Museum
Theater of Hierapolis
The theater dates to Emperor Hadrian's time, presumably after the earthquake of 60 AD. It seated around 15,000 spectators. It lies on the slope above Hierapolis' main street, near the Antique Pool.
Turkey
Pamukkale & Hierapolis
Point of InterestUNESCONature
Pamukkale is an approximately 2.7-kilometer long slope of white travertine terraces in the Aegean hinterland, about 20 kilometers from Denizli.
by Felix Gillen
Pamukkale is an approximately 2.7-kilometer long slope of white travertine terraces in the Aegean hinterland, about 20 kilometers from Denizli. Above the terraces lies the ancient city of Hierapolis, featuring a theater, necropolis, and thermal pool dating back to Roman times. Since 1988, Hierapolis-Pamukkale has been a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Sights in Pamukkale & Hierapolis
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Attraction
Laodikeia
The ancient city is located approximately six kilometers north of Denizli and about a 15-minute drive from Pamukkale village. For decades, it has been excavated under the direction of Pamukkale University, and the restored West Theater has been reopened for events. Since 2013, Laodikeia has been on UNESCO's Tentative List.
Attraction
Travertine Terraces
The white slope is about 2.7 kilometres long, 600 metres wide and 160 metres high. The calcium-rich thermal water has formed pools and terraces. You may only walk on them barefoot, and parts are closed at times so the travertine can recover.
Ancient Pool (Cleopatra's Pool)
The thermal pool at Hierapolis is also called the Cleopatra Pool, though the legend about the Egyptian queen is unproven. At its bottom lie marble columns and capitals, which presumably fell into the water from the nearby Temple of Apollo during earthquakes. The spring water is around 36 degrees all year round. To bathe, you pay a separate fee in addition to Hierapolis admission.
Hierapolis Archaeological Museum
The museum is housed in Hierapolis' Roman Southern Baths, begun under Hadrian and finished under Septimius Severus. Since February 1, 1984, it displays finds from Hierapolis and Lykos Valley cities like Laodikeia, Kolossai, and Tripolis. Exhibits include Laodikeia sarcophagi and stage building reliefs from the Hierapolis Theatre. The open-air area displays marble and stone architectural elements.
Restaurants in Pamukkale & Hierapolis
Wine bar with restaurant on Atatürk Caddesi in Pamukkale village. Besides a wide wine selection, Kebab, Köfte, and mixed grill platters are served for lunch and dinner; outdoor seating is also available.
Restaurant on Cumhuriyet Square, the small center of Pamukkale village. The menu offers Anatolian classics like Testi Kebab from a clay pot, Mantı, Sac Kavurma, grilled Köfte, and Menemen.
Restaurant in Pamukkale village, just a few steps from the travertine terraces. The cooking is Turkish: mixed meze platter, döner, kebabs and pide. Good for a meal after walking down from the terraces.
Food and Drink
In Pamukkale village, choices are limited; the places on Atatürk Caddesi serve Meze, Köfte, lamb skewers, and Gözleme.
Denizli kebab
Lamb cooked in a wood-fired oven. This kebab is the best-known specialty of Denizli Province.
Gözleme
Filled flatbread baked on a tray, a staple in the village's restaurants.
Tavas Baklava
Baklava from Tavas district in Denizli province, registered as a traditional regional product.
Culture & History
HierapolisThe city was founded under the Seleucid Antiochus I, and Pergamon's King Eumenes II later granted it city rights. The theatre dates back to the time of Emperor Hadrian and accommodated around 15,000 spectators. The necropolis extends for more than two kilometres and contains approximately 1,200 tombs.Thermal SpringsIn the area, 17 hot springs emerge with temperatures between 35 and 100 °C. Their calcareous water has formed the terraces. Parts of the terraces are temporarily closed to allow the deposits to recover.Early ChristianityOn a hill outside the northeastern city wall stands the 5th-century Martyrion of the Apostle Philip, an octagonal structure about 20 metres in diameter. Approximately 40 metres away, a tomb was discovered in 2011 that is associated with Philip.
Arrival & Transport
Getting ThereThe nearest city is Denizli, about 20 kilometers away. Trains run from İzmir via Selçuk to Denizli. From Denizli bus station, minibuses run regularly to Pamukkale village.On SiteThe terraces may only be entered barefoot; sandals and swim shoes are also forbidden. The travertine is rough and slippery in wet areas. The Ancient Pool with submerged marble columns requires a separate entrance fee.TipAvoiding the Barefoot Walk: Via the North Gate, you can reach Hierapolis without walking over the terraces.Laodikeia: The excavation site is about a 15-minute drive south of the village and can easily be visited on the same day.
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