Laodicea on the Lycus 🇹🇷

Located near modern Denizli, Turkey, Laodicea on the Lycus is a historic ancient Greek and Roman city perched on a hill between the Asopus and Caprus river valleys. You will discover a once-wealthy commercial hub famous for its black wool, financial transactions, and early Christian heritage as one of the Seven Churches of Asia mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Today, thanks to ongoing excavations and restoration work by Pamukkale University, you can wander through remarkable architectural ruins that highlight its ancient grandeur.

As you explore the sprawling site, you will encounter the recently restored West Theatre, originally built in the Hellenistic period, featuring stone seating that once accommodated thousands of spectators. Walk through the vast restored west agora, where impressive 10.8-meter-tall columns stand alongside a 100-meter-long back wall decorated with ancient frescoes. You can also trace the remains of a stadium, baths, a gymnasium, temples, a Senate House (bouleuterion), and colonnaded streets lined with pedestals.

Don't miss its unique engineering marvel: an ancient aqueduct system utilizing a double pressurised pipeline inverted siphon to transport water across the valley. From rifled sarcophagi to historic city gates, Laodicea offers an unforgettable glimpse into classical antiquity.

What to see at Laodicea on the Lycus

• Restored West Theatre built during the Hellenistic period
• Vast restored west agora featuring 10.8-meter-tall columns and frescoed walls
• Unique ancient aqueduct system with stone pipes and an inverted siphon
• Historical site of one of the Seven Churches of Asia from the Book of Revelation
• Well-preserved stadium, baths, colonnaded streets, and ancient city wall remains

Visiting tips

Look closely at the aqueduct ruins to see the encrusted carved stone pipes that demonstrate the city's unique inverted siphon water system.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Early morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Laodicea on the Lycus is easy to reach on Denizli’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Denizli travel guide.