гид и водитель.
* Покупки, как местные жители.

Рекомендуемые программы тура:

Древний город Эфес, Храм Артемиды, Дом Девы Марии - 5 часов
Встреча с гидом в Кушадасы / Измир порт, аэропорт или отель. См. храм Артемиды, одно из семи чудес древнего мира. После посещения Эфеса, первая греко-римский город древнего мира. См. Храм Адриана, храм Домициана, знаменитая библиотека Цельса, театр и другие римские сайтов. Мы также посетить дом Девы Марии, где она верила, что она провела свои последние годам. Папа Павел VI посетил этот район в 1967 году и подтвердил его подлинность. 29 ноября 2006 года Папа Бенедикт XVI провозгласил Дом Девы Марии в Эфесе, как священное место для всех христианıь.

Экскурсия на целый день Эфес - 7 часов
После встречи с гидом, ваша первая остановка находится храм Артемиды, одно из семи чудес древнего мира. Затем идет к горе, где Дева Мария провела девять лет. Дом находится примерно в 500 метрах над уровнем моря и работает как активный часовни. Католики верят, что Дева Мария прибыл в Ефес со Св. Иоанном после распятия. 1,5 млн. человек посещают сайт каждый год. Затем перейдите в Эфесе. Спуститесь с холма около 1,5 часов. См. библиотеку, мрамор улицах Эфеса, Порт-стрит. Перейти на обед. Насладитесь традиционной турецкой еды в местном ресторане. Во второй половине дня, чтобы посмотреть, как турецкие ковры ткут. Посмотрите, как девушки готовятся. Посмотрите, как веревки из шелка, извлеченные из коконов. Тогда посетите в 14 веке турецкая мечеть: Мечеть Иса бей.

Христианская Эфесе - 7 часов
Встреча с гидом в порт Кушадасы/Измир. Ваша первая остановка будет дом Девы Марии. Затем продолжить с посещением древнего Эфеса, одного из старейших и самых красивых и наиболее сохранившихся в мире. См. римские бани, библиотека Цельса, мраморные улицы и театра, вместимостью 25000 человек. После обеда, посещение базилики Св. Иоанна и увидеть храм Артемиды, одно из чудес древнего мира. По дороге в Кушадасы наслаждаться пейзажем.

Эфес и селах - 7 часов
Посетите храм Артемиды, одно из семи чудес древнего мира. Из расположения храма Артемиды также увидеть базилику Святого Иоанна и Иса бей мечети. Продолжайте в Ефес. Введите древний город Эфес из верхних ворот. Этот визит состоится 1.5-2 часа. Во время визита в старый город, чтобы увидеть Одеон, Агора, Домициан площадь, фонтан Траяна, храм Адриана,библиотекаЦельса  , Большой театр Эфеса. В нижних ворот вы встретите c ваших водитель и продолжайте Иса бей мечети. Иса бей мечети начиная с 14 века. Это шедевр турецкой архитектуры. После вождения 10 минут, чтобы добраться до Шириндже , которая когда-то была греческой деревней. Сегодня в этом деревней жить идеальный турецкой и греческой традиции . Прогуляйтесь по улицам, магазинах города подарок. При необходимости пообедать в местном ресторане, прежде чем вернуться обратно в Кушадасы.

Традиционный турецкий завтрак и Эфес - 6 часов
После встречи с гидом, перейдите к традиционной турецкой деревни. Расслабьтесь и наслаждайтесь традиционным турецким завтраком 
в загородном доме. Наслаждайтесь органических гезлеме (фило теста со шпинатом и сыром фета), домашнее варенье, мед, органические масла, помидоры, яйца, турецкий чай ... Поговорите с местными жителями, узнать о турецкие традиции. После вождения в центре деревни, чтобы бродить по улицам деревни. См. традиционной жизни турецкого народа. Позже, идти в город Эфес, древний город. Посещение Эфеса археологический парк в течение 1,5 часов. См. Храм Домициана, агора, храм Адриана, фонтан Траяна, библиотека, Большой театр Эфес .... После Эфеса, доехать до храма Артемиды, одного из семи чудес древнего мира. Вернуться в Кушадасы.

