Photo: Brocken Inaglory (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source 8 places to visit in the Pamukkale district of Denizli: Pamukkale Travertenleri, Hierapolis Ancient City and Hierapolis Archaeology Museum. Plan your trip to Pamukkale with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Pamukkale, formerly known as Akköy, is the second most populous district of Denizli, with a population in 2024 of the second largest in the province. The district was renamed by Law no. 6360, adopted by the Grand National Assembly (TBMM) on 12 November 2012, and it has 61 neighbourhoods. The district’s area is 823 km². The Pamukkale (Hierapolis) travertines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, are located in this district. Pamukkale University lies within the district boundaries.
Pamukkale, formerly named Akköy, is the second most populous district of Denizli. The Pamukkale travertines have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. Laodicea Church was uncovered during excavations carried out in 2010. At the beginning of the 13th century the area came under Turkish control, and the city was named Lâdik.
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Photo: Bernard Gagnon (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source Hierapolis, founded on the travertines in the 2nd century BC during the Kingdom of Pergamon, has an ancient theatre, necropolis, agora and Roman bath ruins to visit. The ancient pool (Cleopatra's Pool) is famous for its thermal waters.
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Photo: A.Savin (FAL) · Source Laodikeia, 6 km from Denizli, was one of the wealthiest cities of the Roman period. The city, home to one of the seven churches of Christianity, has a stadium, theatre and church ruins.
View on mapA large bridge east of Hierapolis, located after the Saint Philip Gate.
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Photo: Brocken Inaglory (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source Natural travertine formations protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, together with the ancient city of Hierapolis.
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Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source Also known as Underground Pamukkale, Kaklık Cave is notable for its travertine-covered pools inside the cave. The stalactites and stalagmites inside were formed by the effect of thermal waters.
View on mapHoused in the Roman bath building of the ancient city, the museum displays statues, sarcophagi, coins and architectural fragments from Hierapolis and excavations in the surrounding area.
View on mapA geothermal thermal tourism area adjoining the Pamukkale Special Environmental Protection Area.
View on mapWhile you are in Pamukkale, you can also see the highlights of Denizli province. These places are in other districts.
Lamb marinated in special spices and slowly cooked over a wood fire. The most famous dish of Denizli, it is a flavour every Pamukkale visitor should try.
Prepared by simmering lamb with its bones for a long time. It is the best-known soup of Denizli cuisine and is often eaten in the winter months.
A traditional dessert made by mixing cottage cheese with flour and sugar and cooking it in a pan. It is one of the distinctive flavours of the Denizli region.
Trileçe, a dessert that became popular in Denizli in modern times, is served as a sponge cake soaked in a mixture of three milks and topped with caramel sauce.
Pamukkale's thermal waters have been used for healing since ancient times. The purpose of founding Hierapolis was to create a health centre around these thermal springs.
Laodikeia is one of the Seven Churches mentioned in the Bible. This shows the region's importance in the history of early Christianity and makes it valuable for religious tourism.
Pamukkale district forms the eastern half of Denizli city, and its economy is based on tourism, textiles and agriculture. The Pamukkale travertines attract millions of tourists a year. The textile industry, especially towel and bathrobe production, is the district's most important industrial branch. Grape, cherry and vegetable growing are also carried out.
Pamukkale district centre is part of Denizli city centre. The travertines are 20 km from Denizli. Denizli Çardak Airport is 65 km away. There are direct flight connections from Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir. The intercity bus terminal connects to all major cities.
The highlights of Pamukkale are 8 places: Pamukkale Travertines, Hierapolis Ancient City, Hierapolis Archaeology Museum, Laodicea Ancient City, Kaklik Cave, Direkli Church, Akköy Geothermal Thermal Tourism Centre and Aziz Philippus Bridge.
Denizli Kebabı, Tandır Çorbası, Höşmerim and Denizli Trileçesi are the standout dishes on Pamukkale tables.
Pamukkale is known for Denizli Textiles and its ancient healing tradition. Denizli is one of Türkiye's largest textile production centres. Towels, bathrobes and home textiles are exported worldwide.
The Pamukkale district centre is part of Denizli city centre. The travertines are 20 km from Denizli. Denizli Çardak Airport is 65 km away. There are direct flight connections from Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir. The intercity bus terminal connects to all major cities.
Suggested visit length: 1–2 days. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.