3 Days Pamukkale, Ephesus, Pergamon Tour

Pamukkale is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Denizli province of Turkey. Pamukkale can simply be translated as “Cotton Castle” and the name inspired by the natural terraced basins full of hot spring water and petrified as white calcium terraces. They look white as the color of rich calcium in the water coming from 17 different underground water sources. Today, you can visit Pamukkale, lie down in the hot waters and enjoy the healing powers of this ancient healing center.

Hierapolis was a rich Greco Roman city, famous with textile products and cloths trade and of course the healing center right next to the city.  There are many remains today,  Necropolis, Amphitheater, Temple of Apollo, Roman Baths, Domitian Gate, Agora still amaze the visitors.  The necropolis was the first commercial necropolis of its time. There was a  large Jewish community in Pamukkale and the city has importance for early Christians as well. Hierapolis is a neighbour of Laodicea which is one of the Seven Churches of Book of Revelations. Also in Hierapolis, there is the Tomb of St. Philip. Although it is not clear if it is the tomb of Apostle Philip or Philip the Evangelist, it was an important pilgrimage site for Christians. Apart from the other remains,  Cleopatra pool in Hierapolis provides a unique experience to those who wish to enjoy the warm water among the ancient columns.

Ephesus is another UNESCO World Heritage site in western Turkey. Ephesus dating back 10th century BC comprises succesive Helenistic and Roman settlements founded on new locations. In early Christian Era , Ephesus was an important religous center as one of the Seven Churches addressed in the Book of Revelations by Apostle Paul. The church of Virgin Mary is the first temple dedicated to Mother Mary in Christian World. Around Ephesus, Virgin Mary’s House which is the settlement where Mother Mary lived her last years and Basilica of St. John still important for Christian Community. Also Artemis Temple, sanctuary of Ephesian Artemis was one of the largest and most powerful santuaries of the ancient world and it was the center of the first settlement of Ephesus.

Pergamon is another UNESCO World Heritage Site known as “Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape” by UNESCO. The acropolis of Pergamon was the capital of Helenistic Attalid dynasty. Apart from a wealthy city, Pergamon was a major learning center with a library only rival of the library of Alexandria and also a healing center as well. sanctuary built in honour of the gods Asclepius the Greek God of healing and Hygieia Greek Goddess of healing. There is a temple dedicated to Egyptian Goddess Serapis. Also Trajan temple is in the remains of this great city. Pergamon is also one of Seven Churches addressed in the book of Revelations. Because of many temples built in the names of pagan Gods and especially  the zeus temple mentioned as the throne of Satan. Today Pergamon is known as one of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor.