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,
We were first attracted to this Unesco World Heritage site by the pristine white travertine terraces, only to discover that the Hierapolis ruins and necropolis on the same site are worth the trip on their own. We spent 2 hours touring the grounds and another hour on the travertine terraces. We chose not to swim in the ancient ''hot springs''…
If you are anywhere near, you really should try to visit Pamukkale. We did a 2 day (1 night stay) from Icmeler. It was a long drive, but well worth the effort.
It had to be seen to be believed! Most of the travertines are now drained of water, to protect them, but there are still some full, these are…
Swim in the Antique Pool or hike up to the amphitheater, or relax under the trees in the shade, or visit the nice museum.
It's VERY far from the main resorts in Antalya (approx 4 hours' drive from Kemer). Be mindful of the fact that most local tour operators have 'deals' with affiliates where they introduce customers along the journey. We had to stop at a 'carpet and duvet' store, a pistachio producer and a wine-maker as part of the trip, all designed to…
Pamakale was amazing. The white and blue travatines where beautiful. We also swam in the antique pool with ruins which was quite fun sitting on ancient columns in the pool however there would have been over 100 people in the pool at least which made it extremely crowded and I saw two band aids float by. Got an eye infection…
Came here with a Rick Steves' Tour and it was a definite highlight of my 13 day adventure through Turkey. From the hike through the Necropolis, to the trek up to the massive hilltop theatre, to the poignant journey up to the site of Saint Phillip's martydom, to the surreal dips in the travertines, this place leaves a definite impression…
You have to walk up the travertine in your bare feet with water running down the travertine. It has grooves in it so it is not too slippery. You can't find this kind of experience anywhere. The Antique Pool was a bit pricey at $20 but it was also a unique experience.
We had a two day trip with Thomas Cook, beware of the add-ons-carpet factory, onyx factory, compulsry restaurant visit, which in the end cost us double the original booking price.
Pamukkale was fantastic, you will be in awe of the scenery, and the Roman ruins are huge it was amazing. Fully recommend it.
A very spectacular place rich in history and amazing sights! This is not found close to the coast, you need to find extra time and special trip to get here. It took us at least 4 hours by bus from Fethiye but we have no regrets! Our long and tiresome trip was paid by a spectacular sight first off by…
The hierapolis is amazing. The springs are nice, but the ruins will captivate you. Don't miss!
Logistical considerations: There are two entrances by car (one nearer the ruins and one nearer the pools). There is also a thermal pool that one can swim in (with changing rooms and a bar) but that one closes around 6-7pm depending on the season….