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,
We were on a tour which did not give us enough time to explore this very spread out interesting site. We had a wander around the Cleopatra's pool area before wandering up towards the theatre where there is a lot of restoration work going on and the views from up there over the site were most impressive.
Loved the experience of walking up the slope in bare feet. Nice to see they take proper care of it, as you hear the whistles as the staff keep tourists within the rules. Shame it is so busy though.
Well landscaped and organized – LONG walk, but during the day there is a free shuttle for the round trip back to your bus. Bring lots of camera cards.
I had wanted to visit this place since booking my holiday to Marmaris. There were pro's and cons with it and I will be as honest as i possibly can.
The drive from Marmaris is extremely long, about 3.5 hours each way including one breakfast stop. Time available actually in Pamukkale/Hierapolis was about 3 hours and I would have to…
Hierapolis was fabulous to see, wander about and touch…. The amphitheatre is amazing. The calcium pools are incredible and viewing them at sunset is breathtaking!
This World Heritage site deserves more than just a few hours on a day trip. The travertines are a stunning sight, especially at sunset. The ascent from the village of Pamukkale, rather than from the car parks at the top of the plateau, is superb. Bring swimwear so you can enjoy the cool water cascading over the blinding white calcium…
has a cemetery having various tombs in stone and an amphitheater. lovely but not as nice as Ephesus in Kusadasi
Our arrival in Pamukkale was perfectly timed. Late afternoon was recommended as the best time to walk up the vibrant white travertine terraces due to the heat and less tourists.
The terraces are a spectacular picture, but it wasn't until I was actually walking on them I had any idea of how big the area was.
My one regret is…
Just come back to our villa from a day at Pumakkale and have to say that the 3 hour journey by car from Kusadasi is worth it; but you need to leave early. If you have a car, the route is straight forward and cheaper than by an organised coach trip, although the latter is not a great deal more…
It took time to get there, but when we can reach the place it's beauty to the eyes. Dont be afraid to take out your shoes at least try to walk on the watery path area. Before going to the Cleopatra pool, better take more time for exploring the landscape of the white layers first. It is must see spot….