About Hierapolis Ancient City
Hierapolis is an ancient Greco-Roman city in southwestern Anatolia, near today’s Pamukkale, known for its rich cultural heritage, sacred thermal springs, and remarkably well-preserved ruins. Founded in the 2nd century BCE, it was a major center for healing, religion, and arts, and is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Why Visit by Helicopter?
- A helicopter offers unmatched panoramic views, revealing the hidden beauty, scale, and historical grandeur of Hierapolis not visible from the ground.
- Indulge in a Regal Retreat: Sweep into this UNESCO treasure with helicopter elegance, bypassing earthly paths to immerse yourself in the luxurious legacy of a once-thriving cultural hub.
- Ascend to an Ancient Oasis: Rise above Hierapolis’ historic ruins and let the helicopter reveal a timeless cityscape where thermal springs weave tales of ancient spa culture and spiritual renewal.
- Uncover a Cultural Tapestry: Soar over the remnants of Hierapolis’ religious and commercial past, gaining an aerial narrative of its 2nd-century BCE grandeur and enduring allure.
- Marvel at Healing Waters from Above: Hover over the famed thermal springs, glimpsing the healing waters that drew ancients seeking wellness, a natural wonder best admired from the sky.
Insights
Hierapolis is an ancient city located in southwestern Anatolia, near modern-day Pamukkale in Turkey. Founded in the 2nd century BCE, it was once a thriving center of culture, commerce, and religion, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is renowned for its thermal springs, which were believed to have healing properties, making it an important location for spa culture in antiquity.
One of the most remarkable features of Hierapolis is its well-preserved theater, which could accommodate up to 20,000 spectators. The city is also famous for its necropolis, one of the largest in the ancient world, featuring a variety of tombs ranging from simple sarcophagi to grand mausoleums. This speaks to the city's status as a significant religious center; it was home to a Plutonium, an ancient temple dedicated to the god Pluto.
Hierapolis had a rich history of intellectual activity. It was the birthplace of the Stoic philosopher Epictetus and was visited by other notable historical figures, including Roman emperors and early Christian apostles. The city is significant in the context of early Christianity; it is said to be the place where St. Philip, one of Jesus Christ’s apostles, was martyred.
In terms of architectural significance, Hierapolis offers a wealth of ruins that showcase a mix of Roman and Byzantine styles, providing valuable insights into the engineering and aesthetic sensibilities of these periods. The city’s ruins include a Roman bath, temples, and a gymnasium, illustrating the diverse activities that once took place here.
Available Tours
Pamukkale and Hierapolis Gyrocopter Tour
Pamukkale, Hierapolis and Laodicea on the Lycus Gyrocopter Tour
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