Travel guide: ancient city Hierapolis, Turkey

In 20 kilometers from the city of Denizli, one of the most famous natural and cultural objects of Turkey – Pamukkale is located. The literal translation of the word “pamukkale” from the Turkish language means “cotton castle” or “cotton fortress”, which in fact corresponds to this unusual natural landscape.

Pamukkale is famous not only for its mineral springs and snow-white travertines. Near the travertines is the most interesting ancient city of Hierapolis (Hierapolis or Ierapolis Phrygian). The ruins of the ancient city, the objects of Hierapolis are scattered over enough vast territory. Restoration work in the city is conducted with some breaks and they are carried out mainly for the purpose of protection and conservation of monuments.

The city played an important role in the spread of Christianity. It is known that already in the first centuries of Christianity with the help and with the participation of one of the 12 apostles, the Apostle Philip, the first Christian communities appeared here.

There are still ruins of the necropolis, ancient Roman terms, later rebuilt into the Byzantine Basilica, an old theater that was severely affected by the earthquake, gate of Frontigny (northern gate of Hierapolis) built by the proconsul in honor of the visit of Emperor Domitian and many other objects worth to visit.