Where Hierapolis fits in
Hierapolis ("holy city") was founded as a Greco-Roman spa town in the 2nd century BC, on top of the hot springs that also built the Pamukkale travertines. It was abandoned after a series of earthquakes in the Middle Ages, leaving extensive ruins that today share a single UNESCO World Heritage site with the travertines.
What to see in 2–3 hours
- Roman theatre — partially restored, second-century AD, seats 15,000. The best-preserved structure on the site.
- Necropolis — one of the largest in Anatolia, with over 1,200 tombs lining the main road.
- Plutonium gate — the "gateway to hell" ancient Romans believed led to the underworld; natural CO₂ emissions made it lethal for animals.
- Hierapolis Archaeology Museum — housed in the old Roman bath; sculptures, sarcophagi and tombstones.
- Cleopatra's Antique Pool — swim among submerged Roman columns in naturally warm (35°C) mineral water. Separate entrance fee.
How to combine with Pamukkale
Most visitors enter through the lower gate, walk up the travertines barefoot, emerge into Hierapolis, spend 2–3 hours on the ruins, and exit through the upper gate. From Sinter Terasse Hotel this is a half-day loop; you can be back at the hotel for lunch.
Practical tips
- Good walking shoes — the ruins are spread over a kilometre of uneven ground.
- Shade is limited; bring a hat and water.
- Museum and Cleopatra's Pool have separate tickets — check currrent prices at the entrance.
- A guided tour (1.5–2 h) helps make sense of the ruins; hotel reception can recommend English, German and Russian guides.
