Hierapolis and Pamukkale — A UNESCO Travel Guide

Denizli AttractionsHierapolis and Pamukkale — A UNESCO Travel Guide

Hierapolis—an ancient sacred city overlooking the travertines of Pamukkale

Ancient Hierapolis is one of Turkey’s most remarkable archaeological sites, situated atop the famous snow-white travertines of Pamukkale in the province of Denizli. This city, whose name translates from Greek as “sacred city,” was simultaneously a center of healing, an important crossroads on trade routes, and a place of worship for several deities. In 1988, Hierapolis, along with the natural terraces of Pamukkale, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a mixed cultural and natural site—one of only two such sites in Turkey. Today, millions of travelers come here every year to stroll through the ruins of the ancient city, bathe in the thermal waters of “Cleopatra’s Pool” among submerged ancient columns, and see one of the largest necropolises of the ancient world.

History and Origins of Hierapolis

Hierapolis was founded in the late 2nd century BCE, presumably by Eumenes II, king of Pergamon, who recognized the strategic and economic potential of the site with its hot springs, fertile lands, and rich mineral resources. The thermal waters themselves were revered long before the city’s founding—the local Phrygians worshipped the “Great Mother” Cybele and believed that the steam rising from underground crevices was the breath of an underground god. It was this unique feature of the landscape that determined the city’s sacred status.

In 133 BCE, following the will of Attalus III, Hierapolis, along with the entire Kingdom of Pergamon, came under the rule of the Roman Republic. The Roman period marked a golden age: after the devastating earthquake of 60 CE, Emperor Nero allocated funds for the city’s reconstruction, and during the 2nd–3rd centuries under the Antonines and Severans, Hierapolis reached the peak of its wealth and population (up to 100,000 people). The city became known as a center for medical tourism—the sick came here from all over the Mediterranean to take thermal baths and pray to the gods. According to Christian tradition, the Apostle Philip was crucified and tortured here in 80 CE.

During the Byzantine era, Hierapolis became an important ecclesiastical center and the seat of a metropolitan bishop. An earthquake in 1354 destroyed most of the buildings, and the city was finally abandoned. Modern excavations have been conducted since 1957 by an Italian archaeological mission, which has managed to restore many monuments and transform Hierapolis into one of the country’s most visited archaeological parks.

Architecture and What to See in Hierapolis

The archaeological site stretches over 3 km along the plateau, so you should plan on spending half a day for a thorough tour. It’s best to start at the northern entrance, near the necropolis.

Roman Theater

The main architectural gem is the Roman theater from the 2nd–3rd centuries CE, one of the best-preserved in Turkey. It seated about 12,000 spectators, and its stage (skene) is decorated with marble reliefs depicting Dionysus, Apollo, and Artemis. Following a major restoration in 2013, the theater has regained its ancient appearance and is occasionally used for concerts.

Cleopatra’s Pool and Thermal Baths

A unique attraction is Cleopatra’s Pool, or the Ancient Pool, where visitors can bathe in healing thermal water (+36°C) amidst submerged Roman columns and capitals that fell during earthquakes. According to legend, this pool was a gift to Cleopatra from Mark Antony. There is an admission fee, but the experience of swimming among archaeological artifacts is truly unique.

Martyrium of the Apostle Philip and the Temple Complex

In the eastern part of the city, on a hill, stand the ruins of an octagonal martyrium built in the 5th century over the supposed tomb of the Apostle Philip. Nearby, in 2011, the apostle’s actual tomb was discovered—one of the most sensational archaeological finds of the 21st century. Not far away, traces of the Temple of Apollo and the famous Plutonium—the entrance to “Pluto’s Cave,” from which poisonous volcanic gases emerge—have been preserved. Ancient priests demonstrated a “miracle” by leading animals into the cave, which instantly fell dead, while the castrated priests of Cybele were immune to the gas thanks to a special breathing technique.

Northern Necropolis

One of the largest ancient necropolises in Asia Minor, it contains over 1,200 tombs, crypts, and sarcophagi from the Hellenistic, Roman, and early Christian periods. Pilgrims and the sick from all over the ancient world are buried here, and due to the variety of burial types, this place is a veritable encyclopedia of ancient funeral traditions.

