A Historical Heritage in Denizli: The Ancient City of Laodicea
The Pamukkale district in Denizli stands out for its historical and natural beauties. There are many places to visit in this district, and one of them is the ancient city of Laodicea. When you find yourself in Denizli, this ancient city is a must-see, and we have compiled all the intriguing details about it for you.
The ancient name of Laodicea, founded south of the Lycus River, is referred to in ancient sources as "Laodicea on the Lycus." According to one source, it was founded by Antiochus II between 261-263 BC and named after his wife, Laodice. This ancient city experienced its golden age in the 1st century BC, during which many artworks were created. After being destroyed by an earthquake in 60 AD, the city has left behind Roman ruins that have reached us today. Among these ruins, structures like the theater, temple, and stadium are particularly interesting. During Roman times, a series of high-quality coins were minted here, making Laodicea significant for Christians as it was a Sacred Pilgrimage Center and home to one of the famous churches of Asia Minor. For these reasons, many tourists visit this ancient city for religious tourism.
When you visit Laodicea, if you head northeast, you can see the large theater with a capacity of 20,000 people. 300 meters northwest of it is the small theater with a capacity of 15,000 people. In addition, the stadium and gymnasium in the southwest of the ancient city are among the historical ruins you can see.
In 2013, Laodicea was included in the tentative list of World Heritage Sites. When you come here, we also recommend visiting the Honaz Mountain National Park nearby. In the forested area of the national park, there are many endemic plant and bird species. This place, which is also attractive with its waterfalls and slopes, is suitable for camping.
Laodicea Ancient City is open every day from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Turkish citizens with a museum card can visit it for free, while foreigners need to pay 12 Euros.
How to get to the Ancient City of Laodicea?
The ancient city of Laodicea is located 6 kilometers north of Denizli, in the Goncali neighborhood of the Pamukkale district. You can get here by private car or public transport. Many people prefer to rent a car with a driver for a more comfortable, luxurious, safe, and fast trip to Denizli. This allows for stress-free transportation to Laodicea without the hassle of waiting for or driving a car. Besides benefiting from the exclusive services of a luxury car, this VIP service ensures faster and safer transportation with experienced drivers who know the area and traffic rules well.
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