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,
Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is best approached via the ancient city of Hierapolis, thereby avoiding for as long as possible, the vast crowds of tourists descending on the natural phenomenon of the terraces and pools.
Hirapolis is part of the Pamukkale experience, and has it's own merits. The site is well maintained and very astheticaly pleasing, The ampitheatre and temple were great to see. And the entrance fee, i would say is reasonable. We went in summer, and it gets very hot in the afternoon, so beware.
The castles of "cotton" travertine limestone are the main natural attraction of the ancient greek spa town (and perhaps of allTurkey), while the Roman amphitheater, about a kilometer of this, is the leader among the monuments in ruins . If you have time, take a dip in the ancient thermal pool too!
Amazing terraces of limestone with glistening pools and cascades. Bring your swimming costumes to really enjoy this unusual experience. And if bathing doesn't grab you, the Roman city of Hierapolis will provide hours of interest wandering around the well preserved city.
Pamukkale and Hierapolis are simply stunning. Well worth the 4.5 hour drive from our villa in Bodrum. The cost was 25 lira each (£8 – $12) this covers entrance into the geological site as well as the ancient city of Hierapolis.
When entering the water you need to take your shoes and socks off, but the surface is quite smooth…
A must see – the ruins and the white cloud mineral formations. It's a hike up the hill to see where St. Phillips was martyed but well worth every step. The views for nearly every point at Hierapolis are exquiste and extensive. spend the better half or more of the day there. There are mineral springs with ancient columns in…
Was a long day, but as it was out-of season, the minibus was much faster than advertised. Brilliant day, beautiful views and I had to be coaxed out of the pool, which was wonderful.
I would recommend this only to those who can walk on unsteady ground.
I've been there a few times, and I hope some of you will take advantage of my advice.
I personally prefer a daytrip to Hierapolis & Pamukkale OR a stop over when travelling from one place to another. Staying overnight might be boring as the surrounding hotels and Denizli city do not have much to offer. You will need 2-to-3…
We had a wonderful holiday in Turkey, including over a week in Istanbul and a tour of the Anatolian region. Anatolia is so rich in terms of culture, history and natural attractions that it's hard to single out any particular site, but I think my favourite was Pamukkale. The white calcium terraces are a marvel, and right next to them…
Heirapolis has three main attractions:
1. the natural springs of hot, calcium laden waters that create the beautiful, snow-white mineral cascades.
2. the ancient city with many ruins.
3. the mention by St. Paul in the New Testament. It is very close to ancient Laodicea.
I disliked the large groups of tourists that take up the entire walk with no…