Pamukkale & Hierapolis
Pamukkale-Hierapolis
Snow-white travertine terraces and blue pools formed by calcium carbonate from hot springs. Above them lies the ancient Roman spa city of Hierapolis, a double World Heritage Site.
Pamukkale, in Denizli Province, means 'cotton castle' in Turkish. Hot springs rich in calcium carbonate have flowed down the hillside for thousands of years, depositing a snow-white travertine terrace about 2.7 km long and 160 m high. Layers of half-moon-shaped pools hold blue spring water and look like snowy mountains. At the top stands the ancient city of Hierapolis, founded in the 2nd century BC, which flourished as a Roman spa town. Its well-preserved remains include a large theater that seats about 12,000, the extensive Northern Necropolis, city gates and the Martyrium of the Apostle Philip. The two sites were jointly inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 for both their cultural and natural value. To visit, enter through the south gate at the foot of the hill or the village entrance, then walk barefoot up the travertine slopes to protect the surface. The climb takes about 30 minutes. At the top, the Antique Pool of Cleopatra lets you swim in warm spring water among Roman marble columns, for an extra fee. Admission is about 30 euros, subject to confirmation on site. From Antalya, it takes about 3.5–4 hours by car or bus. Staying overnight in Pamukkale town is recommended, so you can see the sunset and early-morning hot air balloons.
Opening hours
Approx. 06:30–21:00 (winter approx. 08:00–17:00; check on site)
Nearby sights
- Hierapolis Archaeology Museum
- Antique Pool (Cleopatra's Pool)
- Ploutonion at Hierapolis
- Theatre of Hierapolis
- Frontinus Gate & Street
- Martyrium of St. Philip
- Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon
- Necropolis of Hierapolis