Hierapolis – Denizli

Hierapolis is an example of how long the magical springs of Pamukkale have cast their spell on civilizations. The ruins that can be seen today date from the time of the Roman Empire, but there are references to a settlement here as far back as the 5th century BC. Because the sights are spread over about ½ km (¼ mi), prepare for some walking. Between the theater and the Pamukkale Motel are the ruins of a Temple of Apollo and a bulky Byzantine church. The monumental fountain known as the Nymphaion, just north of the Apollo Temple, dates from the 4th century AD. Near the northern city gates is another indication of the town’s former popularity, a vast necropolis(cemetery) with more than 1,000 cutstone sarcophagi spilling all the way down to the base of the hill.

The stone building that enclosed Hierapolis’s baths is now the Pamukkale Müzesi, a museum with a fine display of marble statues found at the site.

Sacred Pool, there are several reasons visitors flock to the thermal waters of the Sacred Pool at Hierapolis: the bathtub-warm water temps (a relatively constant 95 degrees Fahrenheit), the reputed therapeutic properties of the mineral-rich water, and the atmospheric marble columns and ancient stone carvings scattered about.

The lushly landscaped complex has changing rooms, lock boxes (3TL) to store you stuff, and a snack bar. Entry to the pools is expensive (you need to pay to get into Hierapolis as well) but you can relax at snack bar with a beverage if you don’t want to spend the time/money. The pool gets crowded in the summer months so plan your visit for early morning or after the tour buses depart. The pool closes earlier in winter months but it’s also much less crowded during the day. 25 TL. 8am-7pm.