description Hierapolis-Pamukkale Overview
An ancient Greco-Roman spa city in Denizli Province, southwestern Turkey, paired with the natural travertine terraces of Pamukkale as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. The white calcium carbonate terraces formed by thermal springs have attracted visitors since antiquity, when Hierapolis was founded by the Attalid kings of Pergamon in the 2nd century BCE. The site includes a large necropolis, Roman theater, baths, and the Plutonium, a religious cave associated with the underworld.
help Hierapolis-Pamukkale FAQ
Can you still walk on the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale?
Yes, visitors are allowed to walk barefoot on the travertine terraces of Pamukkale to protect the delicate calcium carbonate formations. Shoes are strictly prohibited, and guards monitor the area to ensure the thermal water continues to flow over the pools naturally.
What ancient structures can you see in the Hierapolis archaeological site?
The Hierapolis site features remarkably preserved ruins, including a massive Roman theatre, a vast necropolis, and the remains of the antique Roman baths. Visitors can also swim in the Antique Pool, where submerged Roman columns litter the thermal water.
Why is Hierapolis-Pamukkale considered a UNESCO World Heritage site?
The site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988 because of its unique blend of natural geological wonders and human history. The striking white terraces formed by thermal springs sit directly alongside the ruins of a continuously inhabited Greco-Roman spa city.
What is the water temperature of the hot springs at Hierapolis?
The thermal springs feeding the terraces emerge from the ground at soothing temperatures, generally ranging from 35 to 100 degrees Celsius. As the water cascades down the travertines, it deposits the calcium carbonate that creates the site's iconic white landscape.
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