Hierapolis

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This article is related one of the World Heritage Sites

Hierapolis (Greek: Ιεράπολις, "Holy city") was the ancient city on top of the famous Pamukkale hot springs which are located in south-western Turkey near Denizli, in the Denizli Province.

This place, which is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is not to be confused with another ancient city of that name in eastern Turkey, Hierapolis Bambyce or Mabug.

As the hot springs of Pamukkale were used as a spa since the 2nd century B.C., people came to soothe their ailings here. Many of them retired and died here. The large cemetery area covered with many sarcophagus is thus known as a Necropolis.

The great baths were constructed with huge stone blocks without the use of plaster, and consisted of various closed or open sections linked together. There are deep niches in the inner section of the bath, library, gymnasium and other closed or open locations. The complex, which was constructed in the 2nd century, constitutes a good example of vault-type architecture. The complex is now an Archaeological Museum.

Theater: the first amphitheatre was constructed to the northeast as the ancient city was destroyed during Hellenistic times, and later existing theatres were constructed on a slope further to the east in the 2nd century, with a capacity of 15,000. It is now under restoration. It has several relics and statues depicting mythological figures. The excavation of the Temple of Apollo has revealed that a huge temple was constructed for Apollo in Hierapolis during the Hellenic period. The temple was reconstructed in the 3rd century with a smaller area, and only its marble floor remains. Next to this temple there is a section called the Platonium which has an entrance, beyond which stairs go down, and from which carbon dioxide gas emerges. It is said that during the early years of the town priests descended into the Platonium together with criminals or animals, held their breath and then came up in order to show that they were decorated with superior powers.

The 2nd century Nymphaeum was repaired during the Byzantine era. The Nymphaeum has a U-shaped plan on the continuation of the main colonnaded road. The stone pavement columns and other architectural remains mark a great part of the colonnaded road which ran through

Hierapolis in a north-south direction, which has statues and shops around, underneath which passed canals. The road had a base covered with stone blocks, now kept under the pool of the Private Administration. There are two huge doors which were constructed at the end of the 1st century and left outside the city walls. The Byzantine gate was constructed in the 6th century.

All types of tombs from Hellenic to Christian times can be seen at the necropolis in Hierapolis. People who came for medical treatment to Hierapolis in ancient times and the native people of the city buried their dead in monumental tombs of the tumulus, sarcophagus or house types according to their traditions. The necropolis extends from the Northern to the Eastern and Southern sections of the old city. Most of the tombs have been excavated. The St. Philip Martyrium was constructed in the name of St. Philip, one of Christ’s twelve disciples, outside the Northeastern section if the city walls, and has an octagonal structure. It is said that St. Philip is buried in the center of the building.

In the year 17 A.D. an earthquake destroyed the city, which was rebuilt. In the year 1534, another earthquake destroyed the remains of the ancient city. After the large white limestone formations of the hot springs became famous in the 20th century as the tourist attraction Cotton Castle (Pamukkale), the ancient city was rediscovered, but also partially destroyed by hotels that were built there. These buildings were removed again in recent years. The hot water pool of one hotel was retained, and, for a fee, it is possible to swim amongst ancient stone remains.

Until recently, Italian scientists worked on the excavation and restoration of the site. For example, large columns along the main street near the gate named after Domitian that were toppled by the earthquakes were erected again.

Coordinates: 37°56′N 29°08′E