The ancient city of Hierapolis, believed to have been founded by Eumenes II, one of the kings of Pergamon in the 2nd century B.C., is named after the queen of the Amazons and wife of Telephos, hero of Pergamon. Hiera means “sacred” in Greek. The Pamukkale travertines, known for their healing waters and majestic views, are located right next to this city.
Pamukkale and Hierapolis together create a magical place combining nature and history that has attracted visitors since ancient times.
Hierapolis
Hierapolis is entered via two gates. If you enter through the south gate, you are closer to the amphitheatre and there are many things you can enjoy here. Number one is viewing Mt. Honaz from the upper part of the amphitheatre. You’ll find yourself in a fairytale setting as you gaze at snow-covered peaks, the horizon to infinity and endless valleys. Number two is visit the mausoleums. These ancient mausoleums are, after all, the size of a house. Don’t miss the artistic reliefs of the sarcophagus found in the graves.
You can enjoy the waters of the Pamukkale travertines. The waters here are known for their healing powers and have treated people since ancient times. Don’t end your exploration of the ancient city of Hierapolis without this experience…
Exciting theories about Hierapolis
- In Roman times visitors were not allowed to enter the city without cleansing, which is why the city gate was built near the travertines. At that time, there was a bath connected to the thermal waters, which was later converted into a church.
- Next to the amphitheatre is a holy shrine. One of the 12 disciples of Christ was executed at this site.
- At the Temple of Apollo, located at the bottom of the theatre, there is an area with a toxic gas (carbon dioxide) outlet. In ancient times, priests came here and made prophesies under the influence of these toxic gases.
- There’s a different story for Roman times. The Temple of Apollo is dedicated to Pluto, the underground god. Because of the high carbon dioxide levels in the area where the toxic gases are released, priests took animals they were going to sacrifice there and animals killed by the toxic gas were thought to have been taken by the gods. Definitely anyone who witnessed this were impressed!