Bergama Tourist Attractions
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Although Bergama cannot claim the same importance as ancient Pergamon in its role as capital and commercial center of a great kingdom, it is nevertheless a busy modern town with carpet-weaving, textiles and leather-working industries. Cotton, tobacco and vines flourish in the sub-tropical climate of the fertile surrounding area.
Archeological Museum
The Archeological Museum in Bergama lies on the main road and houses a large collection of material from the Stone Age to Byzantine times as well as an ethnographic department.
Red Basilica
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.
