Laodicea
4.5
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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- Rebecca G28 contributionsAbsolutely breathtakingWe hired a car mainly because we couldn't find a day trip to Hierapolis and Pamukkale that included Laodicea. We didn't regret it! Don't miss it. We went right at the end of March. I think it was warmer than usual, and we got there mid afternoon, having already climbed the Travertines at Pamukkale and 'done' Hierapolis. It was about 28 degrees, so peaceful, full of dark red poppies, the grass was so green, and there was snow on the distant mountains. Laodicea itself, we thought even better than Ephesus. It's beautifully done, clearly much work is still going on, but without the 'bits of broken column everywhere' feeling of Ephesus! So few people, and just an outstanding experience. See photos!Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 5 April 2024
- jbushman2017Nipomo, California519 contributionsUnexpected Wonderthe OTHER nice archeological site near Pamukkale. Admission to Laodicea can be part of a combo ticket that includes Pamukkale. As others have said, this place has more to see than you expect. Bring water with you as once you set off around the site you will find yourself walking more than you expected. There is signage here but before you set off make sure you know where you are going so you see everything important on the site.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 July 2024
- Sid5515Bangi, Malaysia1,035 contributionsAmazing Site Even in The RainThe location is quite hidden from the main road with few signage, which not expected for a UNESCO site like this. Car park is easy, probably due to raining and low season. It was a big archeological site, but we only manage to wander around a small part of it due to rain and strong wind. Generally it is an amazing ancient city in Denizli apart from Pamukkale and Hierapolis. Here you can utilise your Museum Pass which you can buy earlier or at the site entrance.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 28 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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jbushman2017
Nipomo, CA519 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
the OTHER nice archeological site near Pamukkale. Admission to Laodicea can be part of a combo ticket that includes Pamukkale. As others have said, this place has more to see than you expect. Bring water with you as once you set off around the site you will find yourself walking more than you expected. There is signage here but before you set off make sure you know where you are going so you see everything important on the site.
Written 15 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenny
Dublin, Ireland28 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
A historical site of an Ancient City in 3rd bc.
A huge place to roam around but interesting. Make sure you bring your hat and sunscreen as no trees or shade while you look around.
A huge place to roam around but interesting. Make sure you bring your hat and sunscreen as no trees or shade while you look around.
Written 27 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike X
Chicago, IL3,689 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
If you're near Pamukkale, come spend an hour here. You get to see archaeology in action. They were rebuilding the amphitheatre while we were there. Some great ionic columns and an early byzantine church. Took away a star because the church was closed.
Written 28 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sid5515
Bangi, Malaysia1,035 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
The location is quite hidden from the main road with few signage, which not expected for a UNESCO site like this. Car park is easy, probably due to raining and low season. It was a big archeological site, but we only manage to wander around a small part of it due to rain and strong wind. Generally it is an amazing ancient city in Denizli apart from Pamukkale and Hierapolis. Here you can utilise your Museum Pass which you can buy earlier or at the site entrance.
Written 28 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AzRat
Arizona2,312 contributions
Oct 2021 • Friends
October 2021. Wow factor ruins. Large hilltop site with many different areas to explore. So much history, biblical interest, and archeological information here, glad to have guide services. Among many attractions was a ruin of a huge amphitheater and elegant private residence nearby. Impressive site.
Written 29 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sally g
Brighton, UK73 contributions
Oct 2014 • Solo
A magnificent achievement to piece the earthquaked stones into a semblance of reconstructed history. The area has construction site machinery and workers lifting with cranes, glueing together broken pillars, and inserting modern stone and metal supports to give an impression of past reality. Only a couple of well-preserved structures with no modern adaptation, otherwise it felt like a movie set with the unreality of ancient and reconstruction distinction not always clear. Several cordoned-off archaeological areas being actively worked.
Ask minibus driver (route between Pamukkale and Denizli) to drop you off on the highway and you then walk uphill about 15 mins to reach the site. Entry cost 10 TL.
Ask minibus driver (route between Pamukkale and Denizli) to drop you off on the highway and you then walk uphill about 15 mins to reach the site. Entry cost 10 TL.
