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Location: 18 km (11 mi) Northeast of Antalya, Antalya Province Map
Open: 9am- 7:30pm daily
Perga Archaeological Site is an ancient Hellenistic city that lies 18 km (11 mi) Northeast of Antalya, Antalya Province in Turkey.
According to legend, the city was founded by the
soothsayer Calchas after the Trojan war. In order to avoid raids
from the sea, the city was founded 11 kilometers from the coast.
In the VII century BC the city passes to the Lydians, and then in
the VI century BC to the Persians.
In 333 BC passed to Alexander the great. Then the city was ruled by
the Seleucids, Pergamum, and finally from the II century BC-the
Romans.
In the Roman period, the city reached its peak. In the I century the
city was preached by the apostles Paul and Barnabas.
In the following centuries, during the Byzantine Empire, the land
around the city turned into arid swampy area, which forced the
population to leave the city.
In the VII century added to this the raids of the Arabs. And by the
arrival of the Seljuks, from the luxurious and rich city, there was
only a small village, which then completely disappeared.
Attractions
The first thing that greets visitors is an amphitheater for 12,000
people, built in the first half of the II century. 42 rows of seats
are divided into 23 at the top and 19 at the bottom. The stage is 25
meters high and is decorated with reliefs and friezes. Some of the
decorations of the amphitheater are on display in the Archaeological
Museum of Antalya. Opposite the amphitheater is a stadium for 12,000
spectators (width-34 m, length-234 m).
The remains of the city wall, which were 12 m high, have survived
from Hellenistic times. The southern gate, through which visitors
enter the city, is called the "Roman gate" and dates back to the IV
century. Immediately behind them are the Hellenistic gate, Dating
from the III century BC. Beyond the gate is a small U-shaped
courtyard with niches in the walls. Excavations have shown that
there were once statues of gods, emperors and founders of the city.
To the left of the Hellenistic gate was the Roman bath (II century),
which was considered the largest bath in Pamphylia. It was decorated
with marble, sculptures and reliefs. In the Northern part of the
city there was another bath. To the right of the Hellenistic gate on
the area of 5762 sq. m. there was an Agora (II century).
Beyond the Hellenistic gate begins a wide road. There was a water
channel in the center, and on either side of it were roads for
horse-drawn vehicles. Also along the canal were covered colonnades
with trade and craft shops. With the decline of the city, the unused
part of the road was built up with monuments and other structures.
Also found are many remains of residential buildings and public
buildings of the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Within the city
there were three basilicas.