Perga, now called Perge (Pehr-geh), is where the apostles Paul and Barnabas entered Asia Minor during their first missionary journey. Here, their companion, John Mark, left and returned to Jerusalem.
After traveling through Asia Minor, Paul and Barnabas returned to Perga, preached the gospel, and then returned to their base at Antioch on the Orontes.
Perga was the capital city of the ancient Mediterranean region of Cilicia. It was located approximately eight kilometers (five miles) north of the Mediterranean coast, making it less accessible to the Cilician Pirates, who frequently raided coastal towns.
Perga was located near the River Kaystros (now known as the Büyük Menderes River), which at the time allowed ships to reach Perga from the Mediterranean Sea. The Kaystros terminated at a port town called Magydus, which is now buried under the public beach of Antalya’s Lara district.
Perga’s unique feature was its water channels in the center of its main colonnaded and covered streets. The channels flowed from a central nymphaeum (fountain) and featured a series of cascades and pools that provided water to people strolling the streets, while also cooling the air.
Only around 30% of Perga has been excavated. But its well-preserved theater, stadium, agora, baths, and colonnaded streets still provide a good visual of what an ancient Greco-Roman city was like. It’s a fantastic place to visit, and a must-see for anyone visiting Antalya. Perga is easily accessed from Antalya city center by car, tram, bus, or taxi.
Early History of Perga
Perga in Greek Mythology
According to legend, the Greeks arrived in Pamphylia, on the Mediterranean coast of Asia Minor, led by three famous seers, Mopsus, Calchas, and Amphilochus. Mopsus and Calchas were recognized as being the founders of Perga. The first settlement of Perga was established on the Acropolis hill, which still overlooks the city today.
Archaeological History
Settlements have been found on the Acropolis of Perga, dating back to approximately 4000 BC, during the early Bronze Age.
550 BC: The Persians Invaded Asia Minor
The Persians, under King Darius I, defeated King Croesus of Sardis in battle. They then took control of Asia Minor, including Cilicia and Perga.
334 BC: Alexander the Great Invaded Asia Minor
Alexander the Great of Macedonia, with his army, invaded Asia Minor and chased the Persians out. Perga welcomed Alexander and opened the city gates to him.
332 BC: Alexander Died with No Heir, His Generals Took Control
Alexander the Great died in Babylon, declaring no heir. His generals, collectively known as the Diadochi, divided the conquered lands among themselves, then went to war with one another.
301 BC: Seleucus I Nicator Took Control of Perga
Seleucus I Nicator, one of Alexander’s generals, took control of most of Asia Minor, including Perga. After his death, his dynasty continued to rule.
262 BC: The Greek Mathematician Apollonius was Born in Perga
Apollonius (lived c. 262—190 BC) was one of the greatest Greek mathematicians and astronomers, comparable to Archimedes. He is best known for his development of analytical geometry and for coining the words “ellipse,” “parabola,” and “hyperbola.” A crater on the moon has been named Apollonius in his honor.
189 BC: The Romans Took Control of Perga, and Gave it to the King of Pergamum
The Romans, with the assistance of King Eumenes II of Pergamum (reigned 197—159 BC), defeated King Antiochus III (reigned 223—187 BC), a descendant of Seleucus I Nicator. In the resulting treaty, Antiochus surrendered western Asia Minor, including Cilicia and Perga, to the Romans.
The Romans then gave Western Asia Minor to their staunch friend and ally, King Eumenes II.
133 BC: Attalus III, King of Pergamum, Bequeathed Perga to the Romans
King Attalus III (reigned 138—133 BC), grandson of King Eumenes II, died without an heir. To avoid civil wars over the crown, he bequeathed his kingdom, including Perga, to the Romans.
Perga began to thrive under Roman rule. Most of the buildings we see today were built during the Roman period.
129 BC: The Romans Created the Province of Asia, which Included Perga
25 BC: The Romans Built the Via Sabaste
The Romans built a road, called the Via Sabaste, which ran from Perga, through the Cilician Gates, to Pisidian Antioch. The Apostles Paul and Barnabas would use the Via Sabaste to get from Perga to Pisidian Antioch, and return to Perga.
