Pergamon

• The ancient ruins of the Acropolis of Pergamon lie above the modern day city of Bergama, Turkey. Originally built by the Greeks, Pergamon was a small settlement, before the Romans took it as a flourishing city.
• As I recall it was twenty TL to get in to the sight, and an additional sum of money if you wanted to use the cable cart to take you there. Driving and parking was much cheaper, I advise that any of you thinking of visiting do so, if you’re on a budget. The views from the top most parking lot are spectacular, but watch you don’t drive your car straight off the edge!
• Coming into the square where you have to pay to get in, there are a lot of stalls selling various things and a café selling drinks at a rather extortionate price. My advice is to bring your own water and snacks. The ruins are quite exposed so it’s a good idea to bring a hat and wear sun cream, even if you don’t normally burn. It is generally quite hot up there, though sometimes it can be very windy. These windy days are probably the best days to visit at since the winds normally cool the surrounding area.
• Some of the ruins are very well kept, like the arched tunnel that runs through the ruins, once used as a cistern I believe. There are still standing pillars, in parts such as the remains of a temple to Zeus, which makes you aware that it is a spectacular feat of engineering considering the lack of electrical equipment they had in those days.
• The theatre, which is one of the main attractions, is one of the steepest theatres in the world, able to seat ten thousand people. Considering it was constructed in the third century B.C, the steps are remarkably intact.

This site is definitely worth a visit for those who are into ancient history, architecture, or even if you’re just sight seeing.