Visit Cleopatra’s Pools
Pools of Cleopatra
Cleopatra’s Pool is one of the hot spring pools located in the ancient city of Hierapolis near Pamukkale, Turkey. The ancient Roman city of Hierapolis has long been renowned for its therapeutic hot springs, attracting people seeking relief from various ailments since ancient times. Many individuals, particularly the elderly, regarded Hierapolis as a holy city where they could spend their final days, drawn by the healing properties of its hot springs.
If you’re planning a trip to Turkey, a visit to the Pamukkale area, especially the ancient city of Hierapolis and its natural wonders like Cleopatra’s Pool, is highly recommended. To discover more about this globally renowned natural attraction, be sure to read the article prepared by our magazine.
Introduction of Cleopatra pools
Above the stunning white travertine pools of Pamukkale lies a truly spectacular site fed by the same hot springs: Cleopatra’s Pools, situated within the ancient city of Hierapolis. Aptly named, it is believed that Cleopatra herself once bathed in these waters. Today, visitors can enjoy a modern and professionally managed hot water center that offers the opportunity to experience these historically renowned healing waters firsthand. Unlike the white terraced pools below, Cleopatra’s Pool boasts clear, warm waters. In its heyday, this favored bathing spot of the Egyptian queen was housed within a Roman temple adorned with an ornate ceiling supported by Doric columns. While the temple now stands as a Roman ruin, its allure remains intact, annually attracting countless tourists from across the globe.
If you find yourself in the Pamukkale region of Turkey, a visit to Cleopatra’s Pools is highly recommended. Immerse yourself in the shallow waters, surrounded by the remnants of the ancient temple’s ornate columns and intricately carved stones, and experience a piece of history amidst breathtaking natural beauty.
Features of Cleopatra Pools
The modern amenities at Cleopatra’s Pools ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages. Safety ropes and steps with steel railings are installed to provide ease of access and keep tourists secure while swimming in this unique environment. Additionally, a locker room is available for storing personal belongings, with wristbands provided to keep the key safe while enjoying the pools.Shaded areas are strategically placed around the pool for those who prefer to relax and observe, offering respite from the sun. Despite the mostly shallow water, safety measures such as lifeguards stationed at booths around the pool and along its edges ensure peace of mind, particularly in areas with deeper sections.
Surrounded by lush gardens adorned with plants and flowering trees, Cleopatra’s Pools exude a tranquil atmosphere. Beyond the pool’s edges, visitors can marvel at the breathtaking view of the ancient city of Hierapolis, adding to the enchantment of the experience. For those seeking refreshment, a traditional-style hand pump allows access to the mineral-rich healing waters, enabling guests to fill their water bottles directly from the source and partake in the health benefits of the area’s natural springs.
Parts of Cleopatra’s Pools
As mentioned, visitors have the opportunity to swim in the rejuvenating waters of Cleopatra’s Pools, surrounded by ancient Roman architecture and breathtaking views. For those who prefer not to swim, facilities are available to explore the surroundings, including the gardens, and capture memorable photos. Additionally, guests can unwind at the bar and enjoy refreshments while taking in the serene atmosphere.
Within the complex, a designated area allows visitors to experience the natural flow of water from the hot springs, suitable for both swimming and drinking. This provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the healing properties of the mineral-rich waters, contributing to a holistic and rejuvenating experience at Cleopatra’s Pools:
Swimming in the clear water of the pools
Cleopatra’s Pools, nestled amidst the ruins of Hierapolis, boast hot springs renowned for their therapeutic properties. In ancient times, Hierapolis boasted 15 such pools, but the current configuration was shaped by a 7th-century earthquake. Among the ruins, visitors can marvel at the marble portico with its Greek ceiling and columns, visible through the crystal-clear waters, creating a memorable swimming experience.
Utilizing the healing power of the hot springs, water regularly flows into the pool, maintaining a temperature range between 36 and 57 degrees Celsius and a pH value of approximately 5.8. Rich in bicarbonates, sulfates, a trace of soluble iron, and radioactive elements, the waters are deemed safe for therapeutic purposes, both for swimming and drinking.
Visitors have the option to enter Cleopatra’s Pools free of charge for leisurely enjoyment of the surroundings. Tables and chairs are provided for comfort, with bars and cafes offering refreshments and snacks. While dining and drinking are reasonably priced by European standards, beverages at Cleopatra’s Pools typically cost three times as much as in smaller towns.
For those intending to swim and utilize the complex’s facilities and water services, an entrance fee is applicable for a 2-hour period, outlined as follows:
- General entrance fee: Approximately 33 liras, with an additional charge of 5 liras for locker usage.
- Children under 6 years old: Free admission.
- Children aged 6 to 12: Entrance fee calculated at 12 liras..
Time to visit the pools of Cleopatra
The time to visit the Cleopatra Pools is different in different seasons of the year and depending on the time of your trip, you should check the right time to visit this natural and tourist attraction. In general, this complex welcomes tourists on all days of the year, at specified times. The time to visit the Cleopatra Pools is as follows:
- Summer (April 15 – October 2); From 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. every day
- Winter (October 3 – April 14); From 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day
Tips about Cleopatra’s Pools
If you are planning to travel to the Pamukkale region of Turkey and visit the Cleopatra Pools, it is better to get information about the rules and conditions of visiting it before going to this area. In the following, we will examine the most important points about Cleopatra’s pools:
- The name of this ancient pool, as a legend among the natives, is because Queen Cleopatra swam in this pool in the past.
- The pool is open all year round and visitors can swim here.
- The pool is maintained by a private agency and an entrance fee is charged for swimming.
- You can use the locker room to wear a swimsuit. Personal lockers are available to protect your belongings.
- Children in any age group are allowed to enter the Cleopatra pools, but they must be ready to swim or swim with their parents.
- Towels are not included in this set, so be sure to bring your own swimsuit and towel.
- If you don’t want to swim in these pools, you can visit the views of the garden around the pool with free access and spend the best time in the heart of the ancient city with snacks and drinks from the bar.
Frequently asked questions
1) Where are Cleopatra’s pools?
The Pools of Cleopatra, situated above the iconic white travertine pools of Pamukkale, Turkey, are a spectacular site fed by the same hot springs that flow through the ancient city of Hierapolis.
2) What are the benefits of visiting Cleopatra’s pools?
Alongside the opportunity to swim in the clear and therapeutic waters sourced from the hot springs of Pamukkale, visitors can also relish the breathtaking scenery and explore the remnants of the ancient city of Hierapolis.
3) Is there an age limit for entering the Cleopatra pools?
No, everyone, even children of any age group, is allowed to enter the pools.
4) How much is the entrance fee of Cleopatra pools?
The entrance fee is approximately 33 liras, with an additional charge of about 5 liras for locker usage. Children under 6 years old enter for free, while the entry fee for children aged 6 to 12 is about 12 liras.
5) When is the time to visit Cleopatra pools?
The visiting hours for the pools vary depending on the season. During the summer, the pools are open from 8 am to 7:30 pm, while in winter, they are open from 8 am to 5:30 pm every day.
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