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,
The pools were beautiful although not all filled. Definitely not as filled as in older pictures. The water was beautiful and I didn't think it was that crowded, I expected worse. Hierapolis was a surprise. I had no idea how vast the ruins were. I felt there were plenty of places to get water and go to the bathrooms. The…
Pamukkale is an extraordinary geological quirk, a mountainside covered in sparkling white calcite deposits that form pools and terraces. It's been a holiday centre for bathing and relaxing since ancient times – so there's also a very well-preserved classical city there, called Hieropolis. It's right in the middle of southern Turkey, a long, LONG way from where we were staying…
lots to see one you have walked up the travertines. Very special ruins -we spent most of the afternoon exploring these. Nice cafes and eating places around as well
Visiting these sites was definitely a highlight. Although it was disappointing to see that some of the rock pools were man made. I'm surmising that these is due to the wear and tear of people visiting it daily. It was very crowded. Walk away from where everyone is swimming then you will come across some original rockpools which is amazing.
the bus ride fromAntalya was about 2,5 – 3 hours. There are stops to eat. I reccommend taking your own food. The restaurants for lunch and supper had buffet meals, the food really didn't taste of much and was dry and old. Cold drinks were 2€ each and beer 3€. The trip cost 55€, that excluded swimming at Pamukkale (15€),…
My wife and I were very excited to visit the "Cotton Castle" to soak in the pools and take in the beauty of the travertines. We didn't realize that Hierapolis would be an equally rewarding experience! We began at the Archaeology Museum (absolutely worth the 5 TL entry fee…don't miss the pieces exhibited outdoors as well) and then headed north…
Don't go – its not worth it! The terraces are now man-made and FULL of droves of tourists off their coaches:( The original, natural terraces are few and far away, and there are better ruins to be found. If ya don't believe me and MUST see for yourself, then go for no more than a few hours (very early or…
This town is amazing to wander around in. Enter via the South Gate and come through to the tombs before returning to the pools exit.
When going here wear comfortable shoes because there is a lot of distance to cover here.
The public latrines near the market and town gate are also well worth visiting.
However, the major sight is…
Just wonderful! The pools, the gardens, the views, everything is beautiful. The ruins are amazing, the old theater is one of the best preserved I'd ever seen!
What a stunning view! you will see the white mountain but not from snow, and with the blue water on ever pave of it. Beautiful.
I went there with a friend, we walked into the hotspring water, it was warm and comforting. Just make sure you dont fall down. you need a full day to walk thru the Hiearpolis, just…