Famous Turkish landmark Pamukkale. Snow-white Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis are a must see in Turkey
The history of the ancient city of Hieropolis is very rich. It goes back to the 2nd century BC. e., when the “holy city” was founded by the Attalid dynasty. In 133 BC. e. The Romans, having come to power, created an elite health resort with hot mineral springs here. The life-giving springs attracted many pilgrims wanting to be healed. But the miraculous properties of the waters did not turn out to be for every illness, and those whom they did not help remained here until the end of their days, but were buried nearby. This formed a large necropolis, which continued to grow as long as the city existed. In 395 BC. e. Hieropolis passes to Byzantium and becomes the center of the bishopric. By the way, about religions: it is believed that in these lands one of the twelve apostles of Christ, Philip, was crucified on the cross, although his grave has not yet been found. For a long time the city changed “owners” until it was finally conquered by Turkey. Being in a zone of high seismic activity, Hieropolis more than once became a victim of earthquakes and was rebuilt; each era left its architectural monuments, but not all of its former beauties have survived to this day. Hieropolis was completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1534. Of the relatively preserved ancient monuments, you can now visit the Temple of Apollo, the ancient theater, Cleopatra's pool, the triumphal arch, the necropolis, the Byzantine gate, the tomb of St. Philippa. In the 11th century was built nearby new town with Pamukkale Castle (translated from Turkish as “cotton castle”).
Now excursions to Pamukkale very popular among tourists. They are attracted to geysers Pamukkale springs– thermal springs gushing out of the ground, the temperature of which is on average 36 o C, as well as amazing-looking snow-white mineral deposits up to 160 m high, formed by water saturated with calcium salts. Travertines (translated from Italian as steps) from natural formations shining and shimmering in the sun are filled mineral water These are unique natural baths with millions of bubbling bubbles. Due to the fact that a huge number of people came on excursions to Pamukkale with the goal of “trampling this mysterious salt mantle” and leaving their mark there, access to many salt terraces is now closed in order to preserve this miracle of nature in its original form, although previously you could walk here barefoot. But the sight is stunning even from afar - it’s like snowdrifts in the middle of a sultry summer. Pamukkale Springs contain seventeen types of thermal waters, and in a specially designated area you can experience them for yourself healing properties and soak in these “jacuzzis” that Cleopatra once enjoyed.
Hello dear readers!
I continue my story about an independent trip to Turkey, and next up is a story about the ancient city of Hierapolis. You won't have to walk far. Hierapolis is located on the same Cotton Mountain that I wrote about in my previous one.
The first urban buildings appeared in the 2nd millennium BC. Hierapolis, like a challenge banner, changed hands several times. At first the Romans ruled here, then the city came under the control of Byzantium. Well, in the end, in 1097, Hierapolis was handed over to the Turkish Sultan. The city was destroyed several times by earthquakes, but each time it was rebuilt. Hierapolis did not survive only one earthquake - the Thracian one in 1354. After this, the city was not restored.
At first, I got acquainted with the city plan with interest, and at the same time managed to catch a piece of the guide’s story. Please note that the inscriptions are duplicated in Russian, which is very convenient. Attention is immediately drawn to No. 7 and No. 11. The large rectangular building (Agora) is essentially a market square, the center of social and business life for the townspeople. The letter A marks Cleopatra's pool.
I couldn’t miss the antique theater, which was also well preserved, and first of all I went to it. The road from Cleopatra's baths is slightly uphill. I couldn't get there quickly. Firstly, I adore ancient ruins and make sure to stop near every column (and, believe me, there is something to see there). Secondly, March in Turkey blooms and smells. How can you pass by such beauty?
At first I decided that these were poppies, but after looking more closely I realized that in front of me were wild tulips.
The theater is located on a small hill and when you approach the main entrance you can only see stone walls. But when you step inside... it takes your breath away. From 15 to 20 thousand spectators could be accommodated here at the same time during the performance. You can’t get close to the stage and columns, which is a pity.
Only at the highest magnification of the camera can you see architectural details. Some of the sculptures are on display in the museum, but more on that later.
Having reflected a little on the steps of antiquity, I went further to the ruins of the main temple on the hill. It is difficult to get lost; a paved path leads you to the top.
