Perge

Introduction

Perge (18 kilometres from Antalya), was the capital of the ancient Pamphylia region, which is in modern day Antalya province of Mediterranean coast of Turkey. This place has assumed significance in recent years due to the presence of ancient ruins and an acropolis dating back to the Bronze Age, which attracts tourists from places far and wide.

Ancient Roman pillared ruins, Perge, Turkey

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History

This region was originally settled by the Hittites in around 1500 BC. In 546 BC, the Persians defeated the local tribes and gained control over the region. In 333 BC Alexander’s army raided and occupied the region. The famous mathematician Appolonius(262 BC to 190 BC) lived and worked in Perge. He was a disciple of Archimedes and wrote a number of books on circle, ellipse, parabola and hyperbola. Roman rule started in 188 BC and most of the present day ruins are from this period. St Paul is believed to have visited Perge on his first missionary journey.

Suburbs

Sights

Perge is an archaeological site and has become a major tourist attraction because of the presence of vast and extensive ruins of the Roman period. Its ruins include the public baths, theatre, temple of Artemis, canals, markets and imposing pillars spread all over the place.

Roman Ruins, Perge, Turkey

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Activities

Events and Festivals

Weather

Perge has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and moderately warm and rainy winters. The region receives almost 300 days of sunshine and the air temperatures can sometimes reach as high as 40 °C in July and August.

Getting There

By Plane

The nearest airport is in Antalya which is located around 15 kilometres from Perge. This airport handles both domestic and international flights. Antalya is well connected with other parts of Turkey by domestic flights and it is also directly connected with many of the cities of Europe and Middle East.

By Train

Perge is not connected by rail services. However tourists can travel by train upto Denizli or Konya and from there lots of buses are available to Antalya and Perge which cover the distance in around 4 hours.

By Car

By Bus

Bus service is excellent in Turkey. Istanbul-Antalya is one of the busiest routes and lots of buses are available on this route. There are overnight buses and day time buses and most of them take around 12-14 hours. There is a frequent mini-bus service operating between Antalya and Perge. Two of the well known and most reputed bus companies operating in Turkey are Varan and Ulusov.

By Boat

Getting Around

Taxis can be hired from Antalya for visiting the ruins at Perge. It is better to bargain for the rates before boarding any vehicle as the rates vary according to the tourist season.

By Car

By Public Transport

By Boat

By Bike

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Budget

Mid-Range

Upscale

Work

Learn

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also: International Telephone Calls

Post

PTT is the national post service. Services are generally moderately fast but quite reliable. Sending a standard letter or postcard costs €0.65 within Turkey and €0.80 (letters) or €0.85 (postcards) internationally. There is an extended price list on the PTT website. For sending packages one might also use international companies such as DHL and UPS and local companies such as Yurtici Kargo. Post offices bear the distinctive yellow PTT sign and are generally open between 9:00am to 12:00 noon and 1:30pm to 5:00pm from Monday to Friday.