History of Pamukkale & Hierapolis
Brief Overview
2nd Century BC: Hierapolis was founded by the Attalid kings of Pergamon.
133 BC: The city became part of the Roman Empire.
60 AD: Hierapolis was severely damaged by an earthquake but was subsequently rebuilt.
Early Christian Period: The Apostle Philip is said to have been martyred here, and a Martyrium was constructed in his honour.
4th Century AD: Hierapolis became an important centre for Christianity.
12th Century AD: The city was abandoned after a series of earthquakes and invasions.
The Grand Theatre: Constructed during the Roman period, it could seat around 12,000 spectators and showcases elaborate stone carvings.
The Temple of Apollo: Dedicated to Apollo, the god of prophecy, music, and healing. It highlights the religious significance of the city.
The Plutonium: A sacred cave believed to be an entrance to the underworld, used for rituals by ancient priests.
The Necropolis: One of the largest ancient cemeteries in Turkey, containing thousands of tombs and sarcophagi, offering insights into ancient burial practices and social structure.
Cleopatra’s Pool: Also known as the Antique Pool, it is surrounded by ancient columns and ruins. The pool is believed to have been used by Cleopatra for its rejuvenating properties.
1957: Pamukkale was declared a protected area by the Turkish government to preserve its unique geological formations.
1988: Pamukkale and Hierapolis were collectively designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognising their combined natural and historical significance.
>> Here you can find essential information you should know before visiting Pamukkale!
HISTORY of pamukkale / A Journey Through Time
The Birth of a Natural Wonder
Imagine a place where the earth makes art on its own. Pamukkale, which in Turkish means "Cotton Castle," is an exquisite spot to see. This natural beauty is in the southwestern part of Turkey. Mineral-rich thermal waters have carved out smooth, white terraces that fall off a hillside. When lit up, the layers of rock that form these hills resemble a magical frozen waterfall.
The Foundation of Hierapolis
That's not the end of the story yet. The strange rock formations are right next to the old city of Hierapolis, which is full of history and myth. When the kings of Pergamon founded Hierapolis in the 2nd century BC, it quickly became a popular spa city, drawing people from all over to try the healing waters of its hot springs.
A City of Culture and Healing
As you walk through Hierapolis, you can almost hear the sounds of people who lived in past centuries. The grand theatre, which can hold thousands of people, is a magnificent example of how culturally and architecturally advanced the city is. Think about the vivacious shows and loud cheers that used to fill the air.
The Sacred Temple of Apollo
The Temple of Apollo honours the god of healing, music, and prophecy. Priests from long ago used this place to explain what the gods wanted and help people looking for it. Plutonium is a cave located near the temple, which many mystic for an underground entrance. In ancient times, it was a place of wonder and fear where priests performed ceremonies to connect with God.
Ancient Necropolis
One of the most captivating things about Hierapolis is the Necropolis, which is a huge graveyard that is more than two kilometres long. In these ornate sarcophagi and grand mausoleums, the bodies of elderly people rest. Each one tells a story about the past. The different types of tombs, from simple graves to complex family tombs, show how different the social classes are in the city.
The Legend of Cleopatra’s Pool
You must see Cleopatra's Pool as you look around the ruins of Hierapolis. There is a story that the Egyptian queen swam in these waters because she thought it could heal her. Old columns and pieces surround the pool, making a swim here feel like a journey through history. The water is warm and full of minerals.
A Tapestry of History and Nature
Together, Pamukkale and Hierapolis' stories make a tapestry of natural beauty and ancient significance. From the beautiful terraces formed by rocks that have been there for thousands of years to the old ruins that tell stories of a different time, this place captures the mind and spirit of everyone who comes here. It's a spot where natural beauty and historical sounds come together to make an experience like no other.
Bestseller Pamukkale Tickets
Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis and the stunning white travertines of Pamukkale. Discover rich historical ruins, thermal pools, and unique natural wonders in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. + more details
Explore the ancient Roman spa city of Pamukkale on a guided tour with transfers. Discover the red hot springs of Karahayit, marvel at white travertine terraces, and see the ruins of Hierapolis. Marvel at the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site. + more details
Discover the stunning white terraces formed by thermal waters and explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis. This tour includes lunch and hotel transfers but does not cover entrance fees to Pamukkale, Hierapolis, or Cleopatra's Pool. + more details
Explore the natural wonders and ancient history on this full-day tour from Antalya to Pamukkale, including entrance fees (€30) to Pamukkale and Hierapolis. This tour offers the convenience of hotel pick-up and drop-off, a delicious breakfast, a delightful lunch, and an enriching experience at two of Turkey’s most famous attractions. + more details
Travel from Antalya to the “Cotton Palace” of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis, on a full-day guided tour. Visit the Apollo temple, the Roman baths, the agora and other sites. Enjoy lunch and a swim in the soothing thermal waters. + more details
Explore the natural wonders and ancient history on this full-day tour from Antalya to Pamukkale. This tour including entrance fees to Pamukkale and Hierapolis, hotel pick-up and drop-off, breakfast, lunch, and an enriching experience at two of Turkey’s most famous attractions + more details
Visit Pamukkale's thermal springs, framed by the otherworldly beauty of natural calcium terraces. Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis on a small group tour and enjoy lunch in a unique setting. + more details
Discover the Cotton Castle of Turkey on this exclusive private day tour. Departing from Istanbul, this trip is perfect for those who wish to experience the magic of Pamukkale but are short on time. + more details
Visit Pamukkale on this private tour from Istanbul with Round-trip domestic flight tickets between Istanbul and Denizli. + more details
Explore Turkey's UNESCO World Heritage Sites with a skilled pilot. Tandem paragliding is a thrilling way to see the beautiful landscape of Pamukkale from above. + more details
Soar above the stunning white terraces of Pamukkale on a breathtaking hot air balloon ride, taking in panoramic views of this natural wonder at sunrise. + more details
Best Combo Ticket For Pamukkale
Explore Turkey's UNESCO World Heritage Sites on a 2-day tour with return flights from Istanbul. Visit Ancient Ephesus, the House of Virgin Mary, the Temple of Artemis, Hierapolis, and Pamukkale. + more details