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Hierapolis-Pamukkale

Pamukkale · Türkiye

Background

World Heritage since
1988
Type of site
Mixed
Protected area
11 km²

Springs in a cliff almost 200 m above the plain have laid down white calcite terraces, petrified waterfalls and pools at Pamukkale, the 'Cotton Castle'. There are 17 hot springs here, from 35 °C to 100 °C.

At the end of the 2nd century BC the kings of Pergamon founded the spa city of Hierapolis on top of the terraces. The ruins of its baths, temples and other Greek buildings stand there today.

More on the UNESCO listing More on Wikipedia

  1. Late 2nd c. BCHierapolis founded by the kings of Pergamon
  2. AntiquityThe springs draw visitors
  3. 1988Inscribed as World Heritage

Find Your Way Around

The main parts of the site, in the order most visitors see them

  1. 1
    Travertine Terraces
    White pools you walk up barefoot.
  2. 2
    Hierapolis Theatre
    The Roman theatre above the terraces.
  3. 3
    Necropolis
    The city's large cemetery.
  4. 4
    Antique Pool
    Swim over sunken Roman columns.
  5. 5
    Hierapolis Museum
    Sculptures in the Roman baths.

Know Before You Go

From Wikivoyage and the GoGo guides

Shoes Off
You must go barefoot on the terraces and carry your shoes.
Early or at Sunset
To avoid crowds; the terraces turn pink at sunset.
Three Gates
The Town Gate leads straight up the terraces. The South Gate suits drivers and anyone with limited mobility.
Check the Card Charge
Prices are in euros but cards are charged in lira.

A Day at Pamukkale

From the GoGo Pamukkale guide · Open the Pamukkale Guide ›

  1. 08:00
    Pamukkale Travertines2 hrs
    Barefoot up the white pools.
  2. 10:30
    Hierapolis Theatre and Necropolis2 hrs
    The Roman theatre and cemetery.
  3. 13:30
    Antique Pool90 min
    A swim over sunken columns.
  4. 15:30
    Hierapolis Archaeology Museum1 hr
    Sculptures in the Roman baths.
  5. 18:00
    Pamukkale at Sunset1 hr
    The terraces turning pink.

Best Time to Visit

Best months: Apr–May, Oct. Very hot (highs 34°C+) in Jul–Aug.

Typical highs

Best monthsRain: wettest Jan (116 mm), driest Jul (9 mm)

Climate: NASA POWER

Pair It With

Other World Heritage sites nearby, by distance

WORTH A NIGHTDAY TRIPSAME DAYDistance not to scale · tap a site
Do These Together
Aphrodisias, a World Heritage site of its own, is 43 km away and makes an easy half-day trip.
Sources
UNESCO World Heritage Centre, listing 485 · Wikipedia: Pamukkale · Wikivoyage: Pamukkale (CC BY-SA 4.0) · GoGo Pamukkale guide · UNESCO listing