The Greco-Roman ruins of Hierapolis the Holy or Sacred City are unique in that they are conjoined with the Pamukkale travertines an unusual side effect being the amount of bikini clad bodies of all shapes and sizes that roam the site. I am not a avid visitor of ruins and haven’t encountered this phenomena previously. While bikinis are to be expected on the travertines I somehow never imagined them making the transition to the ruined Holy Spa city. Hierapolis is an excellent Roman Site to explore and below you will find some Hieraolis Photos that show just how interesting a site it is.
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The King a modern day Heirapolis. While his blood line might not have been Royal his attitude certainly was. I love the way that Turkish dogs always look supremely confident whatever their circumstances.
The following three photos are of the amazing Roman Theatre, which surely equals or surpasses that of Ephesus. Restored in 1972 the theatre holds 12,000/15,000 people depending on sources. As soon as we left the top of the travertines we could see the Theatre in the distance and were immediately drawn toward it.
The Colonnaded Street of Ancient Hierapolis.
The Latrines.
The Frontinus Gates or Arch of Domitian built in the year 82. These “boys” were determined to have their photo taken and insisted on us joining them. They took turns in taking the photo so they could all be in it!
I leave you with a glimpse of one of the many wonders that await within the Hierapolis Museums.
For the Budget
Hierapolis/Travertine combined entrance fee – 35tl.
Entrance to the small Museum packed with excellent artifacts – 5tl. Well worth the fee.
In warm weather I suggest using the entrance closest to Pamukkale at the base of the Travertines.
In cold weather (to avoid cold wet feet on the travertines) a bus/car to the top entrance might be preferable. A small car parking fee (1tl) applies.
Food and Drink is available on site but we chose to eat in Pamukkale afterward.
As far as I know there were No Pass Outs.
This post is linked to Nancie’s Travel Photo Thursday over at Budget Travelers Sandbox.
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Hi Jan! Your photography is as amazing as ever. That would be odd for me too being surrounded by bikinis in the ruins. But, for the ruins themselves I’m all in! Especially that Roman Theater as I love to drift off and daydream, pretending to be sitting there back in the day 🙂 Thank you for including the pic of that majestic Turkish dog! That made me smile. I even showed it to Phoenix 🙂
Ha Ha I thought you would like the dog photo – he was so majestic and he was loving his spot on top of the travertines.
Fascinating Jan – your pictures tell a thousand words, but you’ve supplied such interesting information as well. Love it.
Thanks Jo, it is nice to have you back from your overseas jaunt.
Very beautiful, I wish to visit someday…
It is worth the visit Lily.
Those ruins looks incredible – and surrounded by such beautiful scenery. Great photos!
The setting was amazing Molly and with the pencil pines quite like Tuscany!
I love the view from the top of the theater looking in, WOW! So much history packed in here, I can imagine what a magical special experience it must have been!
I admit that I am love that theatre Jess. 🙂
Bikinis and ruins? You’re right about that being an uncommon sight. You’ve already mesmerized me with the Travertines, so I think that being able to explore such beautiful ruins right next to it really adds a lot to this day’s outing. That Roman amphitheatre’s stage is truly incredible.
Turkey is always full of surprises Michele 🙂
Jan, I love these sites. I know most people go in summer, but if there is any way possible to go in the winter months, it’s just amazing. Also, one of the neatest things we ever did is swim in the pool, heated by hot springs. There are antiquities under the water…and guess who else swam there? Cleopatra!
Yes the pool would be great in winter Corinne. It is amazing to think of Cleopatra swimming there!
Darn, no pictures of bikini-clad visitors? I’m crushed, Jan! LOL, seriously though, these ruins are quite impressive but I wouldn’t have put the two together. Love the amphitheater, pitch perfect sound and not a bad seat in the house. Those Romans knew a thing or two about design. Did I read that correctly – those are Latrines?
Yes that is right Marcia 🙂 I resisted taking photos of the bikinis amongst the ruins but will be showing one of the crowded travertines at a later stage!
Amazing photos, Jan — I can vividly imagine walking along the stone path. Visiting ruins can certainly be “hot, sweaty work”, but I guarantee that you won’t see my in a bikini at Hierapolis.
It was a funny sight Cathy 🙂
I love visiting ruins like these. It’s easy to stand or sit and daydream about what it would have been like back in the day. That Greek dog seems to be right in his element. Can’t imagine exploring these ruins in a bikini. I see you left yours at home! 🙂
ha ha Nancie – I wore my one piece the next day, in the travertine pools, lol. 🙂
Beautiful, Jan. Lovely photos of the ruins, especially the theater. Glad to see views of what I missed during my visit in Turkey. I wanted to go to Pumukkale then, but I don’t remember why but they closed it off for visits that time. That king of modern Hieropolis is adorable!
That was bad luck Marisol (the site being closed). We found a few things closed in October as I guess it was a little out of season. I have found that all over the world. We never travel in season and like it that way, but it does mean some things are closed. He was an amazing dog. 🙂
Amazing photos, incredible ruins … bikinis in the ruins – interesting 🙂
Planning to visit Pamukkale during our Turkish holidays and after seeing the pictures of this place, we will be planning coming here too 🙂
http://www.travelera.es
“The Hilton of Turkish ruins.” Love it. 🙂 So long since we’ve been to Pamukklae and Hierapolis and we’re hoping to get back there this year – expecting to see lots of changes around the travertines.
Julia
Can’t wait to see those changes Julia!