Hierapolis Ancient City
Hierapolis ('holy city') was founded in the 2nd century BC as a Greco-Roman spa town on the same hot springs that built the Pamukkale travertines. Abandoned after medieval earthquakes, it now shares UNESCO World Heritage status with the terraces.
Main sights (2–3 hours):
- Roman Theatre — 2nd century, partially restored, 15,000 seats. Best-preserved building.
- Necropolis — one of Anatolia's largest, 1,200+ tombs along the main road.
- Plutonium — the ancient 'gateway to hell', natural CO₂ emissions were lethal to animals.
- Archaeology Museum — housed in the old Roman baths; sarcophagi, sculptures, tombstones.
How to get there: About 700 m from Sinter Terasse Hotel — roughly a 10-minute walk. Most visitors enter through the lower gate, walk up the travertines, and emerge into Hierapolis.
Practical tips: Good walking shoes; shade is limited, bring a hat and water. A guided tour (1.5–2 h) makes the ruins much more meaningful.
