Situated just about 18 kms from Antalya on the southwestern Mediterranean coast of Turkey, the ancient city known as Perge (Perga) can easily be recognized by its age-old lofty towers, theatre, and old baths flanking around its city gate.
Perge - one of Pamphylia's foremost cities was founded on a wide plain between two hills just a few kilometers away from the Kestros (Aksu) river. This ancient city was also visited by St. Paul during his missionary journeys. Perge was one of the richest and most beautiful cities during the Hellenistic period and was also known for the famous temple of the Anatolian goddess called the Temple of Artemis.
Today, Perge is a large site of ancient ruins and an acropolis which dates back to the early ages making it one of the most significant archeological sites and a major historical and tourist attraction of Turkey. This magnificent ancient city has been transformed by artisans into a city of marble and of grandeur with all its magnificent structure that many people can still see today. Perge has been under excavation by many Turkish archaeologists since 1946. Perges hundreds of sculptures are now being housed in the Antalya Museum and is well worth a visit.
Among the famous men raised in this ancient city were the physician Asklepiades, the sophist Varus, and the renowned Greek mathematician Apollonios of Perga.
Among the famous men raised in this ancient city were the physician Asklepiades, the sophist Varus, and the renowned Greek mathematician Apollonios of Perga.