Частные Эфес цены тура от порта Кушадасы (полный день 5-7 часов)
Частный микроавтобус с водителем и гидом на 4 человек: 190 евро
Частный микроавтобус с водителем и гидом на 8 человек: 240 евро
Частный микроавтобус с водителем и гидом на 14 человек: 260 евро
Небольшой частный автобус с водителем и гидом на 25 человек: 300 евро
Частный автобус с драйверами + руководство на 40 человек: 500 евро

Частные Эфес стоимость тура из порта Измир 
Частный микроавтобус с водителем и гидом на 4 человек: 240 евро
Частный микроавтобус с водителем и гидом на 8 человек: 260 евро
Частный микроавтобус с водителем и гидом на 14 человек: 280 евро
Небольшой частный автобус с водителем и гидом на 25 человек: 350 евро
Частный автобус с драйверами + руководство на 40 человек: 550 евро

Не хотите ли Вы оставить отзыв о нас на TripAdvisor? 
Наши гости часто говорят, что перед путешествием бывает очень полезно почитать отзывы других людей. Нам всегда интересно знать, что Вам понравилось и что мы могли бы улучшить. Еще раз спасибо Вам. Надеемся вскоре увидеть Вас снова. 

The House of the Virgin Mary is located 9 kilometers from Selcuk on Mount Bülbül. It is believed that 4 or 6 years after Jesus' crucifixion, St. John brought Virgin Mary to Ephesus. In 1891 the Lazarist priests discovered that this is the house where Virgin Mary spent her last days, after the dream of the German nun Katherina Emerich. This cross and dome-shaped structure was later restored. After the visit of Pope Paul VI in 1967 to the house, the site is considered sacred by Christians and Muslims. Every year on August 15th. The Assumption ceremonies are held on this day and attract many devoted visitors.

2023 entrance fee for House of Virgin Mary is 200 Turkish Liras per person. 200 Turkish Liras is approximately 10.5 US$ or 10 Euros. Credit Card (Visa and Mastercard payments are accepted. )
​
Opening Hours for House of Virgin Mary:
November-February: 08.00-17.00
March-October: 08.00-18.00

Holy Mass is held every day, from Monday to Saturday at 5:15 pm (November to March) and 6:15 pm (April to October). The Sunday Mass is held at 10:30 am (in English). 

We provide private tours of House of Virgin Mary and Ephesus. 
For more information please visit the following link: Private Tours of Ephesus or contact us

Priene is located 40 minutes drive from Kusadasi. An ancient Ionian city founded on the slopes of Mount Mycale (Samsun Dag). Samsun name is derived from the word "Sampson" which Preiene used to be called in the middle ages. The ancient harbor city of Priene probably changed its location when the silt of the Meander River threatened to bury it. Now it is nearly 10 miles from the sea. The original place of the city has never been found but it was probably a peninsula with two harbors. Priene was a small settlement with about 4 or 5 thousand inhabitants and never of great political significance it shared the same history as the other Ionian cities. 

Priene was laid out on a Hippodamian system of grid plan at the foot of a spectacular cliff on Mount Mycale and contained many famous examples of Hellenistic art and architecture. All the streets intersect at right angles forming insulas (blocks). The city consists of 80 equal insulas. The distance between the insulas are same. Insula sizes were 120 feet by 160 feet. Each block had 4 or 8 houses (30 feet x 80 feet = 2400 feet2) with highly developed drainage system. The houses in Priene are very similar to Pompeii houses (Pompeii was under the flames of Vezuvius in 79AD). Like buildings in warm climates houses had very high ceiling between 15-20 feet. They do not have any windows. Door rooms opening the courtyard helped for lighting. During the Roman period, houses had many changes. Some were combined. 

It is believed that the founder of the city is Aegyptus, son of Belus, grandson of Kodros. The followers of Aegyptus were the inhabitants of an abandoned Ionian city of the same name in 350BC. The first foundation of the city goes back to 9th century BC. The reasons of the migration most probably silting of the port and maleria caused because of swamp fields. 

City was ruled by the Lydian empire till 545BC. In 545BC Persians took the control of the city. In 499BC Priene was in Attika-Delos Alliance against the Persians. It joined in the Battle of Lade with 12 ships in 494 BC against Persians. Alexander the Great assigned the city to watch the unreliable city of Miletus. He also lived in the city and paid for the construction of the Athena Temple. The house which is believed to be inhabited by Alexander the Great is House No. 22. After A staue of the Alexander is found here which is displayed in Berlin today. After Alexander left Priene, house was used as a sacred place for worship. After flourishing during the Hellenistic and passing through the Pergamene Kingdom periods the city declined under Roman rule. 

