Bergama - Red Basilica Kizil Avlu

Follow the main road in a northeasterly direction through the busy streets of Bergama to the massive brick-built ruins of the Red Basilica (Temple of Serapis; "kizi avlu", red courtyard). It was originally built by Hadrian (A.D. 117-138) as a temple, probably dedicated to Serapis but converted into a church in Byzantine times and dedicated to the Apostle John. The building takes its name from the red-brick walls.

The interior of the Red Basilica was divided into three aisles by two rows of columns. The central aisle ended in a semi-circular apse, under which was a crypt. Above the lateral aisles were galleries. After the destruction of the basilica by the Arabs in the early eighth century, a smaller church was built within the ruins.