Hierapolis Ancient City

Ancient City of Hierapolis
Hierapolis is an ancient city perched atop Pamukkale, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city showcases a blend of Pagan, Roman, Jewish, and early Christian influences. Since the 2nd century AD, people have traveled to Hierapolis to bathe in the thermal springs, seeking healing and often choosing to retire there. The site features extensive ruins, including a vast necropolis filled with sarcophagi.

The baths were built from large stone blocks, forming interconnected open and closed areas. Constructed in the 2nd century, the complex holds limited historical records regarding its exact origins. Many statues from Hierapolis were relocated to museums worldwide, but in 1970, an onsite museum was established to preserve its artifacts.

Main Sights

Roman Theatre
The Roman Theatre was built in two phases; the first structure was destroyed by an earthquake, leading to the construction of a second theatre carved into the mountain slope.

Capacity: 12,000 – 15,000 people
Structure: Divided into eight vertical passageways and nine aisles
Features: Decorative panels, VIP seating areas, and a well-preserved stage
Ongoing excavations continue to reveal relics and statues of mythological figures.

Temple of Apollo
The Temple of Apollo was dedicated to the Greek god of prophecy and originally housed an oracle, attended by priests.

Inspiration: The nearby Plutonium spring, known for its toxic vapors, was believed to be a gateway to the underworld.
Rituals: Priests would demonstrate divine power by sacrificing animals in the Plutonium’s fumes.
Current Remains: Only the foundations of both the original Greek temple and its later 3rd-century Roman reconstruction exist today.

Plutonium (Sanctuary of Pluto)
The Plutonium is the oldest sanctuary in Hierapolis, dedicated to Pluto, the god of the underworld.

Structure: A small cave with steps leading to an underground chamber.
Geological Activity: The cave emits toxic carbon dioxide due to underground activity.
Historical Significance: Priests were believed to possess divine powers as they could enter the cave without harm by locating oxygen pockets or holding their breath.

Nymphaeum
The Nymphaeum was a shrine and water fountain dedicated to nymphs, distributing water throughout the city via a network of pipes.

Design: A U-shaped structure, originally adorned with statues and surrounded by shops.
Current State: Only two side walls remain.
Christian Influence: Retaining walls were later built to block the view of Pagan temples.

Necropolis
The Necropolis of Hierapolis stretches over two kilometers and is among the best-preserved in Turkey, containing around 1,200 tombs.

Historical Periods: Includes Hellenistic, Roman, and Christian tombs.
Significance: Despite being a place of healing, the vast necropolis suggests many did not survive their treatments.
Tomb Types:
Simple graves – for common citizens.
Sarcophagi – elaborate, often marble-decorated tombs with inscriptions of the deceased’s name, profession, and achievements.
Circular tumuli – vaulted chamber tombs for the wealthy.
Family graves – with monuments and small

Martyrium of St. Philip the Apostletemples.

This Martyrium was built in honor of St. Philip, one of Christ’s twelve disciples.

Historical Belief: St. Philip was martyred and buried in the center of this structure.
Architecture: Features eight chapels, each marked with crosses.
Scenic Views: The site offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.