Excavation began at the site in the early years of the 20C and the city has been partially restored. Acroplis is 230m over sea level. There are 3 main entrances to the city. The city is organized in four districts, the religious (Athena Temple), the political (bouleterion and prythaneion), the cultural (Theater) and the commercial (agora). In addition to the Athena Temple, the people of Priene built shrines dedicated to Zeus, Demeter and Egyptian gods. The Theater is a 4 or 3C BC building and one of the finest extant theaters of the Hellenistic world. Although it was rebuilt in the Roman period it still remains as typically Hellenistic as the city of Priene itself.

The theater was carved into the hillside and held a capacity of 6,500 people. Five marble seats with arms were provided for priests and dignitaries. These seats were built in 2nd c. BC. Each has writing saying " These honour seats were dedicated to Dionysus by Nisios, the son of Diphilos the Agonothes". Agonothes were in charge of theatrical plays, musical performaces, races, competitions and feasts dedicated to Dionysos. The artists were considered as under the protection of Dionysos because of this they were considered such as a religious group or sect. They had tax and security prividledges. In the middle of the prohedria there was an altar which was sacred to Dionysus. Performances used to start with sacrificial rites. The proskene is well-preserved and consists of a colonnade supported with 12 Doric half-columns. The skene had an upper floor which no longer stands. Plays during Hellenistic period were held at the orchestra. During Roman peiod one storey was added to the skene. Plays were held at the 2 second floor of the skene. Political speeches were also made here, each speech was limited by the help of a water clock. Archeolgits still have doubts how the water clock was working.

The Bouleterion is the most intact in Anatolia today. It was used for meetings of the town council. The bouleterion consisted of seats on three sides with a capacity of 640 people, and was covered with a wide wooden roof. The sacrificial altar was placed in the middle of the arc of seats.

The Prytaneion is located to the east of the bouleterion. It was the seat of the elected city administration and housed official receptions. Rooms were set around the courtyard. The shrine of Hestia was in an inner chamber where the eternal sacred flame was burned.

The Temple of Athena Polias was rebuilt in 334 BC as a gift from Alexander the Great and was a standard Ionic structure with eleven columns along its sides, six at the ends (peripteros) and two in antis. Alexander`s name was encarved on the front side of the pro-naos walls. Today this encarving is located in British Museum. Athena Polias was the goddess of Priene and protectress of the city. The proportions of this temple were taken as a classical model. The architect of the Athena Temple was Pytheos who also built the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. In side the temple in the cella, over the cult was Athena`s statue which was the copy of the Athena Porthenos statue of Parthenon in Athens. The statue was made of marble and ivory gold and brass plated.

Agora, did not only serve for trade but also feasts and political discussions. Statues of the the important people were erected in the agora. Sacred gallery was donated by the Royal family. The rents from the shops in the sacred gallery were used for the construction of Athena temple. Macellium (Meat & fish market) was located on the west side of the agora having two stone tables.

Port of the city (Naulokhos) was located 3 miles away from the city. The city had 2 gymnasions named as Upper and Lower. Both had bath complexes. On some stones names of the ephebos (young male students) can still be seen.

Most of important person who was born in Priene is Bias who lived in the city in 6th c. BC and considered among the 7 most genius of the ancient world. After he died, the city constructed a temple dedicated to him as Biantion. Same is practiced for Alexander. Alexander the great is believed to stay in the city of Priene in 334BC. It is not known how long Alexander the Great stayed here. The house he lived later on named as Alexeraion. 

Archaeologists also discovered a synagogue from 4th century AD. Menorah of the syanaggue can still be seen today on one of the remaining columns.

Panionion was in the territory of Priene. It was the religious alliance of 12 Ionian cities but not a political one. The temple was dedicated to Poseidon. This was the reason that Ioanian cities never got united. President of Panionion was always from Priene.

Panionion : is the place where 12 allied Ionian cities gather their meetings. In the locality there is a Poseidon Temple which started being used in 8th c. BC. Ionian cities were gathering in Pananion to discuss political and reliogous subjects. There were also festivals made here, during the festivals there were competions and games were organized. The territory was ruled by Priene. Always Priene leaded the alliance. One can notice an odeon and a small theater as well as the Poseidon Temple.

