The Bergama Asklepion, located at the base of the Pergamon Acropolis, is an ancient healing complex built in the 4th century BC in honor of Asclepius, the God of Healing. With its sophisticated architectural layout and innovative treatment methods, it became the most important healing center in western Anatolia.

The Asklepion shows signs of being a sacred area even before its official foundation date, but its significant development began after the 4th century BC. The entrance to this revered sanctuary is through the Via Tecta, also known as the Sacred Way, a 1 km long paved path that transforms into a colonnaded street at its end. This path leads to the monumental entrance, or Propylon, flanked by the library hall on the right and a temple dedicated to Zeus on the left.

Upon passing through the Propylon, visitors enter a large feast courtyard surrounded by colonnaded galleries on the north, south, and west sides. Notable structures within this area include a theater with a seating capacity of 3,500, a gallery in the northwest corner, a large banquet hall, and latrines in the southern section. The southeast corner houses a circular treatment center, sometimes referred to as the Temple of Telesphorus.

The western part of the courtyard contains remains of sacred healing springs, an ancient temple, and sleeping rooms from the early period. These facilities were part of the extensive treatment methods employed at the Asklepion, as detailed by the famous ancient orator Aelius Aristides in his book Hieroi Logoi. Treatments included sleep therapy, the calming sounds of water, mud treatments, healing waters, cupping, diet therapies, and music therapy.

Pergamon was one of the most important health cities of the ancient world and the hometown of Galen of Pergamon, known as the father of Pharmacy. Galen treated gladiators and Roman kings at the Asklepion and made significant discoveries in the field of pharmacology.

The Asklepion healing center stands out among contemporary treatment centers in Epidaurus and Kos due to its advanced architectural layout, diverse treatment methods, and the groundbreaking medical contributions of physicians like Galen. Visiting the Bergama Asklepion offers a unique insight into the ancient world of medicine and healing.