After a 16-month closure, Pamukkale’s legendary Cleopatra Antique Pool—also known as the Pamukkale Antique Pool—has officially reopened to visitors following an extensive renovation and landscaping project completed in May 2026. Located inside the ancient city of Hierapolis in Denizli, Türkiye, this iconic thermal pool is once again welcoming travelers eager to combine wellness, archaeology, and one of the world’s most unique swimming experiences.
What’s New at the Reopened Cleopatra Pool?
The restoration project, launched by Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism in January 2025, focused on improving both the visitor experience and site preservation.
Visitors can now enjoy:
- A newly organized landscape surrounding the pool
- Modern visitor facilities
- New changing rooms and rest areas
- A cafeteria and refreshed relaxation spaces
- Improved circulation around the archaeological zone
These upgrades were designed to better accommodate both domestic and international tourists while protecting one of Pamukkale’s most visited attractions.
The Fascinating History of Cleopatra Antique Pool
The story of the Antique Pool goes back nearly 2,800 years. Situated within Hierapolis Ancient City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its healing thermal waters, the pool was originally part of a Roman spa complex.
Its most striking feature? You can literally swim among ancient ruins.
During a major earthquake in the 7th century, parts of surrounding Roman structures—including marble columns and fragments—collapsed into the thermal spring. Instead of removing them, nature turned the site into a surreal underwater archaeological experience.
Today, visitors float through warm mineral-rich waters surrounded by submerged Roman columns and stones, creating an atmosphere that feels half spa, half time machine.
Legend says Egyptian queen Cleopatra once bathed here, which is how the pool earned its popular nickname. While historians can’t fully verify the story, the myth certainly adds to its timeless appeal.
Why Visit Pamukkale Antique Pool?
Pamukkale is already world-famous for its dazzling white travertine terraces, often called the “Cotton Castle.” But Cleopatra Pool offers something the terraces don’t: the chance to immerse yourself in warm thermal waters year-round.
Reasons travelers love it:
Swim in 36°C Thermal Waters Year-Round
The naturally heated water remains around 36°C (96.8°F) in every season, making it ideal whether you visit in summer or winter.
Combine History + Wellness
Few places in the world let you swim inside an active archaeological site while enjoying mineral-rich geothermal waters.
Perfect Add-On to Hierapolis Exploration
After exploring:
- Hierapolis Theatre
- Temple of Apollo
- Necropolis
- Pamukkale travertines
The Antique Pool is the perfect way to relax.
Travel Tips Before You Go
To make the most of your visit:
- Arrive early to avoid midday crowds
- Bring swimsuit, towel, and waterproof sandals
- Visit on weekdays for a calmer experience
- Combine your pool visit with a full Hierapolis tour
Since reopening, visitor demand has surged quickly, so expect this attraction to be especially popular throughout the 2026 summer season.
Pamukkale’s Cleopatra Antique Pool is more than a thermal swimming spot—it’s one of the rare places where natural wonder, ancient history, and wellness tourism merge seamlessly.
Now that the renovated pool is officially open again, there’s no better time to add it back to your Türkiye bucket list.
Ready to Experience Pamukkale?
Planning a trip to Türkiye? Don’t miss the chance to swim among ancient Roman columns in one of the world’s most extraordinary thermal pools.
Add Pamukkale’s Cleopatra Antique Pool to your itinerary and experience history from inside the water.