We offer custom private tours to Ancient City of Priene. These private tours can be combined with Miletus, Didyma and/or Doganbey Village. For more information please contact us.


Pictures from the Ancient city of Priene.

Pergamon also known as Pergamum was an ancient city founded by colonists on the Aegean coast of Anatolia at the site of the present day city of Bergama. ​

First inhabitance dates back to 8th century BC. However unlike many cities in the Aegean first inhabitants were not Greeks in this city. It was on a tributary of the Bakircay (Caicus River), enclosed by high mountains. Fertile, self-contained and easily defended, it provided the perfect setting for the maintenance of a city state. In the era following the death of Alexander the Great (323 BC), Lysimachus, one of Alexander’s generals, chose Pergamon as the treasury for his vast wealth, placing here 9,000 talents of gold under the guardianship of his lieutenant, Philetaerus. Upon Lysimachus’s death, Philetaerus used this fortune and founded the independent dynasty of the Attalid Kings. Pergamon later became the capital of a flourishing Hellenistic kingdom and one of the principal centers of Hellenistic civilization. Under Kings Attalus I and Eumenes II, Pergamon reached the height of its independent powers. At the same time, however, it began to look to Rome for alliance against the warring Hellenistic rulers. After signalizing himself as a friend of Rome, Attalus I was awarded the Seleucid dominions, making Pergamon a powerful kingdom, comprising of Mysia, Lydia, Caria, Pamphylia and Phrygia. In addition to extending the kingdom, Attalus I adorned his capital with architectural splendors. Attalos defeated the Galatians in 230BC. Eumenes II also brought the city to the climax of its cultural prominence. During the reigns of these two prominent kings, the city so flourished that it could only be compared to Antioch and Alexandria. King Attalus III bequeathed (133 BC) his domains to the Romans, under whom the city retained its position as the preeminent artistic and intellectual center of Anatolia but declined in political and economic importance. In the first years of Roman rule, a civil war was leaded by Aristonikos who claimed to be a non official son of Eumenes II. This civil war took 3 years and ended with his defeat, The city went through the Arab, Byzantine and finally the Turkish period in the 14th century.

Pergamon attained a high culture in the Hellenistic era, boasting an outstanding library that rivaled in importance that of Alexandria, a famous school of sculpture and excellent public buildings and monuments of which the Zeus Altar is the best example. Pergamum had 3 temples: Altar of Zeus, Temple of Athena and Temple of Trajan. In the Roman period, Pergamon played an important role in the early history of Christianity. It was also numbered among the Seven Churches of Revelation. The first Christian bishop of Pergamon, Antipas, was believed to have been martyred here in 92. (Revelation 2:13). Antipas was ordered to sacrifice an animal in the name of pagan gods. Antipas was sentenced to death on the altar of Zeus. (Anti-pas meaning against everything.)

Acropolis: The function of the acropolis in Pergamon was never the same as the function of the acropolis in Athens. In Athens everything was focused on religion, whereas in Pergamon it was on social and cultural activities, or in other words, daily life. As a result of this contrast, major buildings in Pergamon were reserved for public use in daily life. Even in the temples, religion was of secondary importance. Buildings had large areas for the public where they could meet, walk or join in social affairs. Pergamon was the first city to react against functional urbanism of Hippodamus preferring ornamental urbanism. Pergamenes agreed that functionalism was necessary, but that aesthetics were to be given even more consideration. The buildings of the Acropolis were designed to be seen from below and to impress those viewing the city from the valley. Except for the Trajan Temple all the buildings were built in the Hellenistic period during which constructions were made of andesite and very rarely in marble. Heroon, in general, is a shrine dedicated to a deified hero. The Heroon in the Acropolis of Pergamon was the imperial cult or the shrine in which kings of Pergamon, especially Attalus I and Eumenes II, were worshipped. It was a peristyle building made of andesite from the Hellenistic period. 

The Sanctuary of Athena was entered through a propylon which was built by Eumenes II. As written in its inscription, it was dedicated to victory-bringing Athena by King Eumenes. The entrance opens into a courtyard surrounded by three stoas of the Doric order. This also dates from the same period. At the corner near the theater was the Athena Temple in Doric order which was built earlier, in the 3C BC. It was built of andesite and stood on a crepidoma with two steps. 

