Laodicea at a glance
Laodicea, called Laodikeia in Turkish and Greek, was founded under King Antiochus II between 261 and 253 BC. In antiquity the city was known as Laodikeia on the Lykos. Today it is an excavation site with columns, paved streets and the remains of a church.
The site has its own ticket and is not part of the Pamukkale entrance. Plan it as a separate visit and do not squeeze it in as an afterthought. The prices and hours below are for 2026 and are adjusted often, so check the posted information at the ticket office.
History of Laodicea
A Hellenistic foundation that became a Roman and Christian city.
The Turkish museum authority dates the founding to the reign of Antiochus II, between 261 and 253 BC. That makes Laodicea a Hellenistic foundation from the middle of the 3rd century BC. The city appears in sources as Laodikeia on the Lykos, to tell it apart from other cities of the same name.
The site is not a single monument. It is a field of buildings, streets and open ground, and you walk between them. Finds from Laodicea are shown in the Hierapolis Archaeological Museum, together with pieces from other regional excavations. Seeing both places gives you a fuller picture of the city.
Laodicea and Pamukkale tours
Day trips, guided visits and tickets around Pamukkale and Denizli, with live prices and availability.
The church of Laodicea
The museum authority counts Laodicea among the seven churches of Anatolia named in the biblical Book of Revelation. That refers to an early Christian community in the 1st century. The church building that archaeologists excavated is a later structure, linked to the time of Constantine and to the years after 313 AD. The two should not be mixed up.
For visitors this means the church ruin is an early Christian building from a later period, set in a city that existed long before Christianity. You can visit for the church, for the ancient city or for both.
What to look for on site
Features that show up in photos of Laodicea.
Columns and paved streets
Colonnaded streets and halls are among the most recognizable parts of the site. They give a sense of the layout of the city.
Theatre and stadium valley
The site has a theatre and a long stadium valley. Check which paths are open on your day before you walk down.
Mosaic floors
A mosaic floor is among the sights. Which areas are open can change, so follow the posted information on the day.
Tickets, hours and combined ticket
Figures for foreign visitors in 2026.
| Item | What is listed |
|---|---|
| Entry, foreign adult | €12 |
| Turkish citizens | MüzeKart |
| Opening hours | 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., daily |
| Ticket office | Until 5 p.m. |
| Address | Goncalı Mahallesi, Merkez/Pamukkale |
| Combined ticket | Hierapolis site, Hierapolis Museum and Laodicea, bought at the ticket office |
The state museum page lists a combined ticket for the Hierapolis site, the Hierapolis Museum and Laodicea and sends you to the ticket office to buy it. Ask there for the current price and compare it with the separate tickets: €30 for Pamukkale and Hierapolis and €12 for Laodicea.
Planning your visit
Practical points for a half-day stop.
Getting there
Use the address above in a map app. A taxi or a driver is the simplest way. If you plan to use a minibus, ask the driver or your hotel which road stop is closest to the entrance.
Getting there guide →Heat
In July and August the average daily high in Denizli is about 35 °C. Bring water and a hat, and visit in the morning in summer.
Weather guide →Pairing it with Hierapolis
The Hierapolis Archaeological Museum shows finds from Laodicea, so seeing the museum first makes the ruins easier to read. The museum is free in the 2026 price list.
Hierapolis guide →When to visit Laodicea
Long-term station averages for Denizli, not a forecast.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | 21.1 °C | 9.3 °C | 51.6 mm |
| May | 26.5 °C | 13.4 °C | 44.2 mm |
| July | 34.8 °C | 20.5 °C | 14.7 mm |
| August | 34.7 °C | 20.1 °C | 11.2 mm |
| October | 24.0 °C | 11.6 °C | 34.9 mm |
Laodicea is an open-air site, so heat and rain matter. April, May and October are less hot than July and August on average. Spring has more rain than high summer. None of this promises dry or empty days.
More places nearby
Other stops in the same region.
Laodicea: frequently asked questions
How much does Laodicea cost?
Foreign adults pay €12 in the central 2026 price list. Turkish citizens use the MüzeKart. A combined ticket with Hierapolis and its museum is sold at the ticket office.
What are the opening hours of Laodicea?
The state museum page lists 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day, with the ticket office open until 5 p.m. Hours can change with the season, so check the posted times.
Is Laodicea one of the seven churches of Revelation?
Yes. The Turkish museum authority counts it among the seven churches of Anatolia. The excavated church building is a later structure from the time after 313 AD.
Is Laodicea included in the Pamukkale ticket?
No. It has its own ticket, and a combined ticket exists for the Hierapolis site, the museum and Laodicea. Ask for it at the ticket office.
Is Laodicea worth a separate trip?
It depends on your interests. The site combines a Hellenistic city, Roman remains and an early Christian church. It has its own ticket, so plan time for it instead of adding it as a short stop.