Pamukkale is one of Turkey’s most remarkable destinations, renowned for its dazzling white travertine terraces and the magnificent ancient city of Hierapolis. Together, these UNESCO World Heritage treasures offer visitors an unforgettable journey through history, archaeology, and natural beauty.

Hierapolis Archaeology Museum

Housed inside the beautifully restored Roman Baths, the Hierapolis Archaeology Museum has welcomed visitors since 1984. As one of the largest surviving structures in the ancient city, the museum showcases an impressive collection of artifacts uncovered during excavations in Hierapolis and the surrounding region.

Its exhibits include Roman sculptures, sarcophagi, inscriptions, architectural fragments, jewelry, coins, and everyday objects that illustrate the rich cultural heritage of ancient Pamukkale.

Opening Hours

• Summer: 08:00 – 19:00
• Winter: 08:00 – 17:00
• Closed: Mondays

Ancient City of Hierapolis

Founded above Pamukkale’s famous travertine terraces, Hierapolis was one of the most important spa cities of the ancient world. Because of its numerous temples, shrines, and sacred buildings, it became known as the “Holy City.”

Although its exact origins remain uncertain, the city is believed to have been founded by King Eumenes II of Pergamon during the 2nd century BC. It was named after Hiera, the legendary wife of Telephus, the mythical founder of Pergamon.

Hierapolis flourished during the Roman and Byzantine periods and became an important center of Christianity from the 4th century AD onward.

Main Street and Monumental Gates

The city’s impressive colonnaded main street stretches for nearly one kilometer, dividing Hierapolis into two sections.

At both ends stand monumental gateways that once formed part of the city’s defensive walls. Although incorporated into the Byzantine fortifications, much of their architecture dates from the Roman period. The South Byzantine Gate bears an inscription dedicated to Emperor Domitian, while the North Gate marks the northern entrance to the ancient city.

City Walls

During the Byzantine period, Hierapolis was enclosed by strong defensive walls surrounding its northern, eastern, and southern sides.

The fortifications originally featured 24 square towers, although many have not survived. Four gateways provided access to the city, including two impressive monumental entrances and two smaller gates.

Roman Baths (Great Bath Complex)

One of the finest preserved buildings in Hierapolis is the Great Bath Complex, now home to the Hierapolis Archaeology Museum.

The bath complex follows the classic Roman architectural plan, featuring a spacious entrance courtyard leading into a large rectangular hall flanked by impressive chambers. Archaeological evidence suggests the walls were once covered with finely polished marble.

The northern and southern halls were likely reserved for imperial ceremonies and distinguished guests. Most of the visible remains date to the 2nd century AD and demonstrate the wealth and sophistication of Roman public architecture.

Temple of Apollo and the Plutonium

Near the museum lie the remains of the Temple of Apollo, one of Hierapolis’ most important religious sanctuaries.

The temple was built above the sacred Plutonium, a cave emitting naturally occurring carbon dioxide gases. In antiquity, these mysterious vapors were believed to be the breath of Pluto, the god of the underworld. Today, the cave is protected to ensure visitor safety.

Ancient writers recorded that priests could enter the sacred chamber unharmed, adding to its reputation as a place of divine power. The temple, rebuilt during the 3rd century AD, is reached by a broad stone staircase.

Roman Theatre

One of Hierapolis’ greatest architectural masterpieces is its remarkably well-preserved Roman Theatre.

Construction began after the devastating earthquake of AD 60 during the reign of Emperor Nero and continued under successive Roman emperors, reaching completion in the early 3rd century AD.

With seating for approximately 12,000 spectators, the theatre features beautifully restored stage buildings, marble reliefs, columns, and decorative sculptures uncovered during archaeological excavations.

Today, the theatre occasionally hosts cultural performances and concerts, allowing visitors to experience one of the finest surviving Roman theatres in Turkey.

Byzantine Churches

As Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire, Hierapolis became an important religious center.

The city contains the remains of several Byzantine churches, including a cathedral, a pillared basilica, two additional churches dating from the 6th and 7th centuries, and several smaller chapels located toward the northern section of the ancient city.

Northern Necropolis

The Northern Necropolis of Hierapolis is among the largest and best-preserved ancient cemeteries in Asia Minor.

Stretching for nearly two kilometers along the ancient road leading into the city, it contains hundreds of tombs, sarcophagi, mausoleums, and burial monuments constructed primarily from limestone and marble.

Many of the tombs date from the Roman and early Christian periods. Particularly impressive are the house-shaped family tombs, considered masterpieces of ancient funerary architecture. Walking through the necropolis offers a fascinating glimpse into the burial customs and beliefs of the civilizations that once flourished in Hierapolis.

Visitor Tips

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the archaeological site covers a large area.
• Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the summer heat.
• Allow at least three to four hours to explore both the ancient city and the famous Pamukkale travertine terraces.
• Bring water, sunscreen, and a camera to fully enjoy this extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A visit to Pamukkale and Hierapolis combines spectacular natural scenery with over two thousand years of history, making it one of Turkey’s most rewarding archaeological and cultural destinations.