The Library of Pergamon, built by Eumenes II, was the second of the three famous ancient libraries. It contained 200,000 volumes. A century later Mark Antony gave them to Cleopatra as a wedding present to be added to the collection of the library in Alexandria. The library building was next to the north stoa of the Athena Sanctuary. This was not a coincedance. Athena was known as the protector of science. Most probably, the second floor of the stoa was at the same level with the first floor of the library. It had a large reading hall with many shelves all around, leaving an empty space between walls and shelves for the circulation of air to prevent humidity. Manuscripts were written on parchment then rolled or folded and put on shelves. When the Egyptians prohibited the export of papyrus, the King of Pergamon ordered that a new material be found. The new discovery was "parchment", a fine material from sheep or goat skin, highly polished with pumice stone and slit into sheets. Therefore the name of Pergamon has been perpetuated and seen as synonymous with the word "parchment". They used scrolls which was rolled to a feet long stick. Reader was holding the two ends while reading he was rolling the stick. Codex, todays book shape was also founded in Pergamon. 

The Temple of Trajan was a 2C AD temple in Corinthian order, dedicated to Trajan, built by his successor Hadrian. Both emperors were worshipped there. The temple was built of marble, probably on the site of a previous Hellenistic building. Before the construction, the area was leveled off by using a successful arched and vaulted substructure. The temple is flanked by stoas on three sides, the one at the back being higher than the others. It was in Corinthian order to have a peripteros plan, with 9 by 6 columns. 

It is said that the Theater in the acropolis of Pergamon is the steepest raked Hellenistic theater in the world. The cavea of the theater which consists of 80 rows of seats is divided into three sections by two diazomas. The capacity was 10,000 people. The construction material is andesite. Because it was originally a Hellenistic theater, there was not a permanent stage building and people sitting on the cavea could see outside and beyond the playing area. In the Hellenistic period, performances were held in a festive atmosphere and took a long time. People spent a lot of time in the theater, usually the minimum of a full day. Therefore, they never wanted to block their view of outside and the stage building, being made of wood, was portable. Square holes at the back of the orchestra were for the portable stage building. The theater was also used during the Roman period with some alterations. 

The finest altar ever built can be accepted as the Zeus Altar at Pergamon, of about 180 BC, which stands in its own precinct but, most unusually, without a temple. The altar, a marble offering-table, stood on an enormous stone platform, which also supported the double colonnade of Ionic columns enclosing it on three sides. On the fourth side it was approached by a fine stairway, nearly 65 ft wide. Much of the structure and almost all of the friezes are now in Berlin. Decorated with vigorous friezes of life-size figures depicting a battle between gods and giants, its contemporary context is probably King Eumenes II’s celebration of his recent victories over the Galatians. If this is so, then the context incorporates within its apparently straightforward mythology the King’s assertion of his own triumphant role as the defender of traditions against barbarianism. At the top of the Great Altar of Zeus, there was a hallow bronze bull, designed for human sacrifice. The victims tied inside the bull, the head of the person was placed at the head part of the bull. Then a huge fire was lighted under the bull. As the fire heated the bronze, the person inside the bull began to roast and start shouting and crying, through the pipes of the bull which seemed to make the bull alive. Most probably Antipas also died like this. (Holokaust: Wholly burnt animal sacrifice.) In early 19 hundreds German engineer Carl Human by the approval of Ottoman Sultan dismantle the altar and took it to Berlin. In 1930s, the Pergamon Museum opened in Berlin which human sacrifies techniques most probably inspired  most bruthal dictator Hitler. Some of the Nazi Buildings at that time were inspired by the Altar of Zeus.

Water to Pergamon is taken from 30miles away with the help of Aquaducts and 240000clay pipes. Round structures which looks like a well was used to check the level of the water.

The Red Court: This building was a 2C AD temple dedicated to Egyptian gods and goddesses especially Serapis (known as Osiris in Egypt) from the time of the Emperor Hadrian. In the Byzantine period it was converted into a basilica. Because of the red bricks used in the construction and its court-like area, it was named the Red Court. The two pools as cold and hot was related to religious rituals. Water in Isis and Serapis cults are connected with Holly Nile river meaning abondance ve bereket. The building was constructed on Selinius river. Serapis has similarities with underworld god Hades (Plouton in Roman Mythology).

Asclepieum: Asclepieum was a sanctuary and a healing center built in the name of the god of healing, Asclepius. It was similar to the one in Epidauros in Greece. Although this place was set up in the 4C BC, it had its peak in the Roman period.

Asclepius, son of Apollo, the god of healing, was a famous physician. His mother, Coronis, a princess of Thessaly, died when he was an infant. Apollo entrusted the child’s education to Chiron, a centaur, who taught Asclepius the healing arts. Asclepius, when grown, became so skilled in surgery and the use of medicinal plants that he could even restore the dead back to life. Hades, ruler of the dead, became alarmed at this and complained to Zeus, who killed Asclepius with a thunderbolt. Hygiea was the daugther of Asklepion. Hygine word is derived from her name. 

The healing center, Asclepieum, had been something very similar to a modern natural healing clinic. Patients were given exercises, drugs, mud baths, herbal remedies, or could take the honey cure, drink the waters of the spring or be treated by suggestion. They could walk among the trees and be calmed by the scent of pine. Over the gate had been inscribed the words: "In the name of the Gods, Death is forbidden to enter". Terminal patients were not allowed for this ancient healing center. Reputation was so important that they did not want anyone hear that somebody died here. Snakes were sacred to Asclepius because of their power to renew themselves. That is why there was a relief of snakes at the entrance to the sacred area of the medical center symbolizing health. 

Among the famous physicians of the Asclepieum was Galen. Galen was the most outstanding physician of antiquity after Hippocrates. His anatomical studies on animals and observations of how the human body functions dominated medical theory and practice for 1400 years. Galen was born in Pergamon. A shrine to the healing god Asclepius was located in Pergamon and there young Galen observed how the medical techniques of the time were used to treat the ill or wounded. He received his formal medical training in nearby Smyrna and then traveled widely, gaining more medical knowledge. Galen dissected many animals, particularly goats, pigs and monkeys, to demonstrate how different muscles are controlled at different levels of the spinal cord. He also showed that the brain controls the voice. Galen showed that arteries carry blood, disproving the 400-year-old belief that arteries carry air. Galen was also highly praised in his time as a philosopher. He closely followed the view of the philosopher Aristotle that nothing in nature is superfluous. Galen’s principal contribution to philosophic thought was the concept that God’s purposes can be understood by examining nature. Galen’s observations in anatomy remained his most enduring contribution. His medical writings were translated by 9th century Arab scholars. Galen used herbal remedies. Today in pharmacy the 'galenical' is derived from his name. Galenical stands for a medicine prepared by extracting one or more active constituents of a plant.

The Colonnaded Road connected Asclepieum to the city. Originally it was 2,700 ft. Today only a small part of this road is visible. The Propylon was located at the end of the colonnaded road and dates from 2C AD. It had 12 steps and opened into a large courtyard which was surrounded by stoas on three sides. It had beautiful acroteriums one of which can be seen in the Bergama museum. Stoas originally had Ionic capitals but after an earthquake in the 2C AD, some Corinthian capitals were also used. The Library was for both educational and entertainment purposes with many medical books for the physicians and other books for use by the patients. The Theater is a small building in Roman style with a capacity of 3,500 people. It was mainly used for performances to entertain the patients when not receiving treatment. 

The Sacred Fountain provided water believed to have had healing power. Sleeping (incubation) rooms were used to make the patients sleep and analyze their dreams. The Tunnel is a vaulted subterranean passageway. It is 262 ft long. Under the floor ran water which provided relaxing sounds. On the ceiling there are 12 windows to provide sunlight inside the tunnel. The purpose of the tunnel is to make a treatment with the sound of water and provide a cool place for the patients in the hot summer months. Before patients enter to this tunnel, they drank a sedative and slept here in the dormitories while non poisonous snakes crawl among them all night. They were told that the serpent god, Asclepius will talk to them in their dreams and give them a diagnosis. It was believed that the snakes carried the healing power of Asclepius. If a snake wanders on you while you are sleeping, that was a divine sign that the healing power was coming to you. Once patients woke up, they told their dreams to the priests who prescribed their treatments. Finally, the patients made sculptures of the body parts that needed healing and offered them to Asclepius.

