Necropolis of Hierapolis
Necropolis of Hierapolis features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Pamukkale. Give it roughly ~45 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type historic
- Suggested visit ~45 min
- Pamukkale Pamukkale guide
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About Necropolis of Hierapolis
A vast roadside city of the dead, with an estimated 1,200 tombs, and one sarcophagus carved with what scholars read as the earliest known water-powered stone saw.
The necropolis of Hierapolis is one of the largest and best-preserved ancient cemeteries in present-day Turkey. Its main northern section extends for more than two kilometres along both sides of the old road toward Tripolis and Sardis, and survey estimates place the number of tombs at roughly 1,200. Graves take several forms: simple burials, marble sarcophagi raised on carved bases with epitaphs, circular tumuli covering vaulted chambers, and larger family tombs built like small houses or temples. Most date to the late Hellenistic period, with many added in Roman and early Christian times.
Many sarcophagi carry Greek funerary inscriptions naming the deceased. The best known belongs to Marcus Aurelius Ammianos, a miller, whose pedimental relief is widely interpreted as a water-powered stone-cutting saw and dated to the later 3rd century AD. The necropolis forms part of the Hierapolis-Pamukkale UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1988.
Did you know? The sarcophagus of Marcus Aurelius Ammianos, a miller, bears a relief that scholars read as a water-powered stone saw. If correct, it is the earliest known depiction of a crank-and-connecting-rod mechanism.
How long is a visit to Necropolis of Hierapolis?
Set aside roughly ~45 min for Necropolis of Hierapolis. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is Necropolis of Hierapolis worth your time?
Necropolis of Hierapolis is among the 12 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Pamukkale, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Pamukkale
Day 2 of the Pamukkale in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Necropolis of Hierapolis
Preview the Pamukkale tour free in the Gingerguide app.