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,
This is a review of just the ancient pools. I love thermal pools, so I couldn't pass this one up. When else would I get a chance to swim amongst Greek ruins? The pool was shaded, so you're out of the blazing sun. The water was warm, buoyant and incredibly fizzy, due to the soda content. It felt like being…
This is a site not to be missed both from uniqueness and to learn historical background.
The entrance fee is 20 TL. If you enter from Pamukkale entrance, you will start with the travertines (white pools and mountain) walking up.
I recommend to start early around 9am (before the groups arriving by bus from other cities) and take a minibus…
This is a large excavation site. The location of the public pools, garden and eating area was lovely. There are changing rooms. Plan to spend the day. There is a museum also.
The stadium is worth the trip. They are trying to recover the past here and they are doing a great job of it. The only part that is a little disappointing is the tourist trap at the watering hole where you can swim.. I get why it is there but it is a little high priced and I wish that…
The shuttle to the top was excellent to help us get going. Then we worked our way down with the guide. Weather cooperated a lot.
After arriving in Pamukkale area, you will see the Antique Theatre and be informed by our guides (in English, Dutch and German). Then you will have the chance to walk on travertines that were formed by the flow of hot calcium-laden water on earth. You can bathe in the pools as you walk up to the ancient city of Hierapolis….
It is a one of a kind attraction. Do not miss it. Worth the time and money. Take a bathing suit and soak a bit in the pools if not too crowded, skip the pool behind the restaurant, it is a cesspool.
fascinating, stunning, incredible hot springs. Remove your shoes, and walk in the waters..spendid…must visit site!
Pamukkale was in my dreams since Im a child.
We got a hotel just across the road so we could see it at sunset, night, sunrise, etc.
It is amazing, even though they are working and drilling on site every here and there to keep the travertines building, the whole complex is to die for.
The smoky swimming pool with…
For Christians, this is the sight of one of of the seven churches (Laodicia) and the luke warm waters in the book of Revelations. It is also where the apostle Philip was martyred. The sulpher mountain is a truly unique natural site and deserves a visit.