Cleopatra Antique Pool
Kleopatra Antik Havuz
4.5 · 1250 reviews · via Google
Cleopatra Antique Pool
calcium-magnesium · Denizli Region
Hotter than 8% of Turkey springs (n=12).
More acidic than 0% of Turkey springs (n=12).
Mineral profile
Bar width reflects listing order, not measured concentration.
Suitability
At a glance
Getting there
Remote — over 5km from the nearest station
Cost
High
Crowd level
Popular
About this spring
The water is highly carbonated and rich in calcium and magnesium with warm effervescent bubbles rising from the bottom. The pool is filled with submerged Roman columns that collapsed during an ancient earthquake. Visitors swim directly over these historic marble ruins. The facility features modern changing rooms and lockers but guests must bring their own towels. Public bathing is strictly permitted within this designated pool only while wading in the main travertine terraces is restricted to designated paths.
Highlights
History
The pool was formed during a major earthquake in the seventh century AD which caused the columns of the nearby Temple of Apollo to collapse into the thermal spring.
The ancient spa city of Hierapolis grew around these curative waters. Legend states that Cleopatra herself traveled here to bathe. The site was historically protected under the Roman Empire and remains a protected UNESCO World Heritage site.
Local guide
Arriving at the Hierapolis archaeological site, you climb past the white travertine terraces before reaching a separate gated entrance for the antique pool itself, a detail that catches many first-time visitors off guard. Stepping into the warm, carbonated water, you feel a constant fizz of bubbles against your skin, and beneath the surface lie the pale marble drums of fallen Roman columns, close enough to touch as you swim past them.
Bring a separate bag for wet clothes and expect to pay for this pool on top of the main Hierapolis-Pamukkale entrance fee, since the two tickets are not combined. Lockers and changing rooms are provided, but the pool itself gets crowded by midmorning once tour buses from Denizli and Izmir arrive.
Arrive at opening time for a quieter swim among the ruins before the crowds build, and combine your visit with an early walk across the white terraces while the site is still cool. Simple cafes near the site entrance sell gozleme and ayran, a good, filling option before or after your soak.
Mineral chemistry
Water character inferred from mineral type — verify on site.
Calcium chloride springs share the heat-retaining property of sodium chloride springs but with a stronger warming effect. Prized for muscle and joint relief.
The strong warming effect means those with cardiovascular conditions, high blood pressure, or pregnancy should limit soak duration and consult a doctor if in doubt.
Bicarbonate springs cleanse and soften the skin surface, removing excess sebum without stripping the skin's acid mantle. Traditionally recommended for acne-prone skin and sensitive skin types.
Bicarbonate springs are generally among the most gentle and well-tolerated onsen types.
Sulfate springs contain dissolved calcium, sodium, or magnesium sulfate. Calcium sulfate springs are traditionally associated with wound healing and post-surgical recovery.
Sodium sulfate springs can have a mild laxative effect in sensitive individuals — stay well hydrated.
Similar springs
The thermal water is mild and bicarbonate-heavy offering a comfortable soak without a strong mineral odor. The complex features a massive modern indoor thermal pool, water slides, and separate family cabins that can be rented by the hour. It is highly suited to families with children and travelers who prefer a modern water park style layout over historic bathhouses. Day use passes are sold at the main spa reception. Bringing your own slippers is required for hygiene.
The thermal water has an incredibly high sulfur content with a strong distinctive odor and trace amounts of radon. The rustic complex has outdoor thermal pools and open air mud pits where visitors apply mineral mud to their skin. It also features a indoor pool covered by a simple dome. The facility borders Lake Koycegiz and is popular with day trippers and wellness travelers. Visitors should wear old dark swimwear as the sulfur mud can easily stain light fabrics.
The water contains highly therapeutic sodium chloride and calcium bicarbonate which is scientifically recognized for its high mineral density. The bathhouse has a simple and functional public design with deep marble pools and separate bathing quarters for men and women. It is best for travelers seeking genuine medical thermal therapy rather than luxury pampering. Bring your own towels and standard bathing gear as the facility functions primarily as a local public utility.
The water is clear and odorless with a high mineral content of calcium and fluoride. The bathhouse has an indoor pool and a connecting outdoor pool surrounded by lush green forests. It features a historic lead covered dome and an attached steam sauna room. It suits families and couples looking for a relaxed mountain retreat away from the city. Swimming caps are required in the pools and can be purchased at the reception desk.
Amenities
Getting there
From Denizli
Gateway: Denizli Otogar (15 min)
Board a local minibus to Pamukkale village and walk up through Hierapolis
Total journey: 40 min
- Municipal minibus from Denizli central bus station (Bus) · 18km · 25 min
- Direct private taxi from Denizli city center (Taxi) · 18km · 20 min
- Walk up the marked footpath from Pamukkale village park gate (Walk) · 1km · 15 min
Take a regular local dolmus minibus from Denizli Otogar direct to the Pamukkale Hierapolis lower gate then walk up the travertine path to the antique pool site.
Location & nearby
Kale Mahallesi 20190 Pamukkale Denizli
Make a day of it
Pair your soak with these nearby spots.
Attraction
Hierapolis Archaeology Museum
0.1km away
Attraction
Travertines
0.3km away
Attraction
Hierapolis Theatre
0.3km away
Attraction
Pamukkale Travertines
0.3km away
Attraction
Sunset viewpoint;Travertines
0.5km away
Attraction
Latrinae
0.7km away
More springs in Denizli Region
FREEThe spring water is highly enriched with iron oxide and calcium which creates distinct reddish orange and purple travertine deposits. The open air public park has shallow wading pools where visitors can walk barefoot and soak their feet in the warm muddy sediment. It is a highly localized experience catering to wellness travelers looking for traditional mud cures. There are no changing cabins at the public springs so visitors should wear footwear that is easy to remove. Paid thermal hotel pools and mud baths are available nearby for a more developed facility.
Common questions
What is the water temperature at Cleopatra Antique Pool?▾
The water temperature at Cleopatra Antique Pool ranges up to 36°C (minimum around 35°C).
Is Cleopatra Antique Pool free to visit?▾
Cleopatra Antique Pool charges an entrance fee in TRY.
Is Cleopatra Antique Pool a public or private bath?▾
Cleopatra Antique Pool is a mixed bathing spring.
Are tattoos allowed at Cleopatra Antique Pool?▾
Yes, Cleopatra Antique Pool welcomes visitors with tattoos.
What is the nearest station to Cleopatra Antique Pool?▾
The nearest station to Cleopatra Antique Pool is Denizli Otogar, about 18km away.