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,
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/guide/public_html/wp-content/plugins/gd-star-rating/code/blg/frontend.php on line 705
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/guide/public_html/wp-content/plugins/gd-star-rating/code/blg/frontend.php on line 574
We arrived in Pamukkale late, so didn't have time to see all of Hierapolis, but once we had trekked up all the way with bare feet through the calcium pools (quite a way but worth it) we sat and watched the sun set from the Roman theatre. It was magical.
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/guide/public_html/wp-content/plugins/gd-star-rating/code/blg/frontend.php on line 705
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/guide/public_html/wp-content/plugins/gd-star-rating/code/blg/frontend.php on line 574
It was nice, but nothing spectacular. Pamukkale was interesting to see but nothing like Salinas in Peru. Very touristy.
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/guide/public_html/wp-content/plugins/gd-star-rating/code/blg/frontend.php on line 705
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/guide/public_html/wp-content/plugins/gd-star-rating/code/blg/frontend.php on line 574
No need to use your imagination at this site. İt is all almost as it was in it's day…
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/guide/public_html/wp-content/plugins/gd-star-rating/code/blg/frontend.php on line 705
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/guide/public_html/wp-content/plugins/gd-star-rating/code/blg/frontend.php on line 574
Made the drive from Cesme to Hierapolis and could not have been more happy that I did. A plethora of history and wonderment. Start in the northern necropolis and walk toward the theater. Climb the hill to the Martyrdom of St. Philip and then head back down hill and relax at the hot spring complex. Slightly expensive food but a…
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/guide/public_html/wp-content/plugins/gd-star-rating/code/blg/frontend.php on line 705
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/guide/public_html/wp-content/plugins/gd-star-rating/code/blg/frontend.php on line 574
Cotton castle was the highlight of my trip. Seen beautiful photos of Pamukkale before my visit but stepping in the waters myself was a whole new experience. The water is warm and pebble ground a little prickly. You can walk all the way down and enjoy the breath-taking sights from all angles. Only had 1.5hrs there and I didn't want…
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/guide/public_html/wp-content/plugins/gd-star-rating/code/blg/frontend.php on line 705
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/guide/public_html/wp-content/plugins/gd-star-rating/code/blg/frontend.php on line 574
Sprawling ruins with nice views in all directions. Bring your own tourbook as most guides only take you to the travertines/Cleopatra pool.
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/guide/public_html/wp-content/plugins/gd-star-rating/code/blg/frontend.php on line 705
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/guide/public_html/wp-content/plugins/gd-star-rating/code/blg/frontend.php on line 574
What a fun place to explore. Try and ignore the crowds at the travertines (although you will want to try the water), and the overcrowded baths of Cleopatra, and explore the necropolis of Hierapolis. What an interesting site!
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/guide/public_html/wp-content/plugins/gd-star-rating/code/blg/frontend.php on line 705
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/guide/public_html/wp-content/plugins/gd-star-rating/code/blg/frontend.php on line 574
We began with a visit to Hieropolis which was virtually empty. Our tour group loved it. It was fascinating especially the amphitheatre.
When you emerge into the vista of the stunning travertine pools, you realise most tourists skip the excavated site which is such a travesty. I can't add anymore to the plaudits & advice given by others.
This UNESCO…
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/guide/public_html/wp-content/plugins/gd-star-rating/code/blg/frontend.php on line 705
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/guide/public_html/wp-content/plugins/gd-star-rating/code/blg/frontend.php on line 574
I am always in awe at the intelligence and skills the previous generations used to create these wonders. This is one place the whole family have to see. Highly recommed
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/guide/public_html/wp-content/plugins/gd-star-rating/code/blg/frontend.php on line 705
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/guide/public_html/wp-content/plugins/gd-star-rating/code/blg/frontend.php on line 574
I went to see Pamukkale but was bowled over by the remains of Hierapolis. It is a pity that earthquakes have led to much of it falling down but what is left gives one a real feeling of what it must have been like at the time it was built. Do not just go and see the amphitheatre. Wander the…