Hierapolis

Hierapolis is an ancient city located 18 km north of Denizli, founded in the 2nd century BCE by Eumenes II, the King of Pergamon. The name of the city is derived from Hiera, the wife of Telephos, the legendary founder of Pergamon.

Hierapolis gained fame as the site of the crucifixion of St. Philip, one of Jesus' apostles, in 80 CE. The city continued to be significant during the Byzantine period, becoming a center of Christianity from the 4th century CE, with the construction of the octagonal Martyrium in memory of St. Philip. It is known as one of the important cultural and religious centers of antiquity and hosts the largest necropolis in Southwest Anatolia.

Hierapolis boasts significant structures such as the Basilical Bath, Latrina, Theater, Plutonium (a rare shrine dedicated to Pluto), Apollon Temple, water canals, the Nymphaeum, the St. Philip Martyrium and St. Philip Church. Additionally, there is an antique pool and baths. Hierapolis, together with the splendid Pamukkale Travertines next to it, has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural and natural heritage site.