The ancient city of Hierapolis emerged when the Seleucids built it during Antiochus I's rule from 281-261 BC. The city began as a healing center where doctors used hot springs to heal their patients. The population grew to 100,000 residents, and the city amassed substantial wealth.
Hierapolis was devastated by a disastrous earthquake in 60 AD, but the city bounced back stronger. It achieved its greatest prominence during the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. Modern-day Pamukkale and Hierapolis receive a high volume of tourists who visit to witness this stunning blend of history and nature.
Tourists can witness well-maintained ancient ruins consisting of a stunning theater with excellent views, thermal baths, temple ruins, a huge arch, and a massive necropolis. UNESCO noticed the significance of this wonderful historical site and included it as a World Heritage Site in 1988, guaranteeing its conservation for centuries to come.
Some impressive structures catch every visitor's eye while exploring ancient Hierapolis ruins during their Turkey trip. These structures are a great way to get glimpses into the city's rich past and show why this archeological treasure fascinates travelers worldwide.
The Roman theatre is one of the most breathtaking structures in Hierapolis. It was built by Emperor Hadrian during the 2nd century AD and was later rebuilt by Septimius Severus. The well-preserved theatre could hold around 12,000 spectators. The structure has an exquisite facade decorated with carefully carved reliefs depicting myths and imperial issues.
The theater comes as a surprise to visitors especially with its exceptional acoustics and sweeping views of Pamukkale's white travertine terraces. The three-story stage building (skene) and the orchestra section with its exquisite marble flooring are fully visible. Visitors can ascend to the upper seats and feast their eyes on bird's-eye views of both the ancient city and the surrounding countryside.
The Temple of Apollo stands at the center of Hierapolis, the city's patron deity. Symbolically, the temple represents a strong association with Apollo, whom people believed founded the city. Next to the temple stands the mysterious Ploutonion, an ancient temple for Pluto, the underworld god.
Ploutonion has a small cave releasing toxic gasses through geological activity beneath the ground. Ancient priests performed rituals there and seemed to be unaffected by the deadly fumes, most likely held their breath or stayed above the gas level. The sacrificial animals died from the fumes, reinforcing the ancients’ belief that the site served as a direct gateway to the underworld.
The 5th-century AD octagonal Martyrium of St. Philip is built on the hill in the east overlooking Hierapolis. It is the location where Apostle Philip died around 80 AD. The octagonal design represents resurrection and eternal life in early Christian architecture.
There are eight chapels surrounding a courtyard in the martyrium, with traces of elaborate Byzantine adorns remaining today. The location is religious and gives excellent views of the archeological site. A steep climb leads to this monument, but the historical insight and panoramic views make it worthwhile.
The ancient thermal pool, referred to as "Cleopatra's Pool," enables swimmers to pass through Roman pillars and marble ruins. According to myth, the Egyptian queen bathed once here, although we lack any historical records.
Its hot, mineral-rich waters are high in calcium bicarbonate and have healed people for millennia. The remains of the massive Roman Bath complex are nearby, which was a social and medical hub. The structures show Roman engineering excellence through hypocaust heating systems and sensibly arranged water management schemes.
The ancient city of Hierapolis in Turkey shows remarkable urban planning with a grid system where streets run parallel or perpendicular to the main thoroughfare. The layout demonstrates the Roman inhabitants' advanced engineering and architectural expertise.
Frontinus Street forms the heart of Hierapolis' urban design. This grand colonnaded avenue stretches about 1,500 meters long and 14 meters wide. The street gets its name from Roman governor Julius Frontinus and acts as the city's main artery that splits Hierapolis into northern and southern parts.
Monumental gates with square towers built from massive stone blocks stand at both ends of this magnificent street. The northern entrance features the Domitian Gate (also called the Frontinus Gate). Built around 84-86 CE, this triumphal arch has three arches with circular towers. Visitors would feel awe-struck by this architectural masterpiece upon arrival.
The Byzantine period brought major changes. Two more gates appeared along the street in the late 4th century—the Northern and Southern Byzantine Gates. These structures used materials from the earthquake-damaged agora and had defensive towers. Their decorative elements included carved heads of lions, panthers, and Gorgons.
The agora was the commercial and social hub of Hierapolis. The architects moved this massive public square following earthquakes in the first century CE from between Frontinus Street and the eastern slope. It was Asia Minor's largest agora at 170 by 280 meters.
Pillars flanked the streets of Hierapolis on both sides and provided shaded pathways for pedestrians. Advanced sewage systems ran beneath the paved streets, covered by monolithic slabs. Houses and shops were linked together through travertine Doric façades that presented the streetscape in a uniform manner.
