Page 31 - Turkinsurance Digital Magazine

29

Museum of Bergama: Gateway to Arts of Antiquity
The art of sculpture reached its peak in the 2nd century BC in Per-
gamon and statues created in that era are admired even today. The
Pergamon style became one of the principle schools of sculpture,
magnificent examples of which could be seen in the Museum of Ber-
gama. The most striking works are the statues of gods, goddesses
and emperors, which were unearthed in the excavations carried out
in the environs of Pergamon. Although the most prominent displays
of the Museum are the sculptures, there are also other artefacts from
various eras on permanent display. The ethnographical department
would be very interesting for those who have a keen eye for the pop-
ular culture too.

Historical Spas of Kings and Queens
The thermal springs of Pergamon made the city one of the principal
centres of healing and beauty in the antiquity, and many of them
reached our times. One of the major thermal spas of Pergamon is
within the Sanctuary of Asclepius (Güzellik Ilıcası) which is 4 km to
Bergama. It is believed to be commissioned by King Euamens of Per-
gamon, and provided beautifying services to Cleopatra who enjoyed
bathing there.

For Nature Lovers
Alongside its historic and cultural heritage, Bergama also harbours
an outstanding natural beauty. Trekking along the route to Kozak
Plateau through the pine forests covering the Kozak mountain range
between Bergama and Ayvalık, dotted with ruins and rural land-
scapes, also provide opportunities for photo safaris.
How to Go?
Bergama is about hundred kilometres to Izmir, the largest city of
Turkey at the coast of Aegean Sea. The Adnan Menderes Interna-
tional Airport has scheduled and charter connections to all major Eu-
ropean airports. Also, a number of cities across Turkey are connected
to Izmir by air, rail and road.