Perga in the Bible
Perga is mentioned twice in the New Testament Book of Acts, both times in reference to the Apostle Paul’s first missionary journey in 45 AD. Paul and his colleagues, Barnabas and Barnabas’s cousin John Mark arrived in Perga from Paphos on the Island of Cyprus. Shortly afterward, they took the Roman Road called the Via Sabaste to go to Pisidian Antioch, some 150 kilometers (93 miles) to the north. During this journey, they had to pass through the Cilician Gates, which were the only pass through the Taurus Mountains.
The Cilician Gates were treacherous, not only due to the perilous terrain but also because of the risk of being attacked by bandits. It may have been after learning of these dangers that John Mark decided to leave them, in Perga, and return to Jerusalem.
There is no record of Paul and Barnabas preaching in Perga on their first visit. They may have just been passing through. However, after traveling through Asia Minor, they returned to Perga and preached there. Then they left Perga for Attalia (Antalya), a major port city, and took a ship back to Antioch on the Orontes.
Due to the preaching of Paul and Barnabas on this second visit, many people in Perga became believers, and the city became a significant hub for the spread of Christianity in Asia Minor.
The Saint Paul Trail
Today, you can walk the Via Sabaste between Perga and Pisidian Antioch just as Paul and Barnabas did. Kate Clow and the folks at the Culture Routes Society have created a hiking trail that follows the route of the Via Sabaste. Kate has also published a book about the Saint Paul Trail.
Biblical References
Acts 13:13—14
Acts 14:25
Where is Perga in the Bible?
Perga is located on the Mediterranean coast of Türkiye (Asia Minor), in the Aksu district of Antalya province. It is 23 kilometers (14 miles) northwest of Antalya and 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) from Antalya Airport.
Perga Map
If you want to view the larger Google custom map or are on site and need to navigate around Perga, refer to the large map of Perga.
What to See at Perga
As you approach the entrance to Perga, you will see the theater on the west side of the road. The stadium will be on the right. Neither are inside the archaeological site, so if they’re open, you can see them without buying a ticket.
Perga Theater
The Perga theater is believed to have been first built in the second century AD, in the Greek style, using the contour of a hill to support the orchestra and seating sections. It could seat 13,000 to 15,000 spectators. The Romans later modified the theater for gladiatorial contests and wild animal fights by adding a wall between the orchestra and the seating area. A roofed, colonnaded gallery ran along the top of the cavea, which still provides a spectacular view of Perga today.
The stage building of the theater dates back to the second century AD. It was two stories high and richly decorated with friezes, including those depicting Cestrus, the river god, and Dionysus, the god of wine and theater. There were also statues of Hercules and possibly Hermes, which are now on display in the Antalya Archaeological Museum. Behind the stage building, facing the main road, is a nymphaeum.
Perga Stadium
Perga’s stadium, located to the northeast of the theater, is one of the largest and best-preserved in Türkiye. Built in the second century AD, it is 234 meters (256 yards) long and 34 meters (37 yards) wide. Its twelve rows of seats could accommodate 12,000 spectators. Under the seating rows are barrel vaults. Every third vault was an entranceway. The vaults between the entranceways were shops.
You will notice that a section at the north end of the stadium has been enclosed. This modification by the Romans was used to convert that part of the stadium for gladiator contests and wild animal fights. A wall was also added to protect the spectators from danger.
Hellenistic Walls
The Hellenistic Walls, built sometime in the third century BC, are on the west and east sides of Perga. There are rectangular towers at regular intervals. Many sections of the walls and the towers are still standing. The best preserved section of the walls is on the eastern side.
Tomb of Plancia Magna
To the right of, and outside of the outer Roman Gate, is the tomb of Plancia Magna, a wealthy and influential priestess of Artemis, public official, and benefactor of Perga. She is responsible for the construction or restoration of many of the buildings we see in Perga today, especially Plancia Magna’s courtyard just inside the Hellenistic Gate. A well-preserved statue of Plancia Magna is housed in the Antalya Archaeological Museum.
Roman Gate of Septimius Severus
This outermost gate was built during the reign of Roman Emperor Septimius Severus (193—211 AD). It has a rectangular entrance and is guarded by square towers.
