Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Archaeological Sites & Ruins

Hierapolis

Pamukkale, Turkey

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST RUINS & SITES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 47 2026
Hierapolis

An ancient city beside the Pamukkale travertine terraces in western Turkey, founded in the 2nd century BC. Visitors walk past the necropolis and ancient streets, reach the Roman theatre, and see the Cleopatra Pool among ruined columns.

Highlights

  • Roman Theatre
  • Necropolis with sarcophagi
  • Cleopatra Pool

Good to know

  • Tickets sold at booths, audio guide headphones added at checkout
  • Allow at least three to four hours
  • Heat and little shade, visit morning or late afternoon

Also in Turkey

  1. Kibyra N° 39 Kibyra Gölhisar Ancient city
  2. Ephesus N° 40 Ephesus Selçuk Ancient city
  3. Perge N° 48 Perge Antalya Ancient city
  4. Temple of Apollo at Didyma N° 56 Temple of Apollo at Didyma Didim Temple site
  5. Aizanoi N° 58 Aizanoi Çavdarhisar Ancient city
  6. Olympos N° 60 Olympos Kumluca Ancient city