Ali Gündoğdu

CTO @gensuretech | Tech Guy & Father

The Sacred Touch of Thermal Waters: Hospitality Beginning at the Gates of Hierapolis

Hierapolis is an ancient city located approximately 20 km from Denizli.

The founding story of Hierapolis dates back to the 2nd century BC. The city, established by Eumenes II during the Pergamon Kingdom period, takes its name from Eumenes’ wife, Hiera. This name, meaning “sacred city,” derives from the mystical atmosphere created by the healing properties of the thermal springs. Hierapolis experienced its golden age during the Roman Empire period, becoming one of Anatolia’s most important thermal centers, particularly between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD. The city’s wealth came not only from thermal tourism but also from textile production and red dyeing. Hierapolis’ famous red dye was exported throughout the Roman Empire. It’s even possible to reach the graves of those who produced and wove this dye within the city itself.

Stepping Through the Entrance Gate

On the road to Pamukkale, while eagerly anticipating the enchanting view of the white travertines, we don’t realize we’ re actually stepping into a much grander story. As we pass through Hierapolis’ entrance gate, every stone we feel beneath our feet bears witness to a civilization thousands of years old.

The first detail that caught my attention at the city’s entrance was the side-by-side positioning of the baths and toilets. While we’re accustomed to thinking of these two separately in modern life, this was quite a logical arrangement for the Romans. Thermal waters were used for both cleansing and relaxation, becoming the center of social life. They demonstrated their appreciation for the city by creating such an obsession with enabling people entering the city to cleanse themselves with the power of thermal waters bestowed as a blessing. While walking on stones thousands of years old, it’s impossible not to feel saddened by the sight of discarded plastic bottles and cigarette butts.

What impressed me most while exploring Hierapolis was the city’s obsession with cleanliness and hygiene. The Romans were as advanced in cleanliness culture as they were masterful in water engineering. The water channels, baths, and toilets we encounter at every corner of the city were designed not only functionally but also with aesthetic considerations. Particularly the water system flowing beneath the toilets represents a quite advanced sewage system for that era. When compared to modern cities, we can say that in some areas, they were cleaner and more organized than we are. Thermal waters formed the foundation not only for healing purposes but also for daily cleansing routines. This significantly improved the quality of life for the city’s residents.

Location

Hierapolis is positioned approximately 20 kilometers from present-day Denizli city center. This proximity held strategic importance in ancient times as well. This elevated position overlooking Denizli’s fertile plains enabled both control over trade routes and utilization of thermal springs. Today, on the road from Denizli to Pamukkale, the contrast between the modern city’s fast pace and the ancient world’s silence is quite striking. It’s as if you’re traveling backward through time.

Church

One of Hierapolis’ most impressive aspects is its role in the spread of Christianity. From the 1st century AD onward, the city became an important Christian center. It’s believed that Saint Philip lived here and was martyred. The church ruins standing today reflect the architectural understanding of that period while also showing how faith created social transformation. Churches rising alongside pagan temples are evidence of the city’s multicultural structure.

Particularly the Martyrium of St. Philip became a pilgrimage destination for believers. This situation also affected the city’s economic life, giving birth to a new type of tourism.

Conclusion

Hierapolis is not just an ancient city, but also a concrete example of life philosophy. Every stone here contains a story that tells of the balance between cleanliness, comfort, and aesthetics. We rediscover many values we’ve lost in modern life in this ancient city. Perhaps the real question is: Despite our technological advancement, have we truly made progress in terms of quality of life? As we leave Hierapolis, what we leave behind is not just the white travertines, but also an inspiring experience of how life can be more beautiful, clean, and meaningful.