Gabriel & Lorraine

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Hierapolis, Turkey | A Lesser Known “Holy City” of the Bible

Are you inspired to visit the biblical sites and historic cities in Turkey? Come with us on a life-changing adventure!

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Hierapolis is one of those places mentioned in the Bible that is so easy to miss completely. Mentioned only once in Paul’s letter to the Colossians (4:13), he acknowledges this region through the work of Epaphras—connecting this triad of cities and shared faith found in Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis. So if this is your first time learning about this historical place, you’re not alone!

The Biblical Significance of Hierapolis-Pamukkale

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The Biblical Significance of Hierapolis-Pamukkale

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Hierapolis is Latin for “Holy City.” Set high on a hill overlooking the valley below, this Hellenistic city was an impressive place by any standard. 

Hierapolis was founded as a thermal spa in the second century B.C., and became a healing center where doctors would use the thermal springs as treatments for their patients. Today this area of Hierapolis is known as Pamukkale (Turkish for “Cotton Castle,” denoting the appearance of the white travertine terraces made by mineral deposits of the water). These thermal waters have drawn many throughout the centuries. Cleopatra would come to this place and use the upper pools for her beauty spa treatments. 

During this time, Antiochus the Great sent 2,000 Jewish families to this region from Babylon and Mesopotamia, with more from Judea joining later. And the Jewish congregation continued to grow. By 62 B.C., it is estimated there were as many as 50,000 Jewish people living in Hierapolis. 

By the first century AD, Hierapolis was part of the Roman province of Asia, with a still-thriving Jewish population that included a growing community of believers in Messiah Yeshua. The apostle Philip spent the last years of his life here before he was martyred for his faith by being crucified upside-down in 80 AD. A martyrion (church built over the tomb of one martyred for their faith) is located near the spot where it is believed Philip died.

The truly astonishing fact about Hierapolis/Pamukkale—and its Biblical significance—is the importance of the waters that flowed from these hot springs down to the valley below to the communities of Laodicea and Colossae. By the time the hot waters reached Laodicea eleven miles away, the temperature was lukewarm, and the people would have to re-heat the water. In the message given to Messiah’s community of Laodicea in Revelation chapter 3, the community is rebuked for being lukewarm. The symbolism and implications were clear to the people then, and are just as clear to us now!
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Known for its mineral forests, petrified waterfalls and a series of terraced basins, the Hellenistic spa town of Hierapolis was a focal point for visitors since the 2nd century B.C.

Key Verse


Epaphras, who is one of your own, a slave of Messiah Yeshua greets you. He is always laboring in prayer on your behalf, so you may stand complete and fully assured about everything that is God's will.


For I testify that he has gone to much trouble for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis.
Colossians 4:12-13


Spiritual Inheritance

Assurance of God's will in your life

Points of Interest

  • The white travertine terraces of Pamukkale
  • The Archaeological Museum of Hierapolis
  • Historic ancient theater high on the hill
  • Apostle Philip's Tomb and Martyrion
  • Cleopatra's Ancient Pool
  • Nearby ancient city of Laodicea (10 mile drive) and the unexcavated tell of Colassae

Points of Interest

  • White travertine terraces
  • The Archaeological Museum of Hierapolis
  • Historic ancient theater
  • Apostle Philip's Tomb and Martyrion
  • Nearby ancient city of Laodicea (10 mile drive) and the unexcavated tell of Colassae

What to Expect in Hierapolis-Pamukkale Today

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Though it can be a little confusing the first time you visit, the ancient ruins of Hierapolis and the thermal waters of Pamukkale can both be found in one magnificent park that stretches nearly 2 miles long. There are three entrances to the park, but the southern entrance gives the best access to the sights and amenities Gabriel and I needed. We opted to rent a golf cart to see as much of the ruins as possible in the short time we had here. It was a little pricey for this region (around $25 US), but it was by far the best decision of the day! 

