The city of Bergama (ancient Pergamon) in Turkey is famous not only for its majestic ruins but also for its amazing engineering structures—ancient bridges built by the Romans. These bridges, having survived the centuries, still serve the city`s residents today, with some even integrated into modern urban structures. Currently, Bergama has preserved three or four ancient bridges, each with a unique history and design.
The Wide Bridge near the Red Basilica
The most impressive of the surviving bridges is located next to the Red Basilica (Kızıl Avlu)—a grand temple dedicated to the Egyptian gods Serapis, Isis, and Harpocrates.
• Construction date: 2nd century AD, during the reign of Emperor Hadrian.
• The bridge is built of brick and stone, with a width of about 40 meters, making it one of the widest bridges in the Roman world.
• Originally, it served as an aqueduct, supplying water to the temple complex, and was also part of the city`s road network.
• Over time, the space above the bridge was built up with Ottoman-era houses, creating a unique architectural symbiosis.
Today, this bridge is not just a historical monument but a living part of the city: people walk across it, and ancient buildings stand on top, making it one of the most unusual ancient structures in the world.
Other Preserved Roman Bridges in Bergama
Bridge near the Ancient Theater: located closer to the Acropolis, built of cut stone, featuring a classic Roman arched design. Used for crossing the Bergama River (ancient Selinus).
Bridge in the Asclepion District: Leads to the famous Temple of Asclepius, partially rebuilt during the Byzantine period.
Fourth Bridge (disputed): Some researchers point to another small bridge in the western part of the city, but its remains are poorly preserved.
Several bridges from the Ottoman period (14th-16th centuries) have been preserved near the market area.
Bridge Restoration Program and Riverside Development
In recent years, the authorities of Bergama have launched a large-scale project to restore the ancient bridges and improve the riverside along the Bergama River.
• Preservation and reinforcement of ancient structures to prevent their deterioration.
• Creation of a pedestrian zone between the bridges with informational displays about their history.
• Development of the riverside in a unified style to connect the ancient heritage with the modern city.
• The most complex work is being carried out on the wide bridge near the Red Basilica, where the foundation must be reinforced without damaging the Ottoman houses above.
• Planned nighttime illumination of the bridges to highlight their historical significance.
These bridges are not just crossings but part of the great legacy of Pergamon, which was one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire. Once the restoration is complete, they will become key points of a new archaeological park, linking the Acropolis, the Red Basilica, and the Asclepion.
