PERGAMUM

Bergama is a district located 90 kms to the north of İzmir and it is rich in cultural, socio-economic and historic senses. It has been one of the most important centers of the region since the Pergamum Kingdom (3rd cent. B.C.) and Roman Empire times and it carried the historic curiosities until today. Upon the victory won by Pergamum under the reign of Attalos I against Galatians, an altar dedicated to Zeus was constructed on the Acropolis by Eumenes II (197- 159 B.C.). Roman author L. Ampelius was among the ones who provided information about this altar. Besides, the Pergamum Library, Temple of Trajan and amphitheater are the other important places to contemplate. We should not forget that the parchment paper was invented in Pergamum.

EPHESUS

Ephesus is an extraordinary antic city where you can follow the traces of Greek and Roman civilizations. The Greeks have founded Ephesus in the 11th cent. B.C. and it became a center of trade, culture and power in a very short time. Since it was the origin of innovative ideas, it was the cradle of Western civilization according to some historians. Although this power was moved to Athens in the 6th Cent. B.C., Ephesus continued to grow. Many sovereigns including Alexander the Great (4th cent. B.C.) occupied the city and contributed to its richness. Ephesus where you can visit a series of historic monuments is also famous with the Temple of Artemis considered as one of the Seven Wonders. The other monuments and the Saint John Basilica are the other places which worth to be seen.