Hellenistic Gate
This gate, built in the third century BC, is flanked by two cylindrical towers, which, initially, were three stories tall with conical roofs. They were part of the original southern wall, which the Romans removed and replaced with a wall and gate farther south. Plancia Magna later renovated the Hellenistic tower and added a courtyard on the inside.
Courtyard of Plancia Magna
Inside the Hellenistic Gate was a horseshoe-shaped courtyard with 11-meter (36-foot) high walls, covered in fine marble. The interior of these walls had niches displaying statues of Greek gods and goddesses, including Artemis. There were also statues of Plancia Magna and her family, as well as those of the deified Roman Emperor Hadrian and his family. On the north side of the courtyard was a triple-arched gateway.
South Nymphaeum
Just inside the outer Roman gate, on the left, is a nymhaeum built during the reign of Septimius Severus. According to an inscription, it was dedicated to Artemis of Perga, Septimius Severus, and his family. It consists of a rectangular pool backed by a two-story facade that was decorated with columns, friezes, and statues. The statues of Septimius Severus and his wife are now on display at the Antalya Archaeological Museum.
Propylon
Between the nymphaeum and the Hellenistic Gate, on the west side of the street, stands a propylon, also dating from the reign of Septimius Severus. It consisted of two rows of our columns and a roof. It was elaborately decorated with reliefs of Eros, Pan, Dionysus, Medusa, and other mythological characters. It leads into the Palaestra of the South Bath Complex.
South Bath Complex
This first-century bath complex is one of the best preserved in Türkiye. Its palaestra, or exercise yard, is surrounded by a colonnaded walkway. The arches of the underground heating system in the bath, known as a hypocaust system, are visible. Fires would be stoked and maintained here, likely by slaves, to heat the rooms and pool above.
The bath consisted of the usual rooms:
- A caldarium (hot room)
- A tepidarium (warm room)
- A frigidarium (cold room)
There were also changing rooms and rooms for meetings and other purposes. The long room on the north contained over 30 different sculptures, which are now on display at the Antalya Archaeological Museum.
Agora
The agora, on the east (right side) as you enter through the courtyard of Plancia Magna, was the commercial center of Perga. A square measuring 246 feet (75 meters) on each side, it is thought to have been built in the fourth century AD. It is surrounded by colonnaded stoas with Corinthian columns, which fronted various shops with mosaic floors. On the southeastern side is a latrine.
The round building in the center of the agora, measuring 13.5 meters (44.3 feet) in diameter, is probably a temple dedicated to Hermes, the patron god of merchants, or Tyche, the goddess of fortune. It had 16 pillars around it and was topped with a dome.
Colonnaded Streets
Perga used the Hippodamian street plan, invented by Hippodamus of Miletus, the father of urban planning. So Perga has two colonnaded and covered main streets, one running north-south (called a Cardo Maximus) and the other running east-west (called a Decumanus Maximus). The two intersect each other in the center of the city. An arch, known as the Demetrius-Apollonios Arch, spanned this intersection.
The two main streets divided Perga into four quarters. Smaller streets ran perpendicular to the main streets, forming city blocks.
Running down the center of both main streets were water channels that distributed water throughout the city, from which people could drink as they strolled. They also provided cooling during hot weather. There were small footbridges over the channels that allowed people to cross from one side of the street to the other.
Perga’s Cardo Maximus is 700 meters (2,297 feet) long and 24 meters (82 feet) wide. It runs from the entrance gate on the south end to the north nymphaeum at the foot of the acropolis. It was flanked on each side by colonnaded, covered stoas which had shops behind them. While walking on this main street, keep an eye out for three of the columns, which have reliefs of Artemis Pergea, Tyche, Apollo, and an unidentified person or god, perhaps the city’s legendary follower, Calchas.
Perga’s Decumanus Maximus intersects the Cardo Maximus on the north side of the city and connects with the east and west gates. It was also flanked by colonaded and covered stoas with shops.
Demetrius-Apolonios Arch
Also known as the Domitian Arch, it covered the intersection of two main streets. The arch was initially dedicated to Roman Emperor Domitian (reigned 81—96 AD). His name was later removed from it after his death, following the Roman government’s condemnation of his actions during his reign.
