Pergamon’s Red Basilica Set to Reopen in 2026 After Extensive Restoration

At the core of ancient Pergamon in western Türkiye rises the Red Basilica, a colossal Roman sanctuary that has witnessed nearly two millennia of transformation—from a temple dedicated to Egyptian gods under Emperor Hadrian, to one of the earliest Christian basilicas, later adapted as a mosque. Now part of Pergamon’s UNESCO World Heritage landscape, this monumental site is undergoing extensive restoration and is set to reopen to the public in 2026.

A Monument of Many Faiths

The Red Basilica—known in Turkish as Kızıl Avlu for its distinctive red brick core—has been a sacred space for multiple religions across centuries. In Late Antiquity, when Christianity spread across Asia Minor, the temple was converted into one of the region’s largest churches. Scholars believe it was the very church addressed to the community of Pergamon in the Book of Revelation. Archaeologists also point to the presence of a synagogue within the complex, highlighting its role as a crossroads of belief systems.

One of the basilica’s twin circular towers remains in use today as the Kurtuluş Mosque, first converted in the early years of the Turkish Republic—a living testimony to the site’s continuous religious significance.

Hadrian’s Architectural Vision

Measuring nearly 270 meters in length and 100 meters in width, the sanctuary was one of the grandest temple complexes of the Roman Empire outside Rome itself. Its main hall stretched 60 meters long, with walls rising 25 meters high. Though the structure is known for its brickwork, scholars stress that its original exterior was clad in dazzling marble, designed to resemble an enormous shining block when viewed from afar.

Professor Yusuf Sezgin, excavation director and head of the Archaeology Department at Manisa Celal Bayar University, notes that such construction techniques were rare in Anatolia at the time. “Most likely, Roman architects and craftsmen were brought here specifically for this project,” he explains.

UNESCO World Heritage Spotlight

The Red Basilica is part of the “Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape of Pergamon,” inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014. Its restoration forms a key element of Türkiye’s nationwide “Heritage for the Future” initiative, which aims to preserve iconic monuments and integrate them into cultural tourism.

Current works at the site include conservation of masonry, landscaping, a new visitor center, walking paths, and even infrastructure for night-time museum experiences.

A New Chapter for a Timeless Landmark

According to Prof. Sezgin, the project began in March 2025 and is progressing steadily. “We are planning to reopen the Red Basilica in 2026,” he told reporters. “When visitors arrive, they will encounter a completely revitalized and well-organized site.”

The reopening of Pergamon’s Red Basilica is expected to draw international attention, offering travelers the chance to experience a rare monument that has embodied Pagan, Christian, Jewish, and Islamic traditions alike—a cultural palimpsest unmatched in the ancient world.

Cover Image: The Red Basilica (Kızıl Avlu) in Pergamon, Bergama, Türkiye — a monumental Roman sanctuary dedicated to Egyptian gods, later transformed into a church and mosque, now under restoration before its reopening in 2026. Credit: Hüseyin Bağış/AA