Hierapolis of Phrygia – Pamukkale, Denizli

Hierapolis of Phrygia – Pamukkale, Denizli

The ancient city of Hierapolis of Phrygia, whose name means "Sacred City," stands majestically atop the world-famous white travertine terraces of Pamukkale in Denizli. This unique location, a stunning blend of natural wonder and human ingenuity, led to its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For millennia, Hierapolis served as a flourishing Greco-Roman thermal spa, healing center, and a city of great religious and cultural importance.

History: A Spa City Through the Ages

Founded as a Hellenistic city around 190 BCE by Eumenes II, the King of Pergamon, Hierapolis was built on the site of an ancient Phrygian cult center. Its true golden age began after it was ceded to Rome in 133 BCE. The city's thermal springs, rich in minerals, were believed to have powerful healing properties, attracting visitors from all over the Roman Empire.

Despite a devastating earthquake in 60 CE, the city was rebuilt on a grander scale, becoming a luxurious spa destination with a population that may have reached 100,000. Hierapolis also played a vital role in early Christianity, as it is the traditional site of the martyrdom of St. Philip the Apostle around 80 CE. The city's influence waned after the 7th century due to further earthquakes and invasions, and it was eventually abandoned.

A Tour of the Ancient City: Key Structures

The sprawling ruins of Hierapolis offer a fascinating glimpse into Roman and Byzantine urban life.

  • The Great Roman Theatre: One of the best-preserved ancient theaters in Turkey, this magnificent structure could seat up to 15,000 spectators. Its stage building is adorned with incredibly detailed friezes and reliefs depicting mythological scenes.
  • The Necropolis: Stretching for over 2 kilometers, this is one of the largest and most diverse ancient cemeteries in Anatolia. It contains a remarkable variety of tombs, from simple sarcophagi to grand, house-like family mausoleums, reflecting the city's wealth and diverse population.
  • Thermal Baths and the Archaeology Museum: The city features several large bath complexes. The Great Baths, a massive 2nd-century CE structure, now serves as the Hierapolis Archaeology Museum, displaying exquisite statues, sarcophagi, and other artifacts unearthed at the site.
  • The Martyrium of St. Philip: An impressive octagonal church was built in the 5th century on the site where St. Philip was believed to have been martyred. It stands as a testament to the city's importance as a Christian pilgrimage destination.
  • The Plutonium (Gate to Hell): Next to the Temple of Apollo was the Plutonium, a cave that emitted toxic volcanic gases. In antiquity, it was considered a sacred gateway to the underworld, where priests would demonstrate their divine connection by entering without harm.
  • Frontinus Street: This colonnaded main street, paved with large stone blocks, runs for nearly a kilometer through the city, connecting the monumental northern gate with the southern parts of the city.

Hierapolis is not just an archaeological site; it is a landscape where history and nature are inextricably linked. The cascading travertines of Pamukkale, formed by the same thermal waters that gave the city its purpose, create a breathtaking backdrop to the Greco-Roman ruins.

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Location Information

Latitude:37.924952
Longitude:29.124584
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