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,
Beautiful place that one must visit. There is no way to describe it, you must simply see it!
Despite the long (3.5hrs), but easy, journey from our resport this was well worth it. Pamukkale was amazing and not too busy – we went early moorning so was pretty clear. The ruins at the top were also unexpected – has a fantastic amphitheatre and the spa was well worth the extra. We stayed over to braek up the visit…
ruins of Hierapolis, St. Philip Martyrium, beautiful natural white travertine, Cleopatra's pool with thermal water, beautiful views – all you have to see. In May also colored red poppies!
Our next trip from Kusadasi was at Pamukkale and Hierapolis. This thrip includes also Thermal pool with Geiger at a 5* resort where was dinner too.
This trip was just one day… not enough to enjoyed at maximum … I think one day at Hierapolis and the Ancient Pool (Cleopatra Pool) and one day at thermal pool and resort was…
The ruins of Hierapolis is famed for its thermal hot springs. Next to these ruins are the gleaming white limestone terraces that are shaped like tea cups filled with light blue water often referred to as the "Cotton Castle". These terraces cover the hillside and makes a great vantage point for the town below. There is an area where people…
One of the brightest days of the whole life! Impressive. Worth visiting. We would go on our own and in the odd hours to stay away from the crowds unless it was so far. Bus tour is the most convenient way to get there though a little bit rush. Would love to be back to bask in snow-white waters for…
We only had six hours at Pamukkale (Hierapolis) so when we arrived it was decided that two hours would be spent in Cleopatra’s pool.
This is a large pool with shallow spots and five meter deep parts, the pool is about 35C with Roman columns within it.
I have never in life experienced anything like this before and recommend that…
This was well worth the time and effort. You may not be interested in history but once you have seen the water pools you will be blown away.
Hierapolis is the old city and much like any ruin city in all fairness but still worth a look at.
The calcium pools and so full of life ,it is truly amazing;…
it is best and just one activity flying whith paragliding over the hieraopolis ancient city and travertens just do it
This has to be a must on your trip to Turkey! It's one of the best places I've visited in the world!
Ancient ruins aside, the terraces are just amazing! The water is lovely and warm, the views are amazing from the mountain tops! It feels like you're on a snow capped mountain but with beautiful clear pools to rest…