The ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis or "Holy city" that is associated with the name of the Holy Apostle Philip, located approximately 17 kilometers from the provincial Turkish town of Denizli. They are located on the ridge, the height of which is 350 metres away. The first buildings appeared here in the second Millennium BC. In 190 BC BC by king Eumenes of Pergamon-II was built a new town. Sixty years of Hierapolis became part of the Roman Empire, and in the beginning of our era it was badly destroyed by an earthquake. In the 60 years of the first century, the city was again rebuilt and became known as a resort. Later Hierapolis passed under the Byzantine rule, then under the leadership of the Turkish Sultan. It often happened the earthquake, and in 1534, one of them almost completely destroyed the city. This place was forgotten until the late nineteenth century, when there began the first excavations. Now the ruins of ancient Hierapolis are situated on the territory of modern Turkish resort of Pamukkale and very popular among tourists. Here you can learn about ancient history and explore the architectural masterpieces of the times.

One of the most important attractions of Hierapolis is considered the antique theatre, located on the slope of the hill. The building was the third largest theaters after Ephesus and Aspendos. Its construction began in the first half of the second century and already in the third century the building was greatly expanded. The building is built of solid stone and the total height of the steps is about one hundred feet away. Fifty rows separated by aisles on seven sectors are seats for spectators. The amphitheatre is divided into two levels and on both sides of it are arched passageways. Among the seats, exactly in the center, is the Imperial bed. The stage is located at a height of over three meters and is decorated with beautiful stucco images of Artemis, Apollo, Dionysus. At the back are the original bas-reliefs and three rows of columns, the space between which is occupied with sculpture. The reliefs depict revered gods and mythological heroes and differ in style, because is made by skilled craftsmen from different eras. After the completion of the theatre could accommodate about ten thousand people. Pamukkale is held annually in July international music festival, for which is used the ancient theatre. However now its 46 the ranks of the fit only about seven thousand spectators.

The temple of Apollo was erected in Heliopolis in the third century BC. He was the biggest sanctuary in the policy, but unfortunately, now he was nothing but a wide multi-level staircase leading to the foot of the temple, and the area in front of the building, which is surrounded by a defensive wall. According to the legend, the temple was destroyed by the earthquake that occurred at the time of the crucifixion of the Holy Apostle Philip.

On the South side of this antique building is a place that is considered to be the abode of the Lord of life and death of Pluto - the Roman God of the underworld. It is a small, almost invisible crack in the earth, which is enclosed by stone box. It is believed that a sharp and intense fumes and gases coming from it, is so poisonous that birds and small animals are killed by them. This property of the crevices in ancient times was used by the priests to persuade the people that they communicate with the gods. When believers came for the predictions, the priest asked the God Apollo to kill the bird in the proof of his power and released the bird into the cave. Poisoned with carbon dioxide the bird died, and that was the statement of the relationship of priests with deity. Previously the entrance to the grotto of Pluto was open, but after the terrible tragedy that occurred with German tourists, the entrance was closed with an iron grating. Travelers suffocated in a sacred niche and now it is unavailable for the visit of.

Among the monuments of Hierapolis, belonging to the Roman era, be sure to note the Arch of Domitian. These majestic gates represent the entrance to the ancient city and were erected in the first century by Julius Frontinus, proconsul Anatolian province. Going through them, the traveler immediately fell on the large main street which width was approximately 14 meters. The street crosses the city and ended South the Roman gate, which began the road to Laodicea. It is known that in ancient times the gate was two-storey. Nowadays you can admire well-preserved first floor of one of the two round towers, which were made of large stones and were joined together with three tall arches.

As soon as the man walks through the gate Frontino, to the left he sees a small Byzantine Church built from previously used materials. On the floor of the temple was found a marble altar and likeness of the icon performed on the piece of marble slabs. It is assumed that the Church was dedicated to the protector of travelers to the virgin Hodegetria. Before entering the Church used was a rectangular visor, and under them was a plate with the image of Apollo, the patron deity of the city of Hierapolis.

