- Bergama (Pergamon), once a great center of culture, survives
as one of Turkey's finest archaeological sites. On the Acropolis,
a hill above the modern town, are the remains of the celebrated
library, a steep and impressive theatre, the temples of
Trojan and Dionysus, the monumental altar of Zeus, the sanctuary
of Demeter, a gymnasium laid out on three terraces and the
Agora.
- The Asclepion, located to the southwest of the lower city,
was a sanctuary dedicated to the god of health, Asclepios.
In town visit the Archaeological and Ethnographical Museum;
nearby, is the site of a temple dedicated to Serapis, later
one of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse, and subsequently
converted by the Byzantines into a basilica.
- Dikili, frequented by cruise liners bringing visitors
to Pergamon, is Bergama's harbortown. it offers a relaxing
atmosphere with many pleasant restaurants lining the Kordon
Promenade. A stop at the little port of Candarli, the ancient
Pitane, is recommended in order to see the Genoese fortress,
one of the best preserved in Turkey. Ayvalik is a charming
port, situated amid beautiful pine woods. Nearby, the Seytan
Sofrasi (Devil's Table) offers a splendid panorama of the
archipelago along the Gulf of Ayvalik and the little island
of Alibey (Cunda), where there are pleasant seafood restaurants.
- Sarmisakli Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches
in the area. The Gulf of Edremit, also known as the Olive
Riviera, has a number of charming seaside resorts: Kucukkuyu,
Altinoluk, Akcay (a thermal center with numerous springs),
Edremit and Oren, all with beautiful beaches, ring the Gulf
of Edremit and offer visitors a wide choice of hotels and
guest houses with views of the sea. Here also, is situated
the beautiful Kaz Dagi National Park, with magnificent landscapes,
restful green areas and several hot springs. According to
mythology it was in this area that the world's first beauty
contest was held. Under the shadow of Kaz Dagi (Mt. Ida,
1774 meters) in Pinarbasi, west of Akcay, Paris gave the
golden apple to Aphrodite in the famous "Judgement
of Paris."
|
|
 |
