Cleopatra's Antique Pool
The Legend of Cleopatra's Pool
Royal Heritage of Healing Waters: According to legend, this remarkable thermal pool was a gift from Mark Antony to Cleopatra VII, the last Pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. Historical accounts suggest that Cleopatra regularly bathed in these calcium-rich waters, believing in their power to maintain her legendary beauty and health. While historical evidence of Cleopatra's actual visits remains debated, the pool's reputation for therapeutic benefits has attracted royalty, nobles, and healing seekers for over 2,000 years.
Formation Through Ancient Earthquake: The pool's unique character was created during a massive 7th century earthquake that brought down the magnificent Roman Temple of Apollo. The falling columns, ornate capitals, and marble architectural elements now create an underwater archaeological wonderland, making this the only place in the world where visitors can swim among authentic ancient Roman ruins while enjoying natural thermal therapy.
2025 Updated Pricing and Access
Current Entrance Fees: Entry to Cleopatra's Pool requires the general Pamukkale-Hierapolis site admission fee (€30/$33 USD) plus an additional thermal pool swimming fee of €6 ($7 USD) for adults. Children 6-12 pay reduced rates for swimming access, while children under 6 enter free. These fees include access to changing facilities and basic amenities.
Operating Hours: The thermal pool operates daily 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM year-round. The Pamukkale site has multiple entrances with varying hours: North Gate (8:00 AM - 9:00 PM) and South Gate (6:00 AM - 11:00 PM). Last entry to the thermal pool is one hour before closing.
The Complete Experience
Perfect Natural Temperature: The pool maintains a constant temperature of 36°C (96.8°F) year-round, fed by natural hot springs rich in therapeutic minerals. Unlike the cooler travertine pools, Cleopatra's Pool offers ideal conditions for extended therapeutic soaking regardless of season.
The "Champagne Water" Effect: The water's unique mineral composition creates natural effervescence, earning it the nickname "champagne water." The gentle bubbling sensation enhances the therapeutic massage effect while providing a unique sensory experience unlike any other thermal pool.
Swimming Among Ancient Ruins: Swim carefully around fallen Doric and Ionic columns, ornate Corinthian capitals, and marble temple fragments dating from the 2nd century CE. These submerged ruins create shallow resting areas where visitors can sit against ancient columns while soaking in the healing waters.
Health and Wellness Benefits
Proven Therapeutic Effects: Regular thermal pool therapy demonstrates benefits for arthritis, rheumatism, circulation disorders, skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis, muscle tension relief, and stress reduction. The specific mineral combination at Cleopatra's Pool has been therapeutically utilized for over 2,000 years.
Skin Health and Rejuvenation: The calcium-rich water naturally exfoliates dead skin cells while depositing beneficial minerals, creating the "Cleopatra effect" of enhanced skin softness and appearance that made these waters legendary for beauty enhancement.
Facilities and Services
Modern Safety Infrastructure: The pool features non-slip entry steps with stainless steel handrails, safety ropes delineating swimming areas, and life preservation equipment positioned around deeper sections. Professional lifeguards monitor the facility during all operating hours.
Changing and Storage Facilities: Clean, modern changing rooms accommodate both men and women with private cubicles, benches, and mirrors. Secure lockers with electronic wristband keys allow safe storage of valuables while swimming.
Pool-Side Amenities: The adjacent café offers traditional Turkish refreshments, herbal teas, fresh fruit juices, and light Mediterranean meals. The on-site shop offers high-quality Turkish towels, thermal pool-specific swimwear, and natural mineral cosmetics.
Visitor Guidelines and Best Practices
Essential Guidelines: Proper swimwear required at all times. No jumping or diving permitted to protect archaeological ruins. Photography allowed but flash photography restricted in certain areas. Children must be supervised near deep sections and archaeological features.
Best Visit Strategy: Visit early morning (8:00-10:00 AM) for peaceful swimming with fewer crowds. Allow 2-3 hours for complete thermal pool experience including changing, swimming, and relaxation time. Combine with Hierapolis ruins exploration for full day UNESCO World Heritage site experience.
Experience the ultimate luxury of swimming in the same therapeutic waters that once captivated Cleopatra, surrounded by authentic ancient Roman ruins in one of the world's most unique UNESCO World Heritage swimming experiences.