Red Basilica (Kizil Avlu), Bergama
The Kizil Avlu (Red Basilica or Red Hall) of Bergama is one impressive pile of red brick.
History
The massive structure was built in the early 2nd century (under Hadrian) as a temple to the popular Egyptian god Serapis. It was later (4th-5th centuries) converted into a Byzantine church.
The Red Basilica was destroyed in the Arab raids of 716 to 717 AD, after which a smaller church was built within the ruins.
What to See
Today, the still-enormous Red Basilica straddles the Selinus River (Bergama Cayi), whose two subterranean galleries provide a canal for the water to pass.
The interior of the basilica consisted of three aisles divided by two rows of columns. The central aisle ended in a semi-circular apse, under which was a crypt. Above the lateral aisles were galleries.
A small mosque now makes its home in one of the towers.
Location Map
Location map and satellite view of the Red Basilica in Bergama (Pergamum). Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. You can explore all of Bergama from space on our Bergama Map.
| Location: | Adjacent to the 2nd otogar, Bergama, Turkey |
| Phone: | 0232/631-2885 |
| Hours: | Winter daily 8:30am-5:30pm; summer daily 8:30am-6:30pm |
| Cost: | $3.50 |
Sources
- Frommer's Turkey, 3rd. ed.
- Red Basilica - PlanetWare
