The presence of a hot spring at Hierapolis and the spectacular calcium deposits from its water spilling over the nearby hillside suggest that there should be evidence of an early settlement there. The oldest Inscription found so far, however, indicates it was founded by Eumenes II, king of Pergamon, in the latter part of the second century B.C.; it soon became a busy industrial center.
Pagan worship in the city centered around Cybele, Apollo, Artemis, Men, Poseidon, and Pluto. Underneath the Temple of Apollo has been found the Plutonium, an opening in the earth from which a noxious gas still comes. The temple is between the pool where the hot spring rises and the large theater on the side of the hill. To the north along the rim of the plateau is a long avenue of tombs.
Traditionally St. Philip is connected with the early church in Hierapolis. Fairly recently Italian archeologlsts have discovered his Martyrium, an octagonal chamber forming a double cross surrounded by a square. This is almost due north of the theater, also on the side of the hill. It was a fifth century A.D. building and did not last much more than 100 years. No tomb was found with it although that was expected. There are several ruins of churches, one not far from the baths, one on the main road leading to the necropolis.
Hierapolis is listed in the New Testament along with Laodicea as the center of Epaphras’s work (Colos-sians 4:13). This was at the time Paul was writing to strengthen the message Epaphras was preaching and to condemn the “people who go in for self-mortification and angel-worship” (Colossians 2:18). Another less well-known resident of Hierapolis was Papias, a disciple of St. John and the author of the lost book called the Sayings of Jesus.
While Epaphras was is that area, a young slave was growing up in Hierapolis, a boy whose original name is unknown but whom we call by the Greek for “Acquired”, Epictetus. In his Discourses Epictetus often talks about the perfect missionary whose bed was the ground, whose only house the earth and sky and a shabby cloak, and who must love those who misuse him in the service of God. One wonders what the influence of those early Christians, many of whom were slaves themselves, was on this Stoic philosopher.
Hierapolis,
WI was part of a tour group and we walked through Hierapolis and then to the pools
Fantastic adventure to see both amazing sights in one morning
The pools were a gorgeous azure blue and when the sun came out they were absolutely magical
Never underestimate the magic of nature
Everything was worth visiting and exploring
Hierapolis consists of ancient ruins that are remarkably intact especially the ampitheatre…there is also Cleopatra's basin a natural heated spring where you can swim over ruined columns in the sulphurous water with gas bubbles….nice and refreshing at around 23C…
Pamukkale is travantine terraces which are mind blowingly spectacular…all fed from the natural heated spring….photos cannot do this justice……
Hierapolis and Pamukkale has the best of Turkey in one place. Unsurprisingly, there is a rich historical component to this site. Outdoor ruins litter the space, while you can pay a small extra fee to enjoy the optional museums containing artifacts. Additionally, you can swim in Cleopatra's Pool (for an extra 30 Turkish lira). While it won't provide much refreshment…
Pammukale is worth the trip up the mountain
Hieropolis is not really outstanding once you've seen Ephesus
even if it was sooo hot outside, me and my husbend enjoyed v much this location…. the wather was soo hot and the sights soo nice.is like a mountain of snow…but u r in the middle of the summer! everyone will sure like!
The ruins are impressive but my highlight was walking on the white calcium terraces. No shoes please. I wonder if they may stop this in the future to protect them?
I considered swimming in the Cleopatra Pools but decided against it in the end. My friends did that and I took pictures. They said it overpriced and overrated. Also there…
One of the must-do attractions in Turkey. Spend at least an hour here. If you are short on time, spend the time wading in the calcium pools rather than going to the antique pool. But do both if you can. A sight to behold!
I have the most BEAUTIFUL pictures of this place. Google this if you're going to Antalya!
Excellent archaeological site. Swim in the Antique Pool or hike up to the Amphitheater, tour the museum, or nap in the shade.
Hierapolis is an interesting place to visit, but is quite spread out with very little shade and not well signed. The map was helpful but not very accurate. We were glad we were not visiting in the middle of the Summer.