If you want to escape the tourist crowds and explore a tranquil, authentic archeological site in Turkey, consider planning a visit to Laodicea on the Lycus. Laodicea is rich in history and ancient ruins, but low on tourists, making it the perfect place to visit if you really want to feel like you’re stepping back in time.
Located near Pamukkale, and on the road from there to Aphrodisias and later Kusadasi or Izmir, Laodicea is an easy, worthwhile stop on a self-driving tour of the region. Keep reading to learn the history of the site, what you can still see today, and how to make your visit a breeze.
The History of Laodicea on the Lycus
The settlement at Laodicea on the Lycus dates back to the third century BCE. It was founded by the Greek king Antiochus II, who named the city after his wife, Laodice (whose name translates to “justice of the people”).
Although it is most commonly called Laodicea, you will often find references to Laodicea on the Lycus, as there once was a river flowing past the settlement. You may also see it spelled in Turkey as Laodikeia or Laodikya.
Laodicea was an exceptionally wealthy city. It was at an important crossroads on several trade routes and thus profited from banking, the wool trade and agriculture. Visitors can still see evidence of this wealth in the ruins strewn across the site, as many are beautifully, ornately decorated.
The legend of the city’s wealth is recorded in historical documents that describe how, after a devastating earthquake, residents of Laodicea refused financial assistance from the Roman Empire because they believed they were rich enough to finance their own reconstruction efforts.
Laodicea was also important to the early spread of Christianity in the region. It is one of the Seven Churches of Asia mentioned in the Book of Revelation, and it is believed that Paul the Apostle once wrote a letter to the town’s residents.
Over time, the population of Laodicea on the Lycus dwindled, and the town was eventually destroyed as the region was invaded by the Turkish and Mongol Empires.
Archeological work on the ancient city began in 2002, under the supervision of the nearby Denizli Museum and Pamukkale University. Since 2013 it has been on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkey, where it is awaiting full recognition for its status as one of the largest and most significant archeological sites in Türkiye.
What to See at Laodicea on the Lycus in Turkey
You can quickly explore the highlights of Laodicea in about an hour, although two hours would be more enjoyable in terms of wandering down little stone lanes and stopping to look at ancient inscriptions.
Laodicea Theatre
Located at the far side of the site from the entrance, Laodicea’s West Theatre was recently, gloriously, restored. At one time, the theatre could seat nearly 15,000 people. Today, you can freely wander all throughout the theatre, but do keep in mind that what goes down must come back up! 😉
Check with the local tourism office to see if any performances will take place during your visit. You may have the opportunity to see an Ancient Greek tragedy, or a contemporary opera, in this spectacular setting!
The Agora
In ancient times, an agora was a spacious, open-air meeting place (kind of like a town square) where people would come to meet, do business, engage in politics and simply have social encounters. At Laodicea, the large agora is lined with beautiful columns, and as you explore the grounds you can imagine where the two decorative ponds once trickled with spring water.
The Church of Laodicea
Laodicea is perhaps best known for its Christian history (see above). The Church of Laodicea (as mentioned in the Book of Revelations) is an active excavation zone. It has been covered with a protective roof and the floors have been given transparent glass walkways to allow visitors to wander through the church building without damaging the original mosaics and tilework. The church has maple signage to explain what you are seeing as you walk through.
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Temples at Laodicea
There used to be many temples at Laodicea, and the remains of many can be found around the site. The most important temple today is Temple A, which was constructed in honor of Artemis and Apollo. Nineteen pillars still stand here, including the four at the front, though many of the original columns were knocked down in the seventh century so that their marble could be used for other (more Christian) purposes.
Syria Street
Syria Street is the main street that you’ll walk down as you enter Laodicea, and in many ways it belies the grandeur that you’ll see as you walk further into Laodicea on the Lycus. Stretching for almost one kilometer, Syria Street is lined with columns and paved with ancient marble stones. You can step off the street to look into the ruins of the buildings (including homes and shops) that once lined the path.
Other Ruins at Laodicea
Of course, a huge part of the fun of visiting any archeological sites is simply wandering around and exploring. As you can see from my photos, there were hardly any other people at Laodicea when we visited, so we were free to wander, explore, stop and photograph as we pleased.
The site is also home to the ruins of ancient baths, gymnasiums, nympheums, and aqueduct, monumental gates and more. On all four sides, the city is surrounded by an ancient cemetery, or necropolis.
Laodicea Travel Tips
Have I convinced you to include Laodicea on your Turkey itinerary? I hope so! Here are a few more travel tips to make your visit more comfortable.
How to Get to Laodicea
Laodicea is a fifteen-minute drive from Pamukkale and Hierapolis. You will buy a ticket (or scan your Museum Pass) at the entrance gate, and then drive a further 300 meters down the road to the free parking area.
If you don’t have your own car, you can take one of the minibuses from Pamukkale to Denizli and ask the driver to let you off at the turn-off to Laodicea. From here, it’s about fifteen minutes by foot to the site entrance (the walk would be fine in comfortable weather, but not ideal in extreme heat, cold or rain).
Where to Stay Near Laodicea
We stayed at the Venus Suite Hotel in nearby Pamukkale. We really liked the clean, modern rooms, the outdoor swimming pool, the convenient free parking and the expansive breakfast buffet. From here it’s an easy 15-minute drive to Laodicea.
Tours to Laodicea
Laodicea is not a popular spot for guided or organized tours. However, there are a few niche tour options starting from Istanbul and Izmir:
- Day Trip from Istanbul to Laodicea and Aphrodisas – This day trip from Istanbul starts with an early-morning pickup at your hotel, followed by a short domestic flight to Denizli or Izmir. From there, you’ll travel by bus to Laodicea and Aphrodisias, before flying back to Istanbul that evening.
- 5-Day Trip to the Seven Churches of Asia – This five-day trip departs by private bus from Izmir and visits all seven churches mentioned in the Book of Revelations: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. It includes accommodation in four-star hotels, transportation to the sites, entrance fees and most meals.
Laodicea Ticket Price
It the time of my visit in July 2023, entrance to Laodicea was 150 TL. As we had 15-day Turkey Museum Passes we were able to show the pass to access the site.
Other Sites Near Laodicea
It makes sense to combine Laodicea with a visit to Pamukkale and Hieropolis. From here, you could travel inland towards the towns in Western Anatolia, or head towards Ephesus on the Aegean Coast (stopping en route at Aphrodisias) to explore more ancient ruins (and beaches!).
Is Laodicea Worth Visiting?
If you’re already at Pamukkale and you have a car (or a strong interest in archeology) you should definitely visit Laodicea. It’s worth visiting this site to see the massive ancient Greek and Roman ruins, and you’ll love feeling like you’ve found a secret, nearly-undiscovered historic site.
I have several new Turkey travel guides focused on Istanbul and the Aegean region – check them out before you go!
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