Written 29 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Corrine R
Clovis, NM925 contributions
Apr 2014 • Family
Laodicea is only a 17min drive from Pamukkale springs, and located just off the D320 freeway. It’s a cluster of ruins on a hillside with views of Pamukkale in the far north distance and a majestic mountain range to the south. It comes with a small fee of 5TL per adult and children of all ages free. The parking area has a small gift shop with small snacks, Cay, and bathrooms.
Laodicea is one of the seven churches of Asia (or the Apocalypse) mentioned in the book of Revelation. “In Revelation, on the Greek island of Patmos, Jesus Christ instructs his servant John of Patmos to: "Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamos, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea."-Wikipedia. Revelations 3:14-22 describes the church as lukewarm and insipid (to God). The destination of Laodicea makes it a literal geographical simile believed to be tied into the symbolism of Pamukkale’s hot spring waters and another spring nearby known for its cold waters and Laodicea located in the middle making it ‘lukewarm’.
The ruins here are expanse and impressive. There is a lot to see and unless you take the time to explore you will miss some of the best features. There is a bathhouse, and arched remains of an aqueduct located over the south hillside, but the main hidden attractions to see would be not only one, but two theaters made into the north and north west hillsides; something we almost completely overlooked because it’s not viewable from the main area of the roman road and pillars.
The roman roads and pillars are nicely excavated and taken care of; a courtesy the rest of the property lacks, but there are excavation crews still at work here. One area being excavated is located under the main temple area up the marble stairs with columns and past the carved stone door frame the rock becomes glass to look down into the earth where a hidden under floor is being revealed with columns and other treasures below. The glass is thick and dirty making the visibility very restricted. Another large area of excavation is completely tented over and not opens to viewing at all, but I was able to sneak a quick photo through and open door.
We visited this site first thing in the morning on our way leaving Pamukkale. We arrived at opening around 8am and were the only visitors for about an hour until tour buses started to arrive.
Laodicea is one of the seven churches of Asia (or the Apocalypse) mentioned in the book of Revelation. “In Revelation, on the Greek island of Patmos, Jesus Christ instructs his servant John of Patmos to: "Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamos, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea."-Wikipedia. Revelations 3:14-22 describes the church as lukewarm and insipid (to God). The destination of Laodicea makes it a literal geographical simile believed to be tied into the symbolism of Pamukkale’s hot spring waters and another spring nearby known for its cold waters and Laodicea located in the middle making it ‘lukewarm’.
The ruins here are expanse and impressive. There is a lot to see and unless you take the time to explore you will miss some of the best features. There is a bathhouse, and arched remains of an aqueduct located over the south hillside, but the main hidden attractions to see would be not only one, but two theaters made into the north and north west hillsides; something we almost completely overlooked because it’s not viewable from the main area of the roman road and pillars.
The roman roads and pillars are nicely excavated and taken care of; a courtesy the rest of the property lacks, but there are excavation crews still at work here. One area being excavated is located under the main temple area up the marble stairs with columns and past the carved stone door frame the rock becomes glass to look down into the earth where a hidden under floor is being revealed with columns and other treasures below. The glass is thick and dirty making the visibility very restricted. Another large area of excavation is completely tented over and not opens to viewing at all, but I was able to sneak a quick photo through and open door.
We visited this site first thing in the morning on our way leaving Pamukkale. We arrived at opening around 8am and were the only visitors for about an hour until tour buses started to arrive.
Written 24 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shaun C
47 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
Laodicea is probably best known for its Biblical appearance in Revelation as one of the 7 churches.
This is a great place to come and visit as restoration and exploration digs continue to evolve the site. There are amazing structures to see in a typically Roman ruin. Of course however, most will come for the church. This is situated in easy access and has been covered over for protection of the ruin. Glass floors allow you to see the mosaic floors and walk around the church with many info boards inside telling you all the detail you could likely wish for. Standing at the “pulpit” area and reading Rev 3:14-22 has an eerie echo of an ancient warning that came to pass not many years later. This is definitely the best preserved church I have seen out of Ephesus and Smyrna. I didn’t make it to the others yet.
The rest of the site is well worth exploring, again with scattered info boards to help you along your adventure. The amphitheatre is a bit of a wreck, but that really makes you appreciate the other places that are so well preserved. It’s al about light and shade that builds a much better picture in your head.
Now, as you enter the remnant gates of Laodicea, you can look to the distant hills to your front right and see a white splodge. This is Pamukkale and behind it is Hierapolis. These two ancient cities have a balcony view of each other. The mineral waters of Pamukkale attracted many people seeking its healing properties and so the city of Hierapolis developed. Unfortunately many didn’t get healed and died, and so there is a large acropolis there too. Paul in writhing to the Colossian Church, some 12 miles away, expressed concern for both Laodicea and Hierapolis in Col 4:12-13. You could easily visit all 3 places in a day trip, albeit Colossae is not much more than a hill with a few identifiable stones...
Laodicea is certainly off the tourist map and if you are “unlucky”, you may see a single bus load of people there, otherwise there will be perhaps a couple dozen people spread across acres of site. You could easily spend hours in this place letting your imagination run riot.
We used our Aegean Museums 7 day pass to access the site no problem.
Well worth the effort. Take lots of drinking water as there is no shop onsite.
This is a great place to come and visit as restoration and exploration digs continue to evolve the site. There are amazing structures to see in a typically Roman ruin. Of course however, most will come for the church. This is situated in easy access and has been covered over for protection of the ruin. Glass floors allow you to see the mosaic floors and walk around the church with many info boards inside telling you all the detail you could likely wish for. Standing at the “pulpit” area and reading Rev 3:14-22 has an eerie echo of an ancient warning that came to pass not many years later. This is definitely the best preserved church I have seen out of Ephesus and Smyrna. I didn’t make it to the others yet.
The rest of the site is well worth exploring, again with scattered info boards to help you along your adventure. The amphitheatre is a bit of a wreck, but that really makes you appreciate the other places that are so well preserved. It’s al about light and shade that builds a much better picture in your head.
Now, as you enter the remnant gates of Laodicea, you can look to the distant hills to your front right and see a white splodge. This is Pamukkale and behind it is Hierapolis. These two ancient cities have a balcony view of each other. The mineral waters of Pamukkale attracted many people seeking its healing properties and so the city of Hierapolis developed. Unfortunately many didn’t get healed and died, and so there is a large acropolis there too. Paul in writhing to the Colossian Church, some 12 miles away, expressed concern for both Laodicea and Hierapolis in Col 4:12-13. You could easily visit all 3 places in a day trip, albeit Colossae is not much more than a hill with a few identifiable stones...
Laodicea is certainly off the tourist map and if you are “unlucky”, you may see a single bus load of people there, otherwise there will be perhaps a couple dozen people spread across acres of site. You could easily spend hours in this place letting your imagination run riot.
We used our Aegean Museums 7 day pass to access the site no problem.
Well worth the effort. Take lots of drinking water as there is no shop onsite.
Written 14 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marco_Polo499
Milan, Italy274 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
The archaeological site of Laodikya (Laodicea) is located about 6 kilometres north of Denizli. Laodicea is a very ancient city, but the city layout and the monuments that can be seen today date back to the period in which Laodicea was a Roman city, i.e. from 133 BC onwards. At the end of the 6th century of our era Laodicea was abandoned, due to the destructions caused by a devastating earthquake. The site is somewhat neglected by the commercial tourism, held back by the greater popularity of the Pamukkale cataracts and of the archaeological site of Hierapolis, which are both only 15 kilometres away from Laodicea: most tourists and most of the organized tours, pressed by the shortage of time, limit in fact their visit to those two places, neglecting Laodicea; yet Laodicea is one of the great archaeological sites of Turkey, with numerous and very interesting monuments; several of them have already been restored, excavations are in progress, and during your visit you will often walk side by side with the archaeologists at work.
The site is on a windy plateau, with a nice view to the Pamukkale cataracts in the distance. The visit is made by walking along an easy path which starts from the parking lot and reaches all the interesting points of the site. This path is rather long (about 2 kilometres); a quick visit can be completed in about one hour, but if you have any real interest in antiquities you will need two hours. The main monuments are: the Agora (or main public space of the city) where business and political activities were carried out; the remains of the Church of Laodicea, one of the seven Chuches mentioned in the sacred book "Apocalypses" written by the Apostle St. John; the theatre, not yet completely restored; many stretches of the city streets, with still standing colonnades; parts of public buildings. Not all the ruins can be visited; those where the archaeologists are still at work are closed to the public; for example, some colonnaded streets can only be seen in the distance and the stadium is still inaccessible. Very comprehensive information in Turkish and English is posted near all the important monuments; in particular, don't miss the text approved by the Laodicea religious Council (years 343-381 of our era), which is posted at the entrance of the Curch: in reading the 60 resolutions which were made you will get an astonishing view of the way of life and the ideas of the early Christians. Visitors are not numerous, and in low season you might even be alone.
You can reach Laodicea from Denizli or from the Pamukkale cataracts by public transportation; take any bus connecting those two places and ask to be left near the Laodikya site; from there you will have to walk less than 1 kilometre. If you go by car, you can drive until the parking lot, which is about 600 metres beyond the entrance (but you have to stop at the entrance for paying the admission ticket). At the parking lot there are restrooms and a small cafeteria, and you are already in the middle of the ruins. The site is open every day from 8:00 to 17:00 (in winter), and from 8:00 to 19:00 in summer. Admission is 15 Liras (in April 2019, equivalent to about 2.5 €).
The site is on a windy plateau, with a nice view to the Pamukkale cataracts in the distance. The visit is made by walking along an easy path which starts from the parking lot and reaches all the interesting points of the site. This path is rather long (about 2 kilometres); a quick visit can be completed in about one hour, but if you have any real interest in antiquities you will need two hours. The main monuments are: the Agora (or main public space of the city) where business and political activities were carried out; the remains of the Church of Laodicea, one of the seven Chuches mentioned in the sacred book "Apocalypses" written by the Apostle St. John; the theatre, not yet completely restored; many stretches of the city streets, with still standing colonnades; parts of public buildings. Not all the ruins can be visited; those where the archaeologists are still at work are closed to the public; for example, some colonnaded streets can only be seen in the distance and the stadium is still inaccessible. Very comprehensive information in Turkish and English is posted near all the important monuments; in particular, don't miss the text approved by the Laodicea religious Council (years 343-381 of our era), which is posted at the entrance of the Curch: in reading the 60 resolutions which were made you will get an astonishing view of the way of life and the ideas of the early Christians. Visitors are not numerous, and in low season you might even be alone.
You can reach Laodicea from Denizli or from the Pamukkale cataracts by public transportation; take any bus connecting those two places and ask to be left near the Laodikya site; from there you will have to walk less than 1 kilometre. If you go by car, you can drive until the parking lot, which is about 600 metres beyond the entrance (but you have to stop at the entrance for paying the admission ticket). At the parking lot there are restrooms and a small cafeteria, and you are already in the middle of the ruins. The site is open every day from 8:00 to 17:00 (in winter), and from 8:00 to 19:00 in summer. Admission is 15 Liras (in April 2019, equivalent to about 2.5 €).
Written 14 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christina Mucho
Istanbul, Türkiye19 contributions
Apr 2017 • Friends
The surrounding scenery around Laodicea is BREATHTAKING! The site itself is quite good considering the price (10TL). It is not as stunning as Ephesus but it is much better than Smyrna (which is also 10TL). If you have a car, you can drive through most (if not all) of the site which is not the case for places like Ephesus and Smyrna. Laodicea will not take you a whole day, but it is definitely worth seeing. Grab your Bible and read the letter to Laodicea in Revelation! It makes the Bible come to life.
Written 1 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Would it be too much to do Laodicea, Hierapolis, and Pamukkale all in one day? How long should I allow for each?
Written 7 July 2017
HI. sorry for late reply. i just noticed. one day should be enough.
In laodicea not much to sea u can spend in 30 min. In Hierapolis Pamukkale u can spend 3-4 hours if u plan to soak in the hot spring.
Written 7 August 2017
If we are not part of a tour, what is the best way to get to Laodicea from Pammukale?
Written 13 August 2015
We rented a car in Izmir. Drove to Pamukkale, Laodicea, Kusadasi & Ephesus. For us it worked quite well and was the best option.
Written 30 May 2016
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