Usually seen on a two-day tour of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor or on an Aegean sea cruise, Bergama is the site of the ancient city of Pergamum. While not quite as old or grand as Ephesus, we think Bergama merits a visit because of its glorious past as an ancient capital and cultural center. Among its ruins are an acropolis featuring an Altar of Zeus, palaces, gymnasiums, temples, the world's steepest amphitheater, an Aesculapium (ancient medical center) and a now-empty library (it once held 200,000 volumes). Note the familiar symbol of medicine on the base of the Serpent Altar; Pergamum was the home of early medical theoretician Galen, whose teachings held sway for 1,500 years. Unfortunately, the most spectacular treasures from Pergamum can't be seen there--they're at the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, Germany. Allow a few hours to tour the ruins. 50 mi/80 km north of Izmir.