I liked that near each archaeological site there is a special plaque with photographs and explanations. I had to be content with the text on English language, but the main essence could be grasped. Here, for example, is the ancient Bridge of St. Philip.
The object has practically not been preserved, but the steps leading to the temple have been perfectly preserved. In the background there is a panorama of the White Mountain.
Excavations are currently underway in Hierapolis. While I was writing the article I came across information from 2011. Italian archaeologists have discovered the tomb of St. Philip, which they tried unsuccessfully to find for 30 years. The Apostle Philip was one of Jesus' 12 closest followers. They did not open the tomb (at least then). External artifacts, inscriptions and the very shape of the tomb directly indicated that the Apostle Philip was buried here. I quickly looked through my photos and was happy to find the same tomb.
I remember that I was still surprised that the tomb was locked.
And here is the main one Cathedral. It was huge and had a specific shape, which is quite recognizable on the ground, but photographs can no longer convey such details. When I looked at the photographs after the trip, I realized that I only saw ancient ruins in the photos. You need to be there, touch the marble surface of the columns, imagine what it all looked like before...
After walking along the hill, I went down and headed towards the necropolis. The city of the dead in Hierapolis is huge, its length is about two kilometers.
In front of us is the main street of the city. I vividly imagined how noble people of Hierapolis in white robes walked slowly along it. By the way, in the center of the photo is a funny couple from China, who set the camera on a tripod for a long time, then jumped up happily, and now they are looking at their photographic masterpieces).
On the sign in front of the ancient columns it is modestly written - Latrina. What do you think this is? A powerful building with columns is nothing more than.....a public toilet! Latrina was a mandatory public building, and also paid.
The Dominican Central Gate is a kind of entrance to Hierapolis. On the other side begins the necropolis.
Immediately after the gate, an interesting structure caught my attention. If it weren’t for the sign, I would never have guessed the true purpose of the building. It looks like some kind of sacrificial stone. Do you see the special chute?
Everything is not as scary as it may seem to my fevered brain. This is an oil mill. Residents of the city squeezed the olives, and the oil flowed into a special jug.
I no longer had the strength to explore the two-kilometer necropolis. I was interested only in a few well-preserved tombs. Here is one of them.
I also planned to visit the archaeological museum. It is located in restored Roman baths just behind the travertines. The exhibition is not very large, but very interesting. The halls display sarcophagi, statues, dishes, coins and much more. All artifacts were found during excavations of the city, including in the amphitheater.
I love all these archaeological antiquities until my knees tremble. I think that this land still holds many secrets. If you remove two meters of soil, you can definitely find a lot more interesting things.
Finally, I will show you a piece of the building of the ancient baths, which now houses the museum. Do you see how much the building has gone underground? According to my estimates - two or three meters. The real Hierapolis is there, deep underground, hidden from the ubiquitous tourists and you and me...
Oksana was with you. See you again on the blog pages!
Read about that in a separate article.
Due to the proximity of healing springs, the city was a recognized resort and enjoyed great popularity.
Hierapolis played an important role in early Christian history. It was here that he preached and died in 80 AD martyrdom Saint Philip, one of the 12 apostles. According to legend, a strong earthquake began during the execution. What they saw made a strong impression on the inhabitants of Hierapolis, and many of them subsequently converted to Christianity. At the site of Philip's death, an octagonal temple was built, now called Martyrium of St. Philip.
The city of Hierapolis was finally destroyed by an earthquake in 1354, and only in 1887 The first excavations began in its place. Currently, archaeological research and restoration work are still underway, so perhaps Hierapolis still holds many secrets.
2. Useful information
2.1. Where is it and how to get there
Hierapolis is located on the general territory of the Pamukkale complex, which also includes Cleopatra's Pool and the Hierapolis Museum.
The city occupies a huge territory, so to get around it all you will have to spend a whole day. It took us 8 hours to explore the entire territory of the Pamukkale complex (without swimming in the Cleopatra Pool). However, we did not have time to see the whole city - it is too big, and different objects are located far from each other.
Location of Hierapolis on the map:
Main objects of Hierapolis:
- Temple of Apollo
- Ancient theater
- Martyrium of St. Philip
- Agora (market square)
- Gate of Domitian
- Necropolis
2.2. Visiting time
The area is open to the public from 8.00 to 21.00.
