The gleaming white mineral terraces of Pamukkale are world-famous and one of the very most famous postcards of Turkey. It is a stunning sight along with a magnet for Instagrammers from around the globe. But is much better thought of as one of three attractions in the area (a part of the same day trip). These are the mineral terraces of Pamukkale, the Greek and Roman ruins of Hieropolis, and the Roman ruins of Laodecia.
Visiting Pamukkale is one of the highest things on anyone's itinerary – together with flying in the iconic hot air balloons in Cappadocia. Not only it's a beautiful destination, but it is additionally a historical one. Probably the most historic destination in Turkey is the truly ancient neolithic ruins of Gobekli Tepe in eastern Turkey.
The Travertine Pools of Pamukkale
In Turkish, Pamukkale means “cotton castle” and it is famous for the travertine pools formed by carbonate minerals left by the flowing thermal springs. They happen to be formed and shaped over the millennia by the calcite-rich spring dripping slowly down the mountainside.
- Name: Turkish for “Cotton Castle”
Most from the pools are off-limits to tourists in order to protect and preserve them (many have suffered damage and pollution from tourism). But some are open and visitors can paddle within the water and enjoy their Instagram pics. It's no extra charge to get into these pools. For those trying to spice up their Instagram pics a bit more, there are even “angel wings” for rent at the site.
- Access: A few of the Pools Are Available to The Public
Inside the ruins of Hierapolis is “Cleopatra's Pool” where one can swim in the hot spring water. This is a developed thermal natural pool and one which has included a few of the ancient ruins within the style of the pool. It's possible to benefit from the thermal waters just like the ancients in Hierapolis once did – plus numerous ancient pillars have been put into the pool to increase its exotic ancient feeling.
- Cleopatra's Pool: A Developed Thermal Pool Within the Ruins In Hierapolis
- Cost: 100 Turkish Lira (Around $8) – By February 2022
The Greek City of Hierapolis
Immediately behind the thermal springs, stretches the ancient Greek (later Roman and Byzantine) town of Hierapolis. The ruins within this ancient city are truly impressive.
- Name: Hierapolis Means “Holy City”
Hierapolis contains probably the most impressive necropolises (town of the dead) in the ancient Roman world. The necropolis stretches for miles with the ancient road being filled with countless impressive tombs, mini mausoleums, and sarcophagi. There are plenty of that it's normally a challenge for individuals to even explore them all – plus only a fraction have even been excavated.
- Necropolis: Hierapolis's Necropolis Is One of The Most Impressive
The thermal springs of Hierapolis have drawn individuals to them since the time of antiquity and were even alluded to within the Book of Revelation within the letter to Laodicea.
Today both the terrace pools of Pamukkale and the ruins of Hierapolis are world heritage sites.
- UNESCO: The Travertine Terraces and Hierapolis Happen to be UNESCO Listed Since 1988
Notably, Hierapolis is also the website of the supposed burial of the apostle Philip. According to tradition, Philip was martyred in Hierapolis. The tradition states that both he and Bartholomew were crucified upside down but Philip continued to preach from the cross.
Overcome by Philip's preaching, the crowd released Bartholomew, but Philip insisted they should not let him out. He died around the cross (another tradition has it he was beheaded in Hierapolis).
- Visit: The Supposed Tomb of St. Philip
In 2011, the tomb of St. Philip was claimed to have been discovered by archaeologists and visitors can visit it today. The supposed relics of St. Philip have been in the crypt of Basilica Santi Apostoli in Rome.
Ruins of Laodicea
Laodicea is just a 15 or 20-minute drive from Pamukkale (the travertine terraces are easily visible from Laodocia).
This was once a notable Roman city that was damaged and destroyed in earthquakes repeatedly. Today the ruins are all spectacular and incredibly much worth a visit. The ruins boast several quite interesting amphitheaters.
One of those amphitheaters is partially restored and therefore one can begin to see the amphitheater (because it would have been), as the other is completely untouched (as the archaeologists might have found it).
- Combined Ticket:
- Laodicea & Hierapolis: 130 Turkish Lira (About $10 in February 2022)
When John wrote the book of Revelation, he included it as one of the “Seven Churches in Asia (then a Roman province).” While John wrote some nice things or a mix of good and bad things to another churches. He was just scathing to the church in Laodicea.