Hierapolis Archaeological Museum

The museum is located in a 2nd-century AD ancient bathhouse and houses a collection of sculptures, sarcophagi, and reliefs from Hierapolis itself and from Aphrodisias—combining a visit to both is particularly convenient.

Frontinus Street and the City Gates

The main axis of the ancient city is Frontinus Street, named after the Roman proconsul Sextus Julius Frontinus, who financed its paving in the late 1st century CE. The street stretched from north to south for nearly 1,200 meters and was adorned with porticoes, benches, and small shrines. On either side of it, latrines have been preserved—public toilets with 24 stalls, marble seats, and running water, among the best-preserved in Asia Minor. At the northern end of the street stands the three-arched Arch of Domitian (Frontinus), built in 84–86 CE—the main entrance to the city, through which pilgrims and merchants from all over the Mediterranean passed.

Byzantine Basilica and Cathedral

Christian Hierapolis left just as significant a mark as the pagan one. The ruins of the monumental five-aisled basilica from the 5th century CE are located in the central part of the city and, despite the destruction, are impressive in size. Nearby, the foundations of a 6th-century cathedral have been preserved, built on the site of an earlier temple of Apollo. In the side aisles, archaeologists found fragments of a marble altar screen featuring Christian symbols—crosses, fish, and grapevines. It was in these very basilicas that regional church councils were held in the 5th–7th centuries, one of which addressed issues of Monophysitism.

The Gorgon Pediment and the Sculptural Program

In the Roman theater of Hierapolis, the sculptural decoration of the skene deserves special attention: scenes depicting the birth of Apollo on Delos, the battle of the Amazons, the triumph of Dionysus, and a procession in honor of the goddess Artemis of Ephesus. The central feature is the pediment with the Gorgon Medusa—one of the most expressive reliefs of late 2nd-century CE Asia Minor sculpture. Many original fragments are now housed in the Hierapolis Archaeological Museum, while exact replicas have been installed in their original locations.

Interesting Facts and Legends

  • The travertine terraces of Pamukkale formed over hundreds of thousands of years due to the precipitation of calcium carbonate from thermal waters. The snow-white terraces grow by approximately 1 mm per year, and their total length is about 2.7 km.
  • In 2013, Italian archaeologists announced the discovery of Plutonium—the “gateway to hell.” Measurements revealed a high concentration of carbon dioxide at the entrance, scientifically confirming ancient accounts of “deadly fumes.”
  • The tomb of the Apostle Philip was found not inside the martyrium but in a neighboring temple building, which caused a sensation in Christian archaeology.
  • Hierapolis was one of the first resort towns in human history—lists have survived of prominent Romans who came here specifically to treat gout, rheumatism, and skin diseases.
  • After the 1354 earthquake, Hierapolis was abandoned, but local farmers continued to use the travertine terraces to raise carp in natural ponds, which helped preserve the terraces to some extent.
  • An Italian archaeological mission led by Paolo Verzoni, which began work here in 1957, used the method of anastylosis—returning fallen columns and blocks to their original places—which was innovative for its time. This method later became the standard for excavations at Sagalassos and Aphrodisias.
  • According to legend, pilgrims who came to Hierapolis seeking healing left bronze plaques with requests to the gods in the sacred springs. Archaeologists have found hundreds of them—in Greek, Latin, and sometimes in Aramaic and Coptic—confirming the resort’s international status in antiquity.

Hierapolis in Ancient Literature

Many ancient authors wrote about the healing properties of Hierapolis’ waters. Strabo, in his *Geography* (XIII, 4), describes Plutonium and its poisonous vapors in detail; Pliny the Elder, in his *Natural History*, mentions the local travertine as an ideal material for making statues; Vitruvius praises the engineering solutions of the city’s aqueducts. In late antiquity, Hierapolis was celebrated by the Christian poet Gregory the Theologian, who was treated here for gout. The city is even mentioned in the “Acts of Paul and Thecla”—an apocryphal text recounting the stories of early Christian preachers in Asia Minor.

How to get to Hierapolis

Hierapolis and Pamukkale are located 20 km from the city of Denizli. The easiest way to get there is by bus from Denizli: dolmuşes depart from the bus station every 20–30 minutes, and the journey takes about 40 minutes. Denizli is connected by direct buses to Izmir (4 hours), Antalya (4 hours), Istanbul (10 hours), and Cappadocia (about 9 hours). There is also a small airport, Denizli Çardak, with daily flights from Istanbul.

Hierapolis-Pamukkale has two entrances: the northern and southern ones. The northern entrance is convenient for those who want to start their tour at the necropolis and walk down the travertine terraces; the southern entrance provides quick access to Cleopatra’s Pool and the theater. Many tourists come on a day trip from coastal resorts (Marmaris, Bodrum, Antalya), but one day is only enough for a superficial visit. It’s best to stay overnight in the village of Pamukkale to see the travertines at dawn, when there are no crowds.

Tips for travelers

The best time to visit is spring (April–May) and fall (September–October). In summer, the travertine pools with their warm water are pleasant, but the ruins get scorching hot under the sun. In winter, mornings can be chilly, but the scenery is particularly stunning. Plan for at least 5–6 hours: 2 hours for a walk through the travertines, 2 hours for the archaeological zone, an hour for Cleopatra’s Pool, and an hour for the museum.

Important rules: You may only enter the travertines barefoot to avoid damaging the fragile calcium terraces. Bring a towel, a change of clothes, beach slippers for changing, and a swimsuit if you plan to swim in the pool. You can carry your shoes in your hands or leave them in lockers. It’s recommended to bring water and a snack—there’s a café inside the complex, but prices are high.

Photographers should arrive at sunset: during the “golden hour,” the white terraces take on a soft pink and golden hue, and the view of the Lycos Valley from the top of the plateau is one of the most impressive in Turkey. A visit to Hierapolis and Pamukkale is often combined with a trip to Aphrodisias—these two UNESCO sites are relatively close and fit seamlessly into a single itinerary, revealing different facets of the ancient civilization of Asia Minor.

The best photo spots in Hierapolis include not only the travertines but also the view of the valley from the upper seats of the theater, the theater’s stage bathed in the warm rays of the setting sun, the Arch of Domitian against the backdrop of the necropolis, and, of course, Cleopatra’s Pool from above, where ancient columns are visible in the clear turquoise water. To photograph the museum’s finest frescoes and statues indoors, set your camera to high ISO—the lighting there is dim. When planning your route within the complex, keep the terrain in mind: it’s about 3 km from the north entrance to the south, with a significant elevation change; most visitors walk the entire way, but if you prefer, you can take the electric shuttle that runs between the entrances.

Gastronomically, Pamukkale is not a culinary wasteland, as it might seem. In the nearby village of Karaağaç, there are small family-run restaurants serving signature dishes of Denizli Province: “tandoor kebab” made from lamb baked in a clay oven, the famous “Denizli tavuğu”—roasted chicken served with a side of rice and local herbs—and a dessert of figs with walnuts, which has been prepared in this region for centuries. It is here that travelers discover that southwestern Turkey is not just about ruins, but also a vibrant culinary tradition rooted in antiquity. After a full day in the dust and under the sun, a simple dinner at a village tavern becomes part of the experience of visiting Hierapolis and Pamukkale, one that will remain in your memory no less than the snow-white terraces.

Finally, for those who love the unusual, it’s worth visiting a little-known corner of the complex—the Martyrdom of Philip with its octagonal structure. Archaeologists believe that in the 5th century, mass pilgrimages took place around it, and pilgrims left votive offerings in the niches in the walls. These niches have survived to this day, and thanks to the silence and seclusion of the place, you can really feel the atmosphere of the early Christian East here.

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Frequently asked questions — Hierapolis and Pamukkale — A UNESCO Travel Guide Answers to frequently asked questions about Hierapolis and Pamukkale — A UNESCO Travel Guide. Information about the service's operation, capabilities, and use.
The name “Hierapolis” derives from the Greek “hieros polis,” meaning “sacred city.” The site’s sacred status was established long before the city was founded: the Phrygians, who lived here prior to Greek colonization, revered the hot springs and toxic underground fumes as manifestations of otherworldly forces. Later, a religious complex emerged here, featuring a temple to Apollo, the Plutonium—the “gateway to the underworld”—and an oracle center, which attracted pilgrims and priests from across the Mediterranean.
In 1988, Hierapolis-Pamukkale was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a mixed cultural and natural site—one of only two such sites in Turkey. Its uniqueness lies in the combination of two phenomena: exceptional natural beauty (snow-white calcium travertines formed over hundreds of thousands of years) and an outstanding ancient city with a theater, necropolis, thermal baths, and early Christian monuments, all preserved in one place.
Plutonium is a natural fissure near the Temple of Apollo, from which volcanic gases with a high concentration of carbon dioxide emerge. In ancient times, priests used this site for rituals: animals driven into the cave were found dead, while the castrated priests of Cybele, who held their breath near the ground, emerged unharmed. In 2013, Italian scientists officially identified the cave and measured the gas concentrations, confirming the ancient accounts. Today, Plutonium is accessible to the public, but visitors are not allowed inside.
Hierapolis holds a special place in the history of early Christianity. According to tradition, the Apostle Philip was martyred here around 80 CE. In the 5th century, an octagonal martyrium was built over the presumed site of his death. In 2011, Italian archaeologists discovered the apostle’s tomb itself in a neighboring building—this became one of the most significant discoveries in 21st-century Christian archaeology. During the Byzantine period, Hierapolis became the seat of a metropolitan bishop, and regional church councils were held in its basilicas.
The Northern Necropolis of Hierapolis is one of the largest ancient cemeteries in Asia Minor: it contains over 1,200 tombs, crypts, and sarcophagi dating from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Early Christian periods. Pilgrims and the sick who came from various corners of the Mediterranean were buried here: the inscriptions on the tombstones are in Greek, Latin, and sometimes in Aramaic and Coptic. Given the variety of burial types, the necropolis serves as a veritable encyclopedia of ancient burial traditions.
Yes, Hierapolis is considered one of the first resort towns in history. People came here specifically to be treated for gout, rheumatism, and skin diseases—in the mineral-rich thermal waters. Strabo, Pliny the Elder, and Vitruvius described the healing properties of the local springs. Evidence remains that prominent Romans often underwent long-term treatment here. Pilgrims left bronze tablets with requests to the gods in the sacred springs, and hundreds of such tablets have been found by archaeologists.
Anastylosis is a restoration method in which fallen architectural elements (columns, blocks, capitals) are returned to their original locations with minimal use of new material. The Italian mission led by Paolo Verzoni applied this approach in Hierapolis beginning in 1957—specifically, during the restoration of the theater and the Gate of Domitian. The method proved so effective that it subsequently became the standard for major Turkish excavations, including Sagalassos and Aphrodisias.
The museum is housed in a 2nd-century AD ancient bathhouse and features a rich collection of sculptures, reliefs, sarcophagi, and everyday objects from both Hierapolis itself and the neighboring city of Aphrodisias. Here you can see original fragments of the sculptural decoration of the theater stage, including reliefs depicting Dionysus and the Gorgon Medusa, as well as tombstones with inscriptions in several languages. A visit to the museum naturally complements a tour of the ruins and is recommended as the final stop on the itinerary.
Hierapolis was finally abandoned after the devastating earthquake of 1354, which destroyed most of its buildings. Prior to that, the city had survived several similar disasters: in A.D. 17 under Tiberius and in A.D. 60 under Nero—on both occasions, it was rebuilt. During the Byzantine period, the city gradually declined, losing its former economic importance. After 1354, there was no longer a permanent population, although local farmers continued to use the natural travertine pools for fish farming for a long time afterward.
Yes, the most logical combination is the Hierapolis-Pamukkale + Aphrodisias route: both sites are relatively close to each other and complement one another thematically, revealing different facets of ancient Asia Minor culture. The distance between them is about 100 km, which is convenient for a day trip based in Pamukkale or Denizli. If you have two days, you can explore both sites in depth and visit their museums.
Inside the complex, food prices are high and the selection is limited. It’s much more interesting and affordable to have lunch or dinner in the village of Pamukkale or in the neighboring village of Karaağaç, where you’ll find small family-run restaurants. There you can try regional specialties from Denizli Province: tandir kebab made from lamb baked in a clay oven, “Denizli tavuğu”—a signature dish of baked chicken with rice and local herbs—as well as a traditional dessert of figs with walnuts.
Yes, the city was widely known in the ancient world. Strabo, in his *Geography*, describes Plutonium and its deadly fumes in detail; Pliny the Elder, in his *Natural History*, mentions the local travertine as an excellent material for sculpture; Vitruvius praises the city’s aqueducts. The Christian poet Gregory the Theologian mentioned Hierapolis as the place where he was treated for gout. The city also appears in the apocryphal “Acts of Paul and Thecla,” dedicated to the early Christian preachers of Asia Minor.
User manual — Hierapolis and Pamukkale — A UNESCO Travel Guide Hierapolis and Pamukkale — A UNESCO Travel Guide User Guide with a description of the main functions, features, and principles of use.
The best time to visit is April–May and September–October: the weather is pleasant, there are fewer crowds, and the soft lighting is ideal for photography. In the summer, the ruins get very hot, but swimming in the thermal pools is especially enjoyable. Allow at least 5–6 hours for the entire complex: about 2 hours to walk through the travertines, 2 hours for the archaeological zone, an hour for Cleopatra’s Pool, and an hour for the museum. If you want to see the terraces without crowds, come at sunrise or sunset, when the white terraces are bathed in golden and pink hues.
Denizli is the nearest major transportation hub, located 20 km from Pamukkale. Direct buses run there from Izmir (about 4 hours), Antalya (about 4 hours), Istanbul (about 10 hours), and other cities. There are daily flights from Istanbul to Denizli-Çardak Airport. Dolmuşes run from the Denizli bus station to Pamukkale every 20–30 minutes, with a travel time of about 40 minutes. Many tourists come on a day trip from the coast—from Bodrum, Marmaris, or Antalya—but for a more leisurely exploration, it’s best to stay overnight in the village of Pamukkale.
The complex has two entrances: the north and south entrances. The north entrance is best for those who want to start with the necropolis and the theater, then walk down the travertine terraces—this is a more logical route, moving from history to nature. The south entrance is convenient for quick access to Cleopatra’s Pool and the theater. The distance between the entrances is about 3 km with a significant elevation change; most visitors walk, but there is an electric shuttle bus operating within the complex. Buy tickets in advance online or at the ticket offices—this will save you time during peak hours.
You must walk on the travertine terraces barefoot—this is a mandatory rule to protect the fragile calcium terraces. Bring along: beach flip-flops (for changing before and after visiting the travertines), a swimsuit and towel (if you plan to visit Cleopatra’s Pool), comfortable shoes for exploring the ruins, a supply of water, and a light snack (prices at the café inside are high), sunscreen and a hat for a summer visit. Photographers should bring a wide-angle lens for the theater and a polarizing filter for shooting the terraces with water.
Start at the Northern Necropolis—more than 1,200 tombs from various eras give a sense of historical scale. Next, walk along Frontina Street to the Arch of Domitian (84–86 CE). Be sure to visit the 2nd–3rd-century Roman theater: the upper rows offer a panoramic view of the Lycos Valley, and the stage is adorned with reliefs depicting Dionysus, Apollo, and the Gorgon Medusa. In the eastern part, look for the octagonal martyrion of the Apostle Philip and the Plutonium near the Temple of Apollo. Finish your tour of the ruins at the 5th-century Byzantine basilica in the city center.
Cleopatra’s Pool, also known as the Ancient Pool, is a paid area with a separate entrance fee. The water temperature is 36°C, and the pool floor is lined with authentic ancient columns and capitals that fell during earthquakes. A swim takes between half an hour and an hour; you can change in the changing rooms nearby. Visit on weekdays before 11::00, or after 4::00—the area is most crowded at noon and on weekends. After visiting the Pool, it’s convenient to take a walk along the travertine terraces: take off your shoes and stroll across the warm white terraces with streams of thermal water.
The museum housed in the 2nd-century ancient baths is a logical final stop on the tour. It houses original reliefs from the theater, sculptures, sarcophagi, and tombstones with inscriptions in Greek, Latin, Aramaic, and Coptic. Use a high ISO setting when photographing the statues and frescoes—the lighting is dim. The tour takes about an hour. After the museum, you can exit through the south entrance and have dinner in the village of Pamukkale or Karaağaç, where they serve regional dishes from the Denizli province: tandir kebab, Denizli-style chicken, and a dessert made with figs and walnuts.