2.3. Price
To get to the entire complex (including the travertines and Cleopatra’s Pool), you need to buy a single ticket for 25 lire:
3. Photo walk around Hierapolis
Hierapolis can be reached through 2 entrances. The first one (through which we entered) is located immediately after Cleopatra’s Pool. And the second is located on the other side of the complex and begins with the necropolis and the Domitian Gate.
We will begin our journey through Hierapolis from the travertines and a small green park.
Sometimes it seems that the walls were built from other, more ancient structures. For example, here you can see that a round column was used in the wall, which is clearly out of place:
Here, too, a piece of a round column was lost among the rectangular stones:
All the objects of Hierapolis - as you can see, there are quite a lot of them:
Most of the city looks like this - poorly preserved ruins:
3.1. Nympheon
The first large object we meet is the Nympheon. Previously, there was a Sacred Spring here:
Previously there were fountains and a large swimming pool:
Look at the scale:
I wonder what these recesses in the wall were for? Maybe beautiful statues were installed here before?
Some stones are processed in a very unusual way - not rectangular shape, and some complex polygons, very similar to the polygonal masonry that is found in many massive structures of antiquity - from the Great Pyramid of Egypt to Machu Picchu. But here it’s as if they took ready-made stones and put them together haphazardly:
All that remains of the ancient monuments:
Large areas are simply dotted with individual fragments of buildings - restoration work has not yet been completed:
Look who we met:
Apparently there was a pond here, but only a bridge remains:
Fragments of stones with elegant patterns:
And these parts were usually used to decorate ceilings (like ceiling tiles):
Marble slab with antique writings:
I wonder what this stone wheel was intended for?
In some places there are even pieces of iron preserved that were used to strengthen the structure:
It is a pity that many artifacts are still buried under rubble and are still waiting to be finally dug up. For example, this column literally grew into the ground:
The same column:
Some areas are fenced off for excavations, but we didn’t see anyone there:
3.2. Amphitheater
After the Nympheon (and the Temple of Apollo, located there) we go up to the entrance to the theater.
History of the Hierapolis Amphitheater:
This is what the theater looks like now:
The theater was successfully restored. It can be seen that the stage used to be two-story, because The fragments of two more columns are installed on top:
The theater is huge different estimates, it accommodated from 5 to 10 thousand spectators:
Fragment of the restored theater stage:
By the way, most of the statues and artifacts found during the excavations of the theater are in the Museum of Hierapolis, so you can see them right there.
3.3. Martyrium of St. Philip
After the theater we went to the distant church of St. Philip.
Let's follow the signs:
A long path leads to a distant hill (pictured on the left), which is where we need to go:
Well-processed blocks lie under a pile of ordinary stones:
Finally, we reached the bridge, after which the stairs to the top of the hill begin:
On the way we come across antique baths (the Museum of Hierapolis is now located on the site of other baths):
The path is not short, so we decided to rest a little in the shade of the stone block:
Again a strange conglomeration of fragments of different shapes and processing:
Antique shower?
A series of columns opposite the entrance to Martyrium:
And this structure is very similar to modern batteries:
Just before the entrance we see a sign with the history of the temple:
The remains of the temple are a series of small towers with arches arranged in a circle:
They are made simply amazing - not only are the stones set in the shape of an arch, but also the entrance to the arch is made at an angle. This shot was taken perpendicular to the surface of the stones, but it seems that we are looking from the side. In fact, all the stones on the right side are cut at an angle:
Martyrium is the main Christian relic in Hierapolis; pilgrims from all over the world come here:
Part of the arches:
3.4. Market Square
The Agora in Hierapolis used to look like this:
Now almost everything here is overgrown and looks more like a wasteland:
3.5. Main street, latrina and Domitian's gate
We go out onto the main street of the city:
You can paraglid over Hierapolis (and Pamukkale):
Ancient public toilets called Latrina:
These are all the toilets:
Photo and diagram of the main street of the city:
We approach the Northern Roman Gate, also called the Gate of Domitian:
And here is the gate:
After the gate there are the remains of another baths, which were rebuilt into the Basilica:
The Basilica is currently undergoing reconstruction, so you cannot go inside:
Apparently, the structure is not strong enough, there is a risk of collapse:
3.6. Necropolis
Just outside the city are the remains of the Necropolis, an ancient cemetery. The Hierapolis necropolis is one of the largest in Turkey.
