Pamukkale Antik Havuz (Kleopatra Havuzu)

The Antik Havuz (Ancient Pool) is in the Pamukkale district of Denizli, within the archaeological site of the ancient city of Hierapolis and the Pamukkale travertines, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is also popularly known as the Kleopatra Havuzu (Cleopatra's Pool); the name comes from a legend, not from any historical record. Hierapolis was founded in the 2nd century BC by Eumenes II, King of Pergamon, and over its history it was destroyed by earthquakes and rebuilt many times.
What sets the pool apart is the marble columns and stone fragments lying in the water, the remains of buildings destroyed in a 7th-century earthquake. Visitors can swim among these fragments or simply spend time in the water. The thermal water stays at around 35–36 °C all year round. This is not a spa; the experience is about swimming in thermal water in the open air, in a historic setting.
The Antik Havuz Visitor Centre, opened by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in May 2026, has changing rooms, showers, a restaurant, a gift shop and prayer areas. The centre also has a stop for the golf carts that run around the archaeological site.
Entry to the pool requires a separate ticket in addition to the site admission; for Turkish citizens, the Müzekart is valid for site entry. According to Google, the pool is open every day 09:00–19:00. As the site's gate hours can change with the season, it is worth checking the current times before your visit. It is an interesting stop for anyone touring Hierapolis who wants a break in the thermal water.