Balnevia
Fallen Roman columns submerged in the thermal pool at Hierapolis, Pamukkale

Pamukkale/Turkey

Cleopatra Antique Pool

Bathing among fallen Roman columns in the thermal pool of ancient Hierapolis.

Balnevia

Bathing
Outdoor

Inside the archaeological site of Hierapolis, an earthquake dropped a marble portico into the sacred spring. The columns are still there, and you can swim over them in 36°C mineral water.

Balnevia view

Why visit

Few places let you bathe inside a UNESCO World Heritage site — the sensation of warm carbonated water over ancient marble is genuinely singular.

Recommendations

Hotels nearby

Explore places to stay near Cleopatra Antique Pool.

The water

Thermal water

Source
Hierapolis sacred spring
Mineralisation
Calcium bicarbonate-sulphate with dissolved carbon dioxide
Character
Naturally carbonated water rising through the ancient marble

Facilities

  • Thermal pools
  • Outdoor pools
  • Café

History

Hierapolis was founded as a spa city in the second century BC; the pool has been in use since antiquity and takes its name from a legend linking it to Cleopatra.

Practical information

Requires both the Pamukkale site ticket and a separate pool ticket. Go early — it is busy from mid-morning.

Official website

Getting there

Twenty minutes by dolmuş from Denizli to Pamukkale, then up through the travertine terraces.

Location

Pamukkale, Turkey37.9256, 29.1272View on Balnevia map

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