Some sarcophagi are raised higher above the ground:
Some are hidden in stone crypts:
The crypts are made of very high quality processed stones:
Inside one of the tombs:
In general, the necropolis is huge, and you can walk around it alone for about an hour. And the second entrance to the territory of Hierapolis is located even further after the necropolis - we never reached it.
4. Conclusions
Hierapolis is huge ancient city, which is very interesting to wander around.
But under no circumstances not with tour groups- so you won’t have time to see anything at all. It’s much more interesting to walk around on your own, discovering more and more amazing artifacts, paying attention to details and imagining how life used to be in full swing in this abandoned place.
The best thing Divide the visit to Hierapolis and the travertine of Pamukkale into two days. However, you will have to buy the ticket twice - it is valid only for one day. You can, of course, come at dawn and try to enter the territory for free while there are no guards. But we haven’t tried this option, so I can’t say how realistic it is.
We tried to cover everything in one day, but in the end we were so tired that we could barely crawl to our place and immediately fell asleep. It’s hard to imagine that after such a busy day many people are still shaking for many hours on the bus.
Be sure to take it with you long clothes, sunscreen, a hat, extra water and some snacks. By the middle of the day I started to get very burnt, so long Thai pants just saved me.
I don't think it's worth visiting all Hierapolis with children- too tiring and long. Go to the places that interest you the most. I remember most Martyrium of St. Philip And the main street. We have already seen amphitheaters (for example,), but the Nympheon and Agora are too poorly preserved, so they don’t make much of an impression.
5. Video
And if you want to look at Hierapolis right now, without waiting next vacation and trips to Turkey, I suggest you watch this video that we recorded while visiting the city. The video, of course, is huge, but all the main objects are there.
Enjoy watching:
Have you been to Hierapolis? What made the greatest impression on you? Share in the comments!
By the way, if you are just going to Pamukkale, but have not yet chosen a hotel, I advise you to look on the hotellook search engine website (there you can find the best deals from 40 booking systems) or choose one of these hotels with a good rating:
Pamukkale
Pamukkale is a unique natural site, which includes 17 geothermal springs with water temperatures from 35 to 100 degrees, as well as terraced ponds formed from travertine. Today this is perhaps one of the most popular attractions in Turkey. In 1988, Pamukkale and the ruins of the city of Hierapolis, which is located on the territory of Pamukkale, were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. 
Pamukkale
Pamukkale Türkiye, get to Pamukkale
Pamukkale is located in the Denizli province in southwestern Turkey. You can get there on your own. First you need to get to the city of Denizli, which is 65 kilometers from Pamukkale. And from there you can get there by free regular buses. The first way is by plane. Denizli Airport receives flights from twice a day. You can also fly to Izmir, which is a 4-hour drive from Denizli. The railway station only accepts trains from Izmir. Denizli-Pamukkale buses run from almost any city in Turkey, but you should keep in mind that they also only go to Denizli, where you will change to another bus. Private dolmus also run from Denizli bus station.
Pamukkale Nature Park was formed as a result of water flowing down the slopes of the mountain, which forms a system of bizarre reservoirs made of limestone - travertine. These dazzling white terraces were formed as a result of the deposition of salt from calcium-rich thermal water. Pamukkale has been used as a resort area since ancient times. 
Pamukkale
Entrance to Pamukkale costs 30 Turkish lira, which is about 536 rubles in rubles. The mountain is open to tourists around the clock. Walking on travertines is prohibited, except in areas specially open to tourists. And even in this zone it is only allowed to walk barefoot. Swimming in travertines is also prohibited; special people monitor compliance with these rules, although many tourists still dive into travertines.
In addition to the travertines, in Pamukkale there are the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis - which began to be built back in 2000 BC. The main attractions of this city are the necropolis, which was built of marble and limestone. It was located outside the city walls along the road. In the necropolis you can find many grave monuments and tombstones, which are divided into three types - sarcophagi, crypts and Lycian graves. 
