Hierapolis Ancient City

Hierapolis is a historic city located within the boundaries of Denizli Province in Türkiye, renowned for its archaeological and cultural heritage dating back to the Roman and Byzantine periods. This ancient city holds significant religious importance, particularly due to the presence of the tomb of Saint Philip, a Christian martyr. Hierapolis attracts attention not only through its ancient structures uncovered by archaeological excavations but also through its religious beliefs and practices. The white travertine terraces of Pamukkale and its healing thermal waters, combined with the ancient city and its surrounding ruins, have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for Cultural and Natural Heritage.

Hierapolis Ancient City (

The Discovery and History of Pamukkale

Pamukkale draws attention with its history extending back to the Roman period. In antiquity, the founders of Hierapolis were under the Kingdom of Pergamon, and the city established around the thermal springs gradually became an important health center. During the Roman era, it gained great popularity as a thermal health resort and hosted various civilizations for thousands of years. Today, these water sources are known for their healing properties and are visited by both domestic and international tourists.

Pamukkale (Culture Portal)

Remains of the Hierapolis Ancient City

The Hierapolis Ancient City is an ancient settlement situated immediately beside Pamukkale, featuring magnificent remains that have survived to the present day. The majority of the ancient city dates to the Roman period, and the structures from this era are exceptionally well preserved. Among these remains are the ruins of the Roman Baths and its healing thermal waters, the Ancient Theatre, temples, tombs, and the agora. Particularly the Roman-era structures provide significant evidence of the luxury and sophistication of urban life in the city.

The natural beauty of Pamukkale and the historical remains of Hierapolis together create a sense of time travel for visitors. Among the key remains in Hierapolis are the Roman Baths, the Ancient Theatre, the Ploutonium (Gate of Hell), and the temples.

The Sacred Significance of Hierapolis in Christianity

Hierapolis holds great importance not only for its Roman-era traces but also for its significance in Christian history. The martyrdom and burial of Saint Philip, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, transformed the city into a sacred site. With the official recognition of Christianity as the state religion in the 4th century AD, Hierapolis became a major center for Christian pilgrimage. This sanctity was reinforced by the numerous churches and martyria erected in honor of Saint Philip. The Martyrium, where Saint Philip’s tomb is located, remains a site of major Christian pilgrimage.

Important Structures and Sacred Areas of Hierapolis

Hierapolis Theatre

A large structure dating to the Roman period, the theatre was constructed during the reign of Emperor Septimius Severus. The ancient theatre provides important insights into the social life and cultural activities of the city.

Hierapolis Theatre (

Great Baths (Roman Baths)

One of the most important structures in Hierapolis, the Great Baths were built according to the standard Roman bath plan. The building is among the most significant public spaces reflecting the social life of the period. The vaulted ceilings and hot water pools demonstrate the grandeur of the structure, while the marble slabs on the floor and the frescoes on the walls reveal the artistic and engineering knowledge of the Roman era. The baths held an important role in ritual practices and health services.

Domitian Gate (Frontinus Gate)

Located at the northern entrance of Hierapolis, the Domitian Gate is dedicated to the Roman Emperor Domitian. Dating to 82–83 AD, this gate was a crucial structure regulating entry and exit to the city. The Latin and Greek inscriptions on the gate reflect the atmosphere of the period. This monumental entrance also reveals the architectural style and cultural interactions of the time.

Agora

This area, which served as the commercial center of the city, was uncovered during Roman-era excavations.

North and South Byzantine Gates

The gates of the defensive walls from the Byzantine period are located within the city walls surrounding Hierapolis.

Temple of Apollo and the Fountain of Triton

This temple, among the largest monumental structures in Hierapolis, is dedicated to Apollo.

Ploutonium (Gate of Hell)

According to Roman-era popular beliefs, this area was thought to be the entrance to the underworld. A temple was located here.

Ploutonium (

Cathedral

The cathedral within the Hierapolis Ancient City is one of the most important places of worship from the Christian period. The main entrance of the building opens onto the city’s main street, the plateia, and features a narthex (entrance hall) and an atrium (courtyard). Entering through a door on the right leads to the baptistery. This structure is quadrangular in plan with an apse (semi-circular sanctuary). The interior is divided into three naves by columns.