Two stunning nymphaea (monumental fountains) supplied water throughout Hierapolis. The Temple Nymphaeum appeared in the 2nd century CE near Apollo's temple in the sacred district. This U-shaped structure connected to a clever network of pipes that brought water to homes across the city.
The Nymphaeum of the Tritons came up in the early 3rd century CE. The fountain got its name from mythological sea creature decorations. Its impressive 60-meter façade displayed reliefs of Amazons, river personifications, and dolphins.
The gymnasium stands near the southern gate as a former social center of Hierapolis. Builders created this complex after the 60 CE earthquake. It featured a courtyard surrounded by a Doric portico at least 80 meters long on its southern side. Though called a gymnasium, it mainly served as an educational center that highlighted the city's focus on intellectual growth alongside physical training.
Hierapolis' residential buildings had unified façades that created a harmonious street view. Many homes included sophisticated thermal features to use the city's abundant natural hot springs. These springs remained crucial to daily life and prosperity in this remarkable ancient city.
Hierapolis boasts the largest of the ancient world's "city of the dead." This remarkable archeological site offers a great way to get insights into burial customs from the Hellenistic through Byzantine periods, making it one of the most unique Turkey attractions for history lovers.
The necropolis stretches over about 2 kilometers and includes northern, eastern, and southern areas of the ancient city. The northern necropolis stands as the largest with more than 1,200 identified tombs. The cemeteries spread along main roads connecting Hierapolis to nearby cities. This created a thriving landscape of Greco-Roman funerary culture. Most tombs date from the second century BCE to the third century CE. Researchers have interpreted about 300 inscriptions on tombstones so far.
Marcus Aurelius Ammianos' tomb is one of the most important historical monuments. He was a local miller who worked for the linen workers association. His tomb became famous because of its raised relief that marks the earliest known machine with a connecting rod and crank mechanism. The carving depicts a waterwheel that powered frame saws to cut rectangular blocks—a remarkable technological advancement for that time.
The necropolis shows clear signs of a large Jewish community in ancient Hierapolis. A few of the tombs have characteristic Jewish motifs like the seven-branched menorah. Tomb 148 B is a prime example. It belonged to Marcus Aurelius Philoumeno Streneion and has a carved menorah, palm leaf, and ram horn. Christian epitaphs emerged only from the fourth century CE. These also frequently cross-marked and Greek lettered alpha and omega, signifying Christ the beginning and end.
Hierapolis burial monuments provide evidence of diversity and social status of various traditions. Four forms are apparent:
The local limestone was the primary construction material for the majority of the tombs while marble was accessible only to the wealthy. Many of the sarcophagi feature elaborate reliefs and epitaphs, often depicting the occupation, life, and social status of the deceased. The necropolis serves not only as a cemetery but also as a valuable source of information about ancient Hierapolis.
A well-planned visit will provide an unforgettable experience at the beautiful UNESCO site Hierapolis. Visitors can choose between three entrance options and plan your stroll around the vast grounds.
The site has three entrances and every one of them does something uniquely different. The South Entrance lets you start early at 6:30 AM and gets you to the travertines in just 10-15 minutes. You'll get the best archeological views from the North Entrance as you walk through tombs and temples. The Town Entrance offers the most beautiful path that has you walking barefoot upon the terraces, but watch out since it is slippery.
Wear light, loose clothing, particularly in the summer. You'll need to take your shoes off to walk on the travertines, so wear something you can easily slip on and off. Pack a small bag with your shoes, sun block, a big hat, and sunglasses for protection from the reflective white surfaces.
The ideal time to avoid crowds is precisely 6:30 AM at the South Gate. The sunset hours are also a great time since most of the tour buses have left by then. The weather is nice and fewer people visit during spring months (April-June) and autumn months (September-October).
Hierapolis sits in south‑western Turkey, just north of the modern town of Pamukkale in Denizli Province. It crowns a limestone plateau overlooking Pamukkale’s famous white travertine terraces.
Not exactly. Pamukkale refers to the dazzling travertine hot‑spring terraces, while Hierapolis is the Greco‑Roman city that was built on the ridge directly above them.
Absolutely—you can walk among the ruins year‑round. The theatre, necropolis, Temple of Apollo, and ancient streets are all open to visitors and are among the best‑preserved Roman remains in Turkey.
Yes. In one stop you get striking archaeology, panoramic views over Pamukkale, and the option to bathe in the antique thermal pool where Claudius‑era columns lie under warm, clear water. Most travellers consider it a highlight of western Turkey.
Plan on two to three hours for the ancient city itself, or half a day if you combine it with a stroll over the travertines and a dip in Cleopatra’s Pool. Photography enthusiasts or history buffs may want longer.