You can make your holiday on the Turkish Riviera special with a trip to the ancient city of Hierapolis, which, together with the magnificent natural phenomenon Pamukkale, is on the UNESCO list. Even if you lose a day of lounging by the sea, I definitely recommend visiting these two places. In this guide “Hierapolis, Turkey: Best Things to Do and See in the Ancient City near Pamukkale” I will share what to visit and how to make the most of your trip.
When I set off on the trip, I didn’t have any high expectations. But both Hierapolis and Pamukkale took my breath away. I set off early in the morning from Side and the journey definitely took about three hours, but when I returned late in the evening, I was absolutely captivated and satisfied.
Hierapolis: Basic Information
Hierapolis is an ancient town, located in southwestern Turkey, in Denizli province. In its immediate vicinity, you’ll find the magnificent Pamukkale, boasting its limestone pools.
The name Hierapolis translates to “Holy City” and was built above the travertine terraces of Pamukkale, above the Lycus River valley. Today, you can admire the preserved monuments that have survived wars and massive earthquakes.
TIP: Read 25 tips on what to do in Antalya.
Getting there and Tickets
The easiest way to get to Hierapolis is as part of an organized tour, whether from a travel agency or the travel portal GetYourGuide. However, it’s not impossible to visit on your own. Just get to the nearby city of Denizli, which has bus connections from almost all tourist resorts.
Entrance to the ancient city and adjacent Pamukkale costs 200 TRY, which is approximately 145 CZK. For an additional fee, you can swim in Cleopatra’s Antique Pool.
What to See and Do in Hierapolis
The ancient city of Hierapolis and its adjacent natural pearl Pamukkale are among the popular places for trips in Turkey. Within the complex, you can see:
- Pamukkale: A natural phenomenon known for its white limestone terraces, formed by the deposition of minerals from hot springs.
- Roman Baths: The Roman Baths in Hierapolis were once a place for gatherings, religious rituals, and relaxation; today, they have been converted into an archaeological museum.
- Theater from the time of Emperor Hadrian: The theater, built during the reign of Roman Emperor Hadrian, is one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in Hierapolis. Its capacity reached up to 12,000 spectators.
- Agora: The Agora was a public square in Hierapolis where commercial, political, and social activities took place.
- Nymphaeum: The Nymphaeum consists of the remains of a former monumental fountain that served as a water source.
- City Gate: The main city gate in Hierapolis was the entry point to the city. It was richly decorated to emphasize the city’s wealth and importance.
- Main Street: In Hierapolis, you can admire the preserved main street, which once connected important public and religious buildings.
- Temples: Hierapolis had several temples dedicated to various gods, the most significant of which was the Temple of Apollo.
- Necropolis: The Necropolis in Hierapolis was one of the largest and most extensive in the ancient world. It contains over 1200 tombs of various types, from simple graves to monumental family mausoleums.
- Cleopatra’s Antique Pool: One of the city’s main attractions is Cleopatra’s Antique Pool, which is a natural thermal pool. The pool is surrounded by the ruins of ancient stones and columns that fell into it during earthquakes. Legend has it that these baths were a favorite spot of Queen Cleopatra herself.
Hierapolis: a Glimpse into History
Hierapolis, whose history dates back to the 3rd century BC. , was founded as part of the Greek kingdom of Phrygia. It is located in an area popular for its thermal springs, which attracted settlers from the earliest times.
Hierapolis experienced its peak development during the reign of Roman Emperor Tiberius and was destroyed after a massive earthquake in 1334. From the city, an amphitheater, a paved road, a Byzantine gate, Domitian’s Gate, the original pool with marble columns, and a necropolis have been preserved.
Hierapolis prospered due to the use of hot springs in dyeing woolen fabrics and also thanks to the textile trade. At the same time, the city was renowned for the healing effects of its local baths.
Today, the ruins of Hierapolis, along with the adjacent travertine terraces of Pamukkale, are considered one of the most significant archaeological and natural sites in Turkey, which was also recognized by its inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Tips for Visiting Hierapolis and Pamukkale
For a trip to Hierapolis and Pamukkale, I recommend wearing comfortable footwear, as the terrain can be stony and uneven. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and sun protection, especially during the summer months. I also think it’s best to visit the city either early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and extreme heat.
And if you plan to swim in the mineral springs or baths, don’t forget to pack your swimsuit and towel. Also, be aware that you can only walk on the cascading terraces of Pamukkale barefoot.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Hierapolis?
Hierapolis was an ancient city located in the southwestern part of modern-day Turkey, near Pamukkale. It is primarily known for its warm mineral springs and ruins, which are now part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
What is the history of Hierapolis?
The city was founded in the 2nd century BC and throughout its history, it was an important center of Hellenistic culture in Asia Minor and later of the Roman Empire.
What sights can I visit in Hierapolis?
Among the main attractions are the ancient theater with a capacity of 12,000 spectators, the well-preserved Roman baths, now converted into a museum, and a magnificent cemetery with over 1200 tombs. Don’t forget to also visit the remains of the Temple of Apollo and the Christian basilica.
What are the opening hours?
Hierapolis is open to visitors daily, usually from morning until evening. Opening hours may vary depending on the season, so we recommend checking current information before your visit. Entrance fees vary, but usually include access to the Pamukkale travertines.
How do I get to Hierapolis?
Hierapolis is located approximately 18 kilometers north of the city of Denizli. Denizli can be easily reached by train or bus from most major Turkish cities, from there, you can continue to Pamukkale by bus, taxi, or even on foot. You can also take advantage of organized tours.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
