Pamukkale/Turkey
Cleopatra Antique Pool
Bathing among fallen Roman columns in the thermal pool of ancient Hierapolis.
- 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.
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.
Getting there
Twenty minutes by dolmuş from Denizli to Pamukkale, then up through the travertine terraces.
Location
Recommendations
Pamukkale and Hierapolis day trip
From Denizli or Kuşadası
Travertine terraces, the ancient city and time at the antique pool.
Hotels in Pamukkale village
Below the terraces
Small hotels a short walk from the south gate.
Hotels nearby
Explore places to stay near Cleopatra Antique Pool.
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