North Nymphaeum
Also known as Hadrian’s Nymphaeum, it was constructed during the reign of Roman Emperor Hadrian (117—138 AD). The North Nymphaeum is located at the northernmost end of the Cardo Maximus, at the foot of the Acropolis hill. It has a U-shaped plan and is 21 x 9 meters (69 x 29.5 feet) at its base. The facade behind it was two stories high, decorated with Corinthian columns and ornamentation including statues of Zeus, Apollo, Artemis, and Hadrian. In the center was, and still is, a statue of the reclining river god, Cestrus. Two statues of Hadrian found here are now in the Antalya Archaeological Museum.
Water flowed from a tank behind the statue of Cestrus and cascaded into a pool, then into the water channels that ran down the center of the two main streets.
Acropolis
The Acropolis is behind the North Nymphaeum. It is not difficult to climb, and the view from the top offers a panoramic vista of the entire city.
Palaestra
One hundred twenty meters (390 feet) west of the main intersection on the north side of the east-west road is a 70-meter (230-foot) square palaestra, an open courtyard for exercise. Colonnaded stoas and various rooms surrounded it.
Northern Baths
A little further, and on the south side of the street, are the third-century AD Northern Baths. It consisted of five rooms, with a hypocaust system and a courtyard.
Necropolises
There are necropolises, or graveyards, on the west and east sides of Perga. Several different types of sarcophagi were discovered here, which are now in the Antalya Archaeological Museum.
North Basilica
This fifth or sixth century is on the west side of the main north-south street near its midpoint. It has a nave with two aisles and a large apse on its east end.
Antalya Museum
To see an astonishingly well-preserved collection of statues, sculptures, sarcophagi, and other relics from Perga, visit the Antalya Archaeological Museum (see below for more information).
Allow three hours to visit the archaeological site at Perga.
How to Go to Perga
Biblical Perga is now known as Perge (pehr-geh) in Turkish. Look for the latter name on directional signs and use it when asking for directions.
The Archaeological Site of Perga is open daily.
Summer Hours (April 1 to October 31): 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Winter Hours (November 1 to March 31): 8:20 AM to 5:30 PM
From Antalya
By Antray Tram
Perga is close to downtown Antalya. Take the Antray tram towards the airport (Turkish: Havalimanı) or the “Expo” (exposition grounds) and get off at the Aksu tram stop. Then, take a taxi to the site. Perga is 1.3 kilometers (.8 miles) north of the Aksu stop.
By Car
Take Aspendos Bulvarı (boulevard), which turns into the D400 highway, and head west towards the airport for approximately 9 kilometers (5.6 miles). After the airport, you will be in Aksu.
After the intersection with Highway D685, you’ll see a brown sign directing you to Perge. Follow the signs from there.
Perge Archaeological Site Address: Barbaros, Perge Yolu, 07112 Aksu/Antalya, Türkiye.
Telephone: +90 242 238 5688.
Google Map Coordinates: 36.95770928950085, 30.853460531420723
Antalya Archaeological Museum
The Antalya Archaological Museum is open daily.
Summer Hours (April 1 to October 31: 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM.
Winter Hours (November 1 to March 31): 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
An audio guide of Perga is available.
The Antalya Archaeological Museum is best visited by taxi or tram.
There is an “antik tramvay” that runs along Kaleiçi, the old city of Antalya. Two trams start their trip at each end of the tramway every hour and half-hour. They cross each other on a dual track in the middle, near a clock tower. The top you need for the Archaeological Museum is called “Müze.”
Museum Address: Bahçelievler, Konyaaltı Cd. No:88, 07050 Muratpaşa/Antalya, Türkiye
Website: muze.gov.tr
Telephone: +90 242 238 56 88
Google Map Coordinates: 36.88594847243311, 30.679626448303015.
Ken Grubb
Ken Grubb is a retired Special Agent of the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) and an adjunct instructor at the University of Maryland. He has lived in Türkiye for over twenty years, researching and writing about Türkiye’s ancient Christian sites. He now helps churches organize group tours to visit these sites.
