World Heritage Identification Number: 485
World Heritage since: 1988
Category: Mixed Cultural Heritage and Natural Heritage
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇹🇷 Türkiye
Continent: Asia
UNESCO World Region: Europe and North America
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Exploring the Ancient City of Hierapolis and the Natural Wonder of Pamukkale
Hierapolis-Pamukkale is a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southwestern Anatolia, Turkey. This unique destination offers a blend of ancient history and natural beauty that attracts visitors from around the world.
The origins of Hierapolis date back to the Phrygian era, where it served as a significant cult center dedicated to the Anatolian mother goddess Cybele. However, it was during the Hellenistic period that the city truly flourished under the rule of the Attalid dynasty, the kings of Pergamon. The remnants of Hierapolis today include extensive remains of bathhouses, temples, and other Greek structures.
One of the most striking features of Hierapolis is its hot springs, which were highly valued for their therapeutic properties. These mineral-rich waters continue to flow from the cliffs above the modern town of Pamukkale, creating an extraordinary landscape known as Cotton Castle or Pamukkale (Turkish for 'cotton' or 'wool').
The name Pamukkale derives from the white, cascading terraces formed by the accumulation of carbonate minerals deposited by the flowing water. Over time, these mineral-rich waters have created a surreal landscape featuring petrified waterfalls, mineral forests, and a series of terraced basins. The sight of these snow-like terraces against the clear blue sky is truly breathtaking.
In addition to its historical and geological significance, Hierapolis-Pamukkale holds great cultural importance. It is renowned as the birthplace of the Stoic philosopher Epictetus, whose teachings greatly influenced Roman society. Visitors can explore the ancient theater, necropolis, and agora, providing insights into the daily life and social structure of this ancient city.
Today, Hierapolis-Pamukkale stands as a testament to the rich history and natural wonders of Turkey. Whether you are drawn to the allure of the ancient city or captivated by the mesmerizing landscapes of Pamukkale, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and serenity.
UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
Deriving from springs in a cliff almost 200 m high overlooking the plain, calcite-laden waters have created at Pamukkale (Cotton Palace) an unreal landscape, made up of mineral forests, petrified waterfalls and a series of terraced basins. At the end of the 2nd century B.C. the dynasty of the Attalids, the kings of Pergamon, established the thermal spa of Hierapolis. The ruins of the baths, temples and other Greek monuments can be seen at the site.
Encyclopedia Record: Hierapolis
Hierapolis was a Hellenistic Greek city built on the site of a Phrygian cult center of the Anatolian mother goddess Cybele, in Phrygia in southwestern Anatolia, Turkey. It was famous for its hot springs, its high quality wool fabrics and dyes, and as the birthplace of the Stoic philosopher Epictetus. Its extensive remains are adjacent to modern Pamukkale in Turkey.Additional Site Details
Area: 1,077 hectares
(iv) — Outstanding example of a type of building or landscape
(vii) — Contains superlative natural phenomena or beauty
Coordinates: 37.92389 , 29.12333
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© Carole Raddato, CC BY-SA 2.0 Resized from original. (This derivative is under the same CC BY-SA license.)