The length of main street, separating it into two halves approximately equal to one kilometer. On both sides of it were built galleries and important public buildings. Plate in the Central part of the main street and it is now closed channel, narrow lined with limestone slabs. It is an urban sewer system. It is known that before the city gates were bath. So, pass the city could be only having washed thoroughly.

Temple-Martiri St. Philip was built in Hierapolis in the fourth century. It is believed that the Church built on the site of the death of the Apostle. The temple had an octagonal shape and its diameter was equal to 20 m. In the Church there was a Central room in which, according to legend, was the tomb of Saint Philip, but today it is not found. The dome of this building was made of wood and covered with lead, with the rest of the roof of the temple was a wooden. The basis construction has the shape of a double cross. In the temple was a beautiful chapel and a terrace with several rooms, from which only ruins remained of the walls. The city of Hierapolis was repeatedly subjected to earthquakes, the last of which almost completely destroyed the temple-Martiri. Nevertheless it still can be explored using a wide staircase from outside. In Pamukkale the feast of St. Philip is held every November. After the murder of St. Philip's town was called the Holy city, and the Church of Saint Philip is one of the most important places of pilgrimage for Christians.

In Hierapolis is one of the largest necropolis of Asia Minor, the era of Hellenism, Rome and early Christianity, which rises to the walls of the city. Even in ancient times to Hierapolis, famous for its thermal springs, funneling a huge number of patients hoping for a cure. Many of them, to cope with the disease, went back home, and the other dying, stayed here forever. This explains the huge size of the local Necropolis. In addition, the dead in Hierapolis were buried according to their traditions, so the cemetery is notable for its unusual variety of burial monuments and tombstones, among which are the sarcophagi, typically Lycian tombs, family crypts and t.d. The length of the necropolis is two kilometres and it is divided into two parts: southern and Northern. In the necropolis are very impressive burial structures, with a strong Foundation of stone blocks, arched arched ceilings and the remnants of columns. The part of the local graves are very modest, stone-graves of commoners. Although there are some that affect its size, shape and originality of décor. The most ancient Greek burial made in the form of round barrows, which were circulated in Anatolia in the second and first centuries BC. There are various sarcophagi, marble, or limestone, with a flat or gabled lids, with interesting decor and without it, put on stone foundations or dug into the ground. There are also family crypts designed for several sarcophagi. From 1200 graves about 300 equipped with epitaphs, telling the dead man's name, his occupation, and also mentioning the acts which he became famous.

The most famous burial North of the necropolis is the tomb of Titus Flavius, often called traveler's tomb. It is located to the right of the main gate. The tomb is a rectangular tomb, mounted on a small pedestal. Its narrow doorway belted thin stone border, and the Doric frieze decoration in the form of rosettes on top of the tomb. In the 2nd and 3rd centuries ad in the Eastern part of the necropolis began to appear grave in the shape of the house on a special Foundation. They are conventionally called "the Grave of the hero" and they occupy a large area of the cemetery. Some of them have a niche in the wall in the shape of the window.

One of the best places to finish the journey to Hierapolis, is a small Museum. It is located in one of the largest buildings of the ancient city – the Roman Bath built in the early second century BC. Today she is preserved from the massive walls and arch spans. Before entering the baths landscaped small but cozy courtyard. From two sides it is surrounded by a quadrangular space parlors, which were once attached bathrooms with swimming pools. To buildings baths adjoined palestra with two large halls in the Northern and southern parts intended for the practice of gymnastic exercises. Archaeological excavations on this site have not been completed yet, so the exact boundaries of the entire complex of baths, the palaestra is still not installed. The Museum is housed here since 1984.

The exposition of the Museum includes many interesting art objects. Collections include jewelry, coins, architectural fragments and sarcophagi, but the main exhibits are the sculptures and bas-reliefs. It exhibits the objects of history, was found during excavations of ancient cities such as Hierapolis, Colosia, Laodicea, Tripolis. The exhibits date back to different periods from the Bronze age to Ottoman times. The Museum is located directly in the yard. On the outdoor exhibition are mostly made of stone and marble.