Hotels near Laodicea on the Lycus

Laodicea on the Lycus lies about 10 kilometres south of Pamukkale and rewards travellers willing to venture off the main tourist route. The city was founded in the mid-3rd century BC by the Seleucid king Antiochus II and named for his wife Laodice. Under Roman rule it grew wealthy from banking, black wool textiles, and a medical school known for its eye salve. Laodicea is one of the Seven Churches of Asia named in the Book of Revelation, giving it particular significance for Christian pilgrims. Recent Turkish excavation and reconstruction have revealed two theatres, the first known stadium in Anatolia, a temple of Zeus, a monumental fountain, and long stretches of the original aqueduct with the calcified pipes still visible. The site's entry fee in 2026 is around ₺200 (roughly €5). Because Laodicea receives only a fraction of the visitors seen at Hierapolis, you can often walk entire streets without meeting another traveller.

Pro Tip: Combine Laodicea with Kaklık Cave in a half-day taxi tour - many drivers offer a fixed price of ₺1,500 to ₺2,000 to cover both stops with waiting time included.