The Hierapolis Amphitheater accommodated more than 15 thousand spectators at a time, and has 300 degrees, with a total height of 100 meters. Construction of the amphitheater was completed in 206 AD. The temple is the martyrium of St. Philip, built in the 4th century. According to legend, this temple was built on the site of the death of the apostle, where his grave was supposedly located, which could not be found. Temple of Apollo, which, according to seismological research, was built over an underground fault. This natural phenomenon often used by priests to prove their connection with the gods. 
Another natural attraction of Pamukkale is “Cleopatra’s Pool”. This is a pool with thermal water, the temperature of which is 36 degrees, and tastes like Borjomi. To prevent tourists from swimming in the travertines, swimming is allowed in the “Cleopatra Pool”.
And end your trip to Pamukkale and Hierapolis with a visit to the museum, which is located in the buildings of the Roman baths. Here you will find displays of jewelry, coins, sarcophagi, sculptures and bas-reliefs that were found in the ancient cities of Laodicea, Tripolis and Colossae.
http://youtu.be/vbOti6V3sD0
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The life-giving springs attracted many pilgrims wanting to be healed. This health resort is popular to this day.
Cleopatra's pool
About 400,000 years ago, a whole series of destructive earthquakes took place in the center of modern Asia Minor, and in connection with this, a mineral spring was formed here. Hot springs, literally oversaturated with calcium, began to pour out onto the plateau at an incredible speed (hundreds of liters per second).
The content of calcium salts in the source was so high that over many centuries snow-white mountains up to 160 m high were formed here - travertines. This area of mineral formations is called Pamukkale- due to the amazing similarity of the snow-white mountain slope with endless cotton plantations, which have long been cultivated in the central part of modern Turkey. 
Travertines(in translation from Italian - steps) from natural formations shining and shimmering in the sun are filled with mineral water - these are original natural baths with millions of bubbling bubbles. 
Come to Pamukkale better in the morning. Firstly, there won’t be many tourists here (otherwise there won’t be room in Cleopatra’s pool), and secondly, it’s VERY hot here. Unlike the sources, the ancient city itself is less popular...
Map of Hierapolis.
In 133 BC. e. the city came under the protection of Rome. After the earthquake in 17 AD. it was rebuilt, and in the 60s of the 1st century AD. e. becomes famous in Roman aristocratic circles as a resort. The city is flourishing. 
In 1219, after a strong earthquake, Hierapolis was gradually destroyed. The ruins that are visible at this site belong entirely to the Roman period. The ruins of the city fortress walls, the foundations of the sanctuary of Apollo, the Plutonium site, the monumental spring, today turned into a motel swimming pool, the Domitian Gate, the Triumphal Arch, the Byzantine Gate, the main avenue decorated with columns, the spring, the baths, the reservoir that was located behind the fortress walls, have been preserved. churches, necropolis and the foundation of the grave of St. Philip's on a small mountain hill outside the city. 
There are ruins at the top Martyrium of St. Philip.
The path to them lies past amphitheater.
The theater seats 8,500 thousand spectators and is still used today during the Pamukkale festival. 
The ancient road is perfectly preserved here. 
The Martyrium can be reached via a monumental staircase from the city side. 
Archaeologists are working upstairs. 
After some time, namely on July 28, 2011, news about the discovery will be published. This is where I was The grave of one of the 12 apostles was found(disciples) of Jesus Christ Phillip. “For many years we have been trying to find the tomb of the Apostle Philip, who was executed by the Romans in Hierapolis for about 2,000 years,” the archaeologist said in an interview with NTV television.
“Until now, it was believed that Philip’s grave was located on the “hill of sacrifices.” We carried out geophysical research there and did not find her. During the excavations, which began a month ago, 40 meters from the Church of St. Philip on the “hill of victims,” we discovered the ruins of a basilica, and we also found the tomb of the apostle there,” says the Italian scientist. 
Martyrius St. Phillippa. 
From above there is a picturesque view. 
After enjoying the views, we descend into the city itself. 
One of the city's attractions is Temple of Apollo(III century AD). The way we see it now is a reproduction of a cult building from the Hellenistic era, destroyed by an earthquake. 