The Round Treatment Center was a two-storied building with six apsidal sections. Today only the lower floor remains. The walls and the floor were covered with marble and the roof was made of wood. Water coming through the tunnel, recesses for washing and the sun-terrace show that this room was also used for the treatment of patients. 

The Temple of Asclepius was erected by the Consul of the time in the 2C AD. A famed ancient medical center built in honor of Asklepios, the god of healing. It was also the world's first psychiatric hospital. The main part of the temple was cylindrical and covered by a dome. The floor and the walls were decorated with marble mosaics. There were many statues of gods and deities related to health including those of Asclepius himself. Hygenia and Telesphoros are also depicted here. Hygenia symbolzing health and Telesphoros curement. Telephoros was child god first discovered in Pergamon, later on worshipped in some ancient sites too. This building can be accepted as one of the earliest structures with a dome in Anatolia. The Asklepion gained in prominence under the Romans in the 2nd century AD, but a sacred site existed here as early as the 4th century BC. Many of the treatments employed at Pergamon, in complement with a sacred source of water that was later discovered as having radioactive properties, have been used for centuries and are once again finding modern application.Quite unlike modern hospitals, everybody who was anybody was dying to get in to the Asklepion: patients included Hadrian, Marcus Aurelius, and Caracalla. But then again, the Asklepion was more like a modern spa than a hospital: therapy included mud baths, music concerts, and doses of water from the sacred fountain. Galen, the influential physician and philosopher who was born in Pergamon in 129 AD, trained and then later became an attendant to the gladiators here. Access to the Asklepeion is via the Sacred Way, which at 807m (2,690 ft.) long and colonnaded, originally connected the Asklepeion with the Acropolis. The sacred way becomes the stately Via Tecta near the entrance to the site and leads to a courtyard and fallen Propylaeum, or Monumental Gate. Reachable through an underground tunnel is what is traditionally called the Temple of Telesphorus, which served as both the treatment rooms and the sleeping chambers, an indication that sleep was integral in the actual healing process. At various spots in the center of the complex are a total of three pools and fountains, used for bathing, drinking, and various other forms of treatment. The northern colonnade, with 17 columns still in place, leads from the library to the restored theater, set into the slope of the hill. The theater hosts classical plays during the annual Bergama Festival. The semicircular Roman Theatre flanks the colonnaded promenade on the northwest corner of the site. Hours of therapy also probed the meaning of the previous night's dreams, as patients believed dreams recounted a visit by the god Asklepios, who held the key to curing illness. The treatments included psychotherapy, massage, herbal remedies, mud and bathing treatments, the interpretation of dreams, and the drinking of water. 

There was also an amphitheater close by. Amphi means double, meaning double theater. It is among the two amphitheaers of Asia Minor. Amphitheaters were especially constructed for Gladitioral Games. Some days are Arena was filled with water for naval battle plays. Water is supplied from the pond close by.

Suggested Pergamon Private Tour Program:
After meeting with your tour guide, drive approximately to Bergama. Bergama is the modern name for Pergamon. Your first stop will be the breathtaking Acropolis. The beautiful view from the hill-top will give you a great panorama of the surroundings. See the remians of the library once held 200,000 volumes, which the books and scrolls were gifted to Cleopatra by Marcus Antonius as a wedding present. Visit the remains of Altar of Zeus which was described as the Throne of Satan in the Book of Revelation. The Temple of Trajan is a huge marble building that has been partially reconstructed from the original pieces found at the site. Afterwards you will discover the famous Sanctuary of Asclepius, A sacred fountain where people with health problems could bathe can be found here and legend has it that Asclepius would then give them a vision and explain how they could be cured. After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant drive back to your hotel, through the countryside. 

Hotel Recommendation:
For travellers who are travelling Turkey with a rent a car. We recommend you to overnight at Akropolis Hotel. Akropolis Hotel is located in downtown Pergamon 100 meter distance to Red Basilica and Acropolis cable car station. Akropolis Hotel has a great location with very friendly and hospitable staff. Akropolis Hotel is for travellers who are looking for a clean accomodation with great location. This is a small boutique hotel but not a luxury one.
To book Akropolis Hotel, please click here for the booking.com booking page.