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Though it can be a little confusing the first time you visit, the ancient ruins of Hierapolis and the thermal waters of Pamukkale can both be found in one magnificent park that stretches nearly 2 miles long. There are three entrances to the park, but the southern entrance gives the best access to the sights and amenities Gabriel and I needed. We opted to rent a golf cart to see as much of the ruins as possible in the short time we had here. It was a little pricey for this region (around $25 US), but it was by far the best decision of the day! 

As we began to make our way to the travertine terraces, the site reminded me of a film stage set for “The Flintstones” animated cartoon series, with marble columns strewn around bases of towering palm trees and a beautiful etched stone archway fit for the height of a child. The day was very warm and humid, but the breeze, palm trees and sunshine reminded us of Santa Barbara back home in California. Thankfully, there was a shaded area next to the terraced water feature that provided a cool place to rest and get something to eat. 

Seen from the valley below, the large white deposits glisten in the sunlight, while closer up the icy blue pools of water create a beautiful contrast of color. The marketing team has done a great job to sell the experience! Once here, the place is flooded with people like an overrun Disneyland, and the beautiful pools can only be seen in the far-off distance. It didn't matter, though—the site was still breathtaking in wonder and beauty. Taking off our shoes, we stepped onto the slippery stones to join the others in a risky walk in the water. We didn’t get far—but it was enough to have enjoyed the experience without falling.

We drove our cart to the top of the mountain to take in the sights from the ancient theater, and drove down through the city streets as we passed the Frontinus Gate and other remains of the city. If we had more time, we would have gone for a swim in Cleopatra's ancient pool, walked through the archaeological museum, and hiked to see the memorial for the Apostle Philip. 

Even though we could see evidence of pagan worship that took place throughout the centuries, our hearts were turned to God’s heart for the people of this region and His purposes for this place, still.

As we began to make our way to the travertine terraces, the site reminded me of a film stage set for “The Flintstones” animated cartoon series, with marble columns strewn around bases of towering palm trees and a beautiful etched stone archway fit for the height of a child. The day was very warm and humid, but the breeze, palm trees and sunshine reminded us of Santa Barbara back home in California. Thankfully, there was a shaded area next to the terraced water feature that provided a cool place to rest and get something to eat. 



Seen from the valley below, the large white deposits glisten in the sunlight, while closer up the icy blue pools of water create a beautiful contrast of color. The marketing team has done a great job to sell the experience! Once here, the place is flooded with people like an overrun Disneyland, and the beautiful pools can only be seen in the far-off distance. It didn't matter, though—the site was still breathtaking in wonder and beauty. Taking off our shoes, we stepped onto the slippery stones to join the others in a risky walk in the water. We didn’t get far—but it was enough to have enjoyed the experience without falling.

We drove our cart to the top of the mountain to take in the sights from the ancient theater, and drove down through the city streets as we passed the Frontinus Gate and other remains of the city. If we had more time, we would have gone for a swim in Cleopatra's ancient pool, walked through the archaeological museum, and hiked to see the memorial for the Apostle Philip. 


Even though we could see evidence of pagan worship that took place throughout the centuries, our hearts were turned to God’s heart for the people of this region and His purposes for this place, still.


Why Christians Should Visit


The region of Hierapolis-Pamukkale was well-established before the coming of Messiah Yeshua. As Christians, we often think of the early church locations of Jerusalem, Ephesus, Corinth and Colossae, overlooking the other places in Asia minor where the Gospel was spread, as many hearts were turned to the Lord.


Hierapolis-Pamukkale is a remarkable place to come and reflect on the goodness of God who “...doesn't wish any to perish, but for all to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Walking in the places where God's chosen people once thrived—and where one lost his life living for the Lord—is a sobering reminder for us today. Come with an expectant heart, ready to receive from the Lord... and ready to give!

About Lorraine Marie

Lorraine Marie Varela is an author, screenwriter, and professional photographer. She and her husband Gabriel are the co-founders of Inspiring Faith International, a ministry founded to draw people closer to the heart of God.

Lorraine Marie Varela is an author, screenwriter, and professional photographer. She and her husband Gabriel are the co-founders of Inspiring Faith International, a ministry designed to help people draw closer to the heart of God.

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