Hierapolis Antique Pool

Hierapolis was during the Roman and Hellenistic period known as the main health center in the world. The hot springs are said to be good for illnesses such as skin diseases, circulation problems, rheumatism, heart diseases and many other ailments. People traveled to Hierapolis to find relief for their diseases in these mineral rich waters. At the height of this health tourism, there were more than fifteen baths in Hierapolis. If you are visiting Pamukkale and want to enjoy a relaxing swim among Roman ruins in the famous Hierapolis hot springs, you should definitely visit the antique pool.

Swimming in Cleopatra’s Antique Pool

hierapolis antique pool cleopatraThe Antique Pool is nowadays a modern spa complex with a thermal pool that is open to the public. Lush greenery surrounds the pool giving it an amazing atmosphere. In the pool are marble columns, capitals and plinths that are believed to have fallen from the nearby Temple of Apollo during an earthquake. Therefore this pool is also know as a sacred pool. Mineral-rich fresh water is constantly pumped in and the water feels warm to touch. Cleopatra is said to have swum in an earlier version of a pool here. But whether she did or not, this pool looks idyllic and inviting.

Entrance info, price and opening times

You have to pay a ticket fee of 100 Turkish Lira YTL (about 6 Euros or 7 US Dollars) for adults to swim here. Kids till the age of 6 enter for free and ages 6 till 12 pay the price of 25 Turkish Lira TYL. The pool is only open in the summer April 15 till October 2 from 08:00 – 21:00 every day. 

There are showers and changing rooms here, as well as lockers to store your belongings. Towels are not provided, so you need to bring your own. If you forget to bring towels, the spa shop has towels for sale which will cost you more than average. 

If you don’t wish to swim, you can still visit the spa resort (no fees payable) to enjoy the view. There are plenty of tables and chairs where you can have a drink and snack and enjoy a break.

Location