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,
One of the most beautiful places I've seen in my life. Stunning, magnificent…
I strongly recommend to walk bit off the park limits so you can get better views of the travertines
The walk up and down Pamukkale was truly magic, yes there are many people but we found that by going later the crowds were thinner. Try to come down as the sun sets as the last light creates spectacular images. Do not rush but take your time and soak your feet once in a while.
Hierapolis was nicer to explore…
This site is NOT to be missed. One of Turkey's highlights solely because you get two magnificent attractions for a single entry fee. It spectacularly combines a sprawling archaeological site with an equally stunning geological phenomenon. I arrived in Pammukkale via public bus from Selcuk (Ephesus). It took about 3 hours to get here. It is very easy to overlook…
A great ste of ruins to walk through with an agora, necropolis, amphitheater right on the thermal cascades. Worth a visit.
Worth visiting this place as it's very interesting and you learn alot about the history. Also the place is very well preserved.
Pamkale is beautiful & amazing with its roman ancient ruins & its calcified walls with water running down them & the refreshhing spring pools that tourists are allowed tpo paddle in. there is also an oppurtunity to swim in the antique pool but this will cost an extra 30 tl. we booked ours through a local travel company it was…
The Beauty in white has left me and my family completely speechless. We were all too tired after a 3 hour one way drive from Antalya , but in no time upon arriving realised it was all worth it. The warm natural tubs of water with sulphur took all the tiredness away. It's a splendid work of nature which is…
If you are in Turkey and you have even only just enough time to see this place you really must go. It is truly incredible. You have to probably put aside your hatred of crowded places and just imagine it empty unless you go out of season. It would be amazing in the winter as all the water is 37deg…
Pamukkale is one of the most strange place that i have ever been. The guide said that If you swim in this water you' ll become ten years younger:) I had some pain on my knees, after one week i felt better.
We loved the walk from Pamukkale townentrance and walking up barefooted, having a dip in the hotwaters above and stroll around the ancientold streets. We did not like the town of Pamukkale where we stayed, we had a bad experience in one restaurant where they charged 30% more than we consumed and before they did that a man told us…