Hierapolis (The Sacred City)
Hierapolis literally means ‘the Sacred City’. The city was believed to have been founded by Apollo, the Greek god of healing, medicine, music, light and truth. This ancient Roman city was famed for its sacred hot springs. Today, the ancient city is a World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination in Turkey. Along with the classical ruins, the site is known for its Sacred Pool, spectacular white terraces of Pamukkale and an interesting museum.
History of Hierapolis
King Eumenes II of Pergamum (197-159 BC) is said to be the founder of Hierapolis. Some evidence suggests that the Seleucid kings established the city around 4th century BC. Along with Colossae and Laodicea, Hierapolis had become the tri-city area among the Lycus River Valley. At its prime, the city was known for its textiles, wool, purple dye and hot springs that had healing properties. People have been visiting this place to bathe in the mineral-rich waters in order to cure various ailments since the ancient times.
In the 5th century, several churches were built in the city. By the 6th century AD, the city was partially submerged under water and deposits of travertine. The city was finally abandoned after an earthquake in 1334. Excavations made in the 19th century revealed the ancient site to the modern world.
Places of visit at Hierapolis
Before arriving Hierapolis, one can visit the gleaming white travertine terraces of Pamukkale. A small but excellent Pamukkale Museum is certainly an interesting place to learn more about this place. Most of what you see in the ancient city today is from the Roman period. The original Hellenistic city has been destroyed by successive earthquakes between 17 and 60 AD. The entire site is surrounded by Byzantine walls and outside this is a vast necropolis.
In Hierapolis, you can visit the Sacred Pool where you swim with antiquities! One can also walk across a colonnaded street (Plateia) and visit a basilica as well. Cleopatra’s pool, the Temple of Apollo and the Plutonium are interesting too. The stage buildings of the theater in Hierapolis are well-preserved. This 200 BC construction could hold 20,000 spectators at a time and only 30 rows of seating have survived now. The monumental Gate of Domitian constructed around 83 AD served as the northern entrance to the city.
Our Tour Services to Hierapolis
We arrange regular tours from Marmaris to Pamukkale; the one-way journey is around 3 hours. This tour includes a visit to the ancient site of Hierapolis and the necropolis. While our well-kept air-conditioned vehicles ply over the express highways, you can enjoy the comfortable journey along with the scenic beauty of countryside Turkey. Our tour guides help you learn more about anything that might be interesting to you. We take care of all the entrance fees, food and insurance through the tour.
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