Cleopatra's Antique Pool, also called the Antique Pool or Sacred Pool, is a natural thermal spring pool inside the ruins of Hierapolis. Its warm, mineral-rich water bubbles up around the broken columns and marble fragments of an ancient building that collapsed into it during earthquakes, so you swim among Roman stonework that has lain there for centuries. The name comes from a popular legend that the Egyptian queen once bathed here, a story with no real historical proof but a very good one for the photographs. It is the only place in the Pamukkale and Hierapolis complex where full swimming is allowed, because the white travertine pools are strictly wade-only. Visitors come for a soak in the mineral water, for the novelty of floating beside ancient columns, and to warm up on a cool day. The pool has changing rooms and lockers, a cafe and loungers, and it is run as a separate paid attraction inside the site, so it is not covered by the main ticket or by museum passes.
What to expect
The water is pleasantly warm, roughly body temperature, and the pool is deep enough in places to swim, though the submerged columns and stones mean you should step carefully and avoid diving. The bottom can be uneven and slightly slippery, and the water is fizzy and mineral rich, so some people find it makes the skin feel soft. Wear a swimsuit under your clothes, bring a towel, and use the lockers for valuables. Sandals or water shoes help on the entry steps.
Crowds and timing
The pool is at its busiest in the middle of the day when tour coaches arrive, and access can be limited at peak hours. Go as soon as you enter the site, or choose late afternoon when many groups have left. In November the air is cool but the water is warm, which is a pleasant contrast, and the pool is far quieter than in summer. A separate fee, paid at the pool entrance, applies in addition to your site ticket, and the Museum Pass does not cover it.
Fitting it into your day
The pool is among the ruins, close to the archaeology museum and the Temple of Apollo area, so it works well as a midday break between walking the terraces and exploring the rest of Hierapolis. Allow an hour or more if you want to swim properly and have a coffee. Many day tours include time at the pool, usually with the fee paid separately, so check the details of the tour you choose. Keep your phone in a waterproof pouch if you want photos in the water.
What to expect
The experience
A swim in naturally warm spring water among submerged Roman columns, inside the Hierapolis site.
Best time
Go straight in at opening or late in the afternoon, when day-trip coaches have left.
How long
One to two hours, including changing and a coffee afterwards.
Tips
Wear a swimsuit under your clothes, use water shoes on the uneven bottom and keep valuables in the lockers.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants to swim among ancient ruins and warm up on a cool day.
- Families
- Older children love it; keep younger ones close because the bottom is uneven and the water is deep in places.
- Couples
- A relaxed soak among the columns in the quieter late afternoon.
- Pair with
- The travertine terraces, the archaeology museum and the Temple of Apollo.
- Time needed
- Allow about an hour and a half.
Good questions
Is Cleopatra's Pool included in the Pamukkale ticket?+
No, it needs a separate fee paid at the pool entrance. The Museum Pass does not cover it either.
Can I really swim there?+
Yes, it is the only place in the Pamukkale and Hierapolis complex where full swimming is allowed. The white travertine pools are for wading only.
Did Cleopatra actually bathe here?+
That is a popular legend rather than a documented fact. The pool is still genuinely ancient, with Roman columns lying in the water.
Is the water warm in winter?+
Yes, it is naturally warm all year, which makes it a good winter stop. The air outside can be chilly, so bring a towel and a warm layer.
What should I bring?+
A swimsuit, towel, water shoes and a small waterproof bag. Lockers are available for your valuables.
