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,
If you ever find yourself with the chance to visit, then you MUST… Spectacular scenery – you walk through ruins of Heirapolis to get to Cleopatra's pool – where the water is at 36 degrees and fizzes! Although this costs an additional 30TL for pool entry, it really is worth it for the experience!
Then dry off and walk over…
On vacation in Oludeniz, my wife & I signed up for this tour. It's a bit of a long bus ride, but well worth it! "She who must be obeyed" had her heart set on walking all the way down Pamukkale. I headed for the ancient ruins of Hierapolis. This is a good tourist site with 3 places: The geology…
Hieropolis is HUGE – most people on tours just see the Tavertines and maybe the ampitheatre but the site goes on for ever and it is so easy to wander around and explore. Take some water and a snack and head away from the crowds then treat yourself to a swim in the Antique Pool or Tavertines.
Booked the 2 day trip to Ephesus & Pamukkale when i arrived.Asked a number of the Street vendors selling the trips. Finally chose Pioneer Travel as they offered me the best deal of £50 for the 2 days. Was very impressed with the Tour Giude Yosef. Very Knowlageble and Interesting on both days. There was 15 of us on a…
When we first approached Pamukkale, it was hard to believe that the color of the cliffs were made by Sodium bicarbonate! Some of the cliffs are available to climb on, but most of it is off limits in order to preserve this sight. The ruins on top are interested and worth seeing.
we have just lived an entire day in pamukkale and hierapolis.
first of all we suggest you to start the visit from the north gate, the ticket is 20TL each and we strongly recomend to bring some sun cream, sun glasses and a hat cos sun is realy strong and there is no shadows anywhere.
starting from north gate allows…
Bring good walking shoes and your swimming gear.
The sulpur mountains are definately worth a trip. It looks like snow on the side of a mountain. Try to go early before it gets too hot and loads of other tour buses arrive.
Bring good walking shoes with you so you can do as much walking as possible – there is…
I went along with my husband & friends. It was an amzing n mesmarising place. If u see the place you go with out words u will feel short of words to how to express ur feelings about that place. Its just beautiful COTTON CASTLE. When u are about to reach that place u can actually see that white mountain…
It wasn't far from the main road and it is just unlike anything you have seen before.
Such a wonder of the world. World heritage by unesco..İn Turkey.Calcium pools are looks like frozen water fall .. Excelllent world