The apse contains a baptismal font, adorned with marble panels and flanked by staircases on both sides. The upper section designated for women is separated by a cornice supported by a second row of columns. The interior of the apse is circular, while its exterior is polygonal. Within the main apse is the synthronon, a stepped seating arrangement where priests and the bishop sat during liturgical services. The architectural features and renovations of the building indicate that it dates to the first half of the 6th century AD, during the Byzantine period.

Tomb of Saint Philip and the Sacred Area

Hierapolis holds a special place in Christian history because it is believed to be the burial site of Saint Philip. Saint Philip, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, was martyred in Hierapolis in the 1st century AD. Excavations in the city have confirmed that this tomb indeed belongs to Saint Philip and that the site was used as an important pilgrimage center.

Structure of the Tomb

The tomb of Saint Philip is constructed from travertine blocks and consists of a chamber measuring 3.50 meters in length and 4 meters in width. On three sides of the tomb are burial beds for the deceased. On the right side of the central nave, two individual-use pools and two additional pools covered with marble slabs have been found. These pools date to the 4th–5th centuries and are believed to have been used for healing purposes, as in other Byzantine sacred sites in the region.

The tomb is surrounded by a church and other religious structures. This church, built with three naves, features a platform constructed directly above the tomb. At the rear of the church is an altar and a synthronon (semi-circular liturgical bench) for the clergy. This arrangement was designed in accordance with Christian liturgical practices.

Legends Associated with the Martyrdom and Tomb of Saint Philip

According to Christian sources, after Saint Philip was martyred, he was buried at this site. His tomb was visited by numerous pilgrims who came here seeking healing and divine intercession, hoping to cure their illnesses and receive prophetic visions.

Sacred Areas and Places of Worship

Ayazma and the Sacred Area Fountain

Another important structure within the sacred areas of Hierapolis is the Ayazma, or sacred fountain. This fountain was used by pilgrims for purification rituals. Built in a columnar form, the opening through which water flowed was decorated with a marble block shaped like a seashell. The Ayazma functioned as a place for ritual ablutions. Water was brought to the site via an aqueduct from a plateau to the northeast.

Octagonal Church (Martyrion)

Constructed in the early 5th century, the Octagonal Church was built to accommodate pilgrims visiting this important pilgrimage site following the elevation of Saint Philip to martyr status. The church consists of a central octagonal space, with eight rectangular structures surrounding it, each opening into the central area through three arches. The wooden dome covering the structure is one of its key architectural features. This design references the number eight, symbolizing eternity. Additionally, as in other Byzantine healing sanctuaries, incubation rituals (enkubation) were performed here. During these rituals, pilgrims slept in the hope of receiving healing and prophetic dreams.

Martyrion (

The Image of Saint Philip and His Place in Art

The life and martyrdom of Saint Philip have frequently been depicted in Byzantine and medieval art. The earliest representations of Saint Philip are found on circular panels on the altar of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. Additionally, frescoes in the Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua from the 13th century provide detailed narratives of his life and martyrdom. In the 14th century, frescoes by the renowned painter Filippino Lippi in the Church of Santa Maria Novella in Florence depict scenes from his life and martyrdom.

The Spanish painter Jusepe de Ribera, in his 1639 painting, realistically portrays the moment of Saint Philip’s crucifixion. This work helps us understand the artistic perspective of the period and the status of Saint Philip as a martyr.

Architectural Features and Excavations

Archaeological excavations in Hierapolis have revealed the architectural characteristics of the city’s religious structures. After a major earthquake in the 7th century, many buildings in Hierapolis were destroyed. However, the walls uncovered in these excavations, constructed from marble and travertine blocks, were rebuilt using fragments from earlier Byzantine structures. The wide walls (approximately one meter thick) and marble claddings provide significant information about the construction techniques of the period.

The sacred areas of Hierapolis were places where pilgrims could perform religious rituals and seek healing. The Sacred Area Fountain, known as the Ayazma, was a sacred space where pilgrims carried out ritual purification to achieve spiritual cleansing.