Thermal spring water steeped in calcium oxide patiently shaped the extraordinary white travertines of Pamukkale over thousands of years. In this fairytale setting of cascading white terraces and pools of water stands the ancient city of Hierapolis, one of the most magnificent cities of Hellenic and Roman civilisation and famed throughout the Mediterranean region. The ancient city features a main street lined by colonnades and galleries, a theatre seating ten thousand people overlooking the valley of the Çürüksu River (the ancient Lycos) against a backdrop of snowy peaks in the Babadagi and Honaz ranges, baths with frigidariums and caldariums, imposing public buildings, and one of Anatolia's largest necropolises.

Pamukkale and Hierapolis are a unique site, protected under the UNESCO World Heritage List. Apart from the natural and man-made wonders already mentioned, Hierapolis is distinguished from other ancient cities by the gods and goddesses worshipped here.

To these deities representing the fundamental needs of human beings and the geographical features of the earth were attributed the origins and fortunes of the city. Pluto, god of the underworld gave to Hierapolis its health giving waters and beauty, while at the same time instilling fear with his powers of destruction, and the mother goddess Cybele (the Roman Demeter) granted fertility. In this sacred city other deities and immortals of myth like Persephone, Attis, Leto, Apollo, Artemis and Dionysus all played a role in the natural cycle, beginning with the seeds of life concealed underground to rebirth above ground, the transition from winter to spring, and the growth of crops to maturity and harvest.
Strabo of Pontus (63 BC- 21 AD) gave this description of one of the most celebrated features of Hierapolis: 'Facing Laodicea is Hierapolis. Here there are hot springs and a plutonium... At the foot of a fairly high hill is a pit of medium size just large enough for one person to enter.

In this story Persephone, the only daughter of Demeter who symbolised the fertility of the soil and crops, particularly wheat, was kidnapped by Pluto and carried off into the underworld. The story is depicted in the friezes of the theatre and on coins minted in the city.

A statue of Attis found here and now displayed in the local museum refers to another myth about the transformation of death into life and abundance. When Attis sacrificed himself to Cybele violets sprang up on the spot where his lif'se blood had soaked into the earth. The theme of earth and abundance continues with another scene in the theatre friezes, this time concerning Adonis. The story of this youth with whom both Aphrodite and Persephone fell in love also ends with his transformation into a spring flower. Then there is Dionysus, god of wine, the vineyard and revelry. In the picture showing the harvest festival held in his name, he is depicted in the centre upon a chariot drawn by centaurs.