Photos of Hierapolis
Ancient Hierapolis
Ancient Hierapolis - Hierapolis, Turkey
Ancient Hierapolis is located in Pamukkale, atop the travertine plateau about 18 km from Denizli. The city, founded in the 2nd century BC, grew around healing springs and a terrace dominating the valley, rising about 160 m. Since 1988 Hierapolis and the terraces of Pamukkale have been on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Among the preserved monuments are a large Roman theatre on the hillside, the ruins of the Temple of Apollo and the Plutonium - a sacred grotto with natural carbon dioxide emissions, known since antiquity. The theatre, with a well-preserved stage and reliefs, gives an impression of the city's scale in the Roman era.
In the early Byzantine period Hierapolis became an important center of Christian pilgrimage. Here is the 5th-century martyrion of Saint Philip and one of the largest necropolises in Asia Minor from the Hellenistic, Roman and early Christian periods. Visiting the ruins is usually combined with a walk across the white terraces of Pamukkale, which makes Hierapolis one of the region's most history-rich locations.
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Ancient Hierapolis is located in Pamukkale, atop the travertine plateau about 18 km from Denizli. The city, founded in the 2nd century BC, grew around healing springs and a terrace dominating the valley, rising about 160 m. Since 1988 Hierapolis and the terraces of Pamukkale have been on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Among the preserved monuments are a large Roman theatre on the hillside, the ruins of the Temple of Apollo and the Plutonium - a sacred grotto with natural carbon dioxide emissions, known since antiquity. The theatre, with a well-preserved stage and reliefs, gives an impression of the city's scale in the Roman era.
In the early Byzantine period Hierapolis became an important center of Christian pilgrimage. Here is the 5th-century martyrion of Saint Philip and one of the largest necropolises in Asia Minor from the Hellenistic, Roman and early Christian periods. Visiting the ruins is usually combined with a walk across the white terraces of Pamukkale, which makes Hierapolis one of the region's most history-rich locations.
Plan your route in advance.
Route through Hierapolis: the theatre, the Plutonium and the Antique Pool
It is convenient to start the visit from the south or north entrance to the site. The main street - Frontinus Street - leads from the Gate of Domitian past nymphaea, public latrines and the grand Roman Baths, which now house the Archaeological Museum of Hierapolis. Next to the Temple of Apollo is the Antique Pool, known as Cleopatra's Pool, with warm mineral water and columns fallen into the water. The Plutonium can only be viewed from the outside - the area is fenced off for safety reasons.
The Roman theatre rises in terraces for about 50 rows and held around 12,000 spectators. The stage and marble reliefs are partially restored and clearly show how performances were arranged. On the hilltop is the 5th-century martyrion of Saint Philip with a characteristic octagonal plan - today the foundations, steps and parts of the baptistery are visible, and the platform offers views over the valley.
The necropolis of Hierapolis stretches along the access roads to the city and impresses with its variety: tumuli, sarcophagi, house tombs with inscriptions. It is a good place to photograph details of stone carving and panoramas of the plateau; in central Pamukkale you can end the walk with a swim in the Antique Pool and a visit to the museum.
How to get there: minibuses run regularly from Denizli to Pamukkale from the bus station, then enter the site and walk along the equipped paths to the ruins; taxis go to the north and south gates, and there are parking lots at the entrances. Nearby Hierapolis are Laodicea near Denizli and the Karahayit thermal springs.
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