Ancient Perge, one of the chief cities of Pamphylia
Perge, the long-established city of Pamphylia region, is located 18 km east of Antalya and 2 km north of Aksu Village. The Archaeological site of Perge has been excavated systemically by Istanbul University since 1946. Perge is famous by the fact that when Saint Paul started his journeys, he visited Perge in 46 A.D. and preached his first sermon here. That's why it became an important city for the Christians during Byzantine period. The first excavations began in 1946 by the Istanbul University, and they resulted in many important discoveries. A theatre exists there, consisting of three main sections: the seating, orchestra and stage and held 12,000 spectators.
The Agora was the commercial and political centre of the city, with shops surrounding the central courtyard, some of which have mosaics on the floor. The agora measured 76 square metres, with a circular structure, in the centre with a diameter of 13.40 metres.
The colonnaded boulevard lies between the Hellenistic Gate and the nympheum on the slopes of the acropolis. On both sides of the street, 20 metres in width, are porticoes, some up to five meters high, behind which are shops. The street is divided into two, by a 2-metre wide water canal running through the middle.
Other structures include the necropolis, city walls, gymnasium, Roman Baths, memorial fountain and the Greek and Roman gates.
How to get to Perge by using the Antalya Municipality public transport system
From the main road infront of the Liberty Hotels Lara, take the LC73. Ask the bus driver to drop you off at the GÜZELOBA DEPOLAMA (GÜZELOBA BUS RANK) next to the Club Sera Hotel. From the bus rank, you need to transfer on to the 528 to Aksu. At aksu bus rank you can either walk approx 1,5 Km’s to Perge or take a yellow taxi. The fare to GÜZELOBA DEPOLAMA (GÜZELOBA BUS RANK) is 2TL. The fare to Aksu bus rank from GÜZELOBA DEPOLAMA (GÜZELOBA BUS RANK) is 2TL. Taxi to Perge from Aksu bus rank is approx 10 to 15 TL. Entrance fees to Perge is 20 TL.*Please note all museums and ancients historical sites are closed on a Monday.