At only 6 kilometres from the city of Denizli, at the crossroads of several Turkish villages, there is the area Laodikeia. This site