Hierapolis is a sacred city above the white terraces of Pamukkale. Roman ruins on the edge of the travertines: theater, necropolis, temples, baths. People came here to be healed by hot springs; the apostle Philip lived and died here. A city of the dead and a city of healing—in one place.

History of the City

Hierapolis was founded around 190 BC by the Pergamene kings. The name means "sacred city"—probably due to the thermal springs attributed to divine origin.

The city flourished under the Romans. Earthquakes in 17 and 60 AD destroyed it, but it was rebuilt each time. Peak prosperity came in...