Pamukkale and Hierapolis

In Denizli, a UNESCO site where the white travertine terraces built by thermal springs meet the ancient city of Hierapolis above them.

Why go

Pamukkale is known for its brilliant white travertine terraces, formed as calcium-rich thermal water rising from underground deposited its minerals over centuries. Directly above this natural formation lies the ancient city of Hierapolis. Because it carries both natural and cultural value, the site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988.

Historical context

Hierapolis grew as a centre of health and belief, where the thermal waters were used for healing. Expanding through the Roman and Byzantine periods, the city was one of the region’s important settlements, with its theatre, baths and a wide necropolis. The travertines, meanwhile, are a living geological process that has been forming for thousands of years and continues today.

What you will see

The travertine terraces are visited along a set route; to protect them, some sections are entered barefoot. Above, you find the great theatre of Hierapolis, the Temple of Apollo, the ruins of the baths and the antique pool. Stretching beyond the city, the necropolis is one of the largest ancient cemeteries in Anatolia.

How to get there

Pamukkale lies about 20 kilometres from central Denizli and is easily reached by car. The nearest airport is Denizli Çardak; many visitors arrive in Denizli by bus or plane and complete the last stretch by shared minibus or car. The travertine route is on a scale that is walked on foot.

There are two entrances to the site: the lower south gate and the upper north gate. Entering from above and walking down through the travertines makes most of the walk easier. Because the site is large, it is worth setting aside a few hours to combine Hierapolis with the terraces, and on hot days a hat, water and comfortable shoes help.

When to visit

Spring and autumn are the most balanced seasons for both temperature and crowds. Summer middays can be hot and busy; early mornings are calmer. On the travertines the surface can be wet and slippery, so it is important to walk carefully.

Responsible visiting

The travertines are a fragile, living formation; walking only on the permitted route, staying within marked areas and avoiding anything that could harm the water are all necessary to protect the site. The structures of Hierapolis, too, have stood in the open air for centuries, so it matters not to climb on the remains. It is worth checking current visiting conditions from an official source.

Nearby

Karahayıt, known for its reddish waters, is a short drive away. The ancient city of Laodikeia is another nearby site that fits into the same day, while central Denizli is the region’s hub for transport and accommodation.