Hierapolis Antique Pool (Cleopatra's Antique Thermal Bath)
Located in the lush central gardens of ancient Hierapolis just steps from the travertine cliffs of Pamukkale, the Antique Pool (Antik Havuz)—popularly known as Cleopatra's Pool—offers one of the most sublime and surreal swimming experiences in the world. According to legend, Queen Cleopatra of Egypt once bathed in these rejuvenating waters during her travels with Mark Antony. The pool assumed its present romantic appearance during a devastating earthquake in the 7th century AD, which caused the grand marble colonnade of the Temple of Apollo to collapse directly into the thermal spring basin. Today, swimmers plunge into crystal-clear, effervescent geothermal mineral water kept at a soothing 36°C year-round. Beneath the surface, bathers swim directly over fluted Roman marble column shafts, carved architraves, and classical stone plinths resting on the pool bed.
“A natural thermal pool with effervescent 36°C mineral waters, where swimmers glide over submerged Roman marble columns and Corinthian capitals.”
— Tourism Compass Heritage Committee