The ruins of Hierapolis are situated close to the present day town of Pamukkala. 
It all started as a Phrygian temple in honor of the Amazon Hiera who bravely fought the Greek in the Trojan War.

The temple was erected close to the local thermal hot springs.

After 200 BC the town became a Greek thermal spa. When the Romans took over, Hierapolis was turned into a healing center and became a thriving city with a large amphitheater, a temple for Apollo and a gated and columnated main street. 

This attracted old, wealthy and important people that soon started to populate the necropolis with impressive tombs and richly decorated marble coffins.

 

Apostle Philip was crucified here, his tomb was discovered in 2011.

 

In 1354 a huge earthquake destroyed the already abandoned ancient city. 

 

Pamukkala is know for its white terrasses of travertine, created by the hot springs that are rich in calcium carbonate.

 

You can wade in the warm shallow pools, provided you take off your shoes.

 

We visited Hierapolis and the Pamukkala terrasses in August 1996.