Discover Izmir's Ancient Cities in 2 Days

Hello fellow travelers! Izmir is a city that stands out not only for its sea and sun but also for its deep-rooted history. On this route, I offer you a historical journey with a total of 7 stops, fitting some of Izmir's most impressive ancient cities into 2 days. Come, let's witness the splendor of the Hellenistic and Roman periods together.

Pergamon Acropolis (Ancient City of Pergamon)

Located about 110 km from Izmir in Bergama, the Pergamon Acropolis rises on a hill overlooking the Bakırçay Plain, one of the most magnificent structures of the Hellenistic period. This ancient city, on the UNESCO World Heritage list, is a favorite among visitors, especially with its Temple of Trajan and its steep 10,000-seat theater. You can also see the remains of the Sanctuary of Athena here. I recommend allocating at least 1.5 hours to explore this place, as its views and details will draw you in.

Ancient City of Pergamon

The Ancient City of Pergamon is actually an area intertwined with the Acropolis. With a history dating back to the 7th-6th centuries BC, it was the capital of the Attalid Dynasty and experienced a brilliant period. The world's steepest theater is located here, and the view of the plain from it is truly impressive. You can allocate approximately 1.5 hours to thoroughly explore this archaeological site, which also houses important structures such as the Asklepion healing center and the Red Basilica.

Pergamon Red Basilica (Basilica) Archaeological Site

In the center of Bergama, the colossal Red Basilica, built over the Selinus Stream, is an impressive temple complex from the Roman period. Dedicated to Egyptian gods by Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD, this structure immediately catches the eye with its reddish brick color. As one of the largest Roman structures in Anatolia, you can also see parts that were converted into a church during the Christian period. You can plan a visit of approximately 1.5 hours for this site as well.

Pergamon Asklepion Archaeological Site

Asklepion, one of the most established health and treatment centers of the ancient world, was founded in the 4th century BC. This center, where patients were healed with methods such as music therapy, water sounds, and medicinal mud baths, is an important point in the history of medicine. Considering that the Roman physician Galen also trained here, the atmosphere of this place gains even more meaning. It would be good to allocate about 1.5 hours to explore details such as its colonnaded sacred street and sleeping rooms.

Bayraklı-Tepekule / Old Smyrna Ancient City

Located in the Tepekule area of Izmir's Bayraklı district, Old Smyrna is the city's first established site, with its history dating back to 3000 BC. The remains of the Temple of Athena, city walls, and mound layers bear witness to the city's thousands of years of history. Its easy accessibility in the very center of the city makes it a distinct attraction. Visitors find the Athena Street and the double megaron structure particularly interesting. I recommend allocating approximately 1.5 hours here.

Agora Archaeological Site (Smyrna Agora)

Located in Izmir's Konak district, between Kemeraltı and Kadifekale, the Smyrna Agora is one of the largest agoras in a city center in the world. This open-air archaeological site, containing remains from the Hellenistic and Roman periods, is among Turkey's first archaeological excavation sites. With its standing colonnades and fountain, it reflects the city's history of over 2,000 years. You can consider a visit of approximately 1.5 hours to this area, which you can enter for free with a Museum Card.

Klazomenai Archaeological Site

Located in Urla, on the coast of Izmir Bay, Klazomenai is one of the twelve Ionian cities of Ancient Greece. Established in Limantepe with a history dating back to 4000 BC, this city is an important archaeological site with its olive oil workshops, theater, and remains on Karantina Island. The ancient olive oil production workshops and the theater with a bay view are particularly worth seeing. Finds such as sarcophagi and olive oil amphorae also impress those interested in history. You can explore this site by allocating approximately 1.5 hours.

While completing this history-filled route of Izmir, you can taste local delicacies in Bergama for your lunches, or choose restaurants around Kemeraltı in central Izmir. For transportation, it will be more comfortable to go to Bergama by private car on the first day; on the second day, you can use public transport or a taxi between central Izmir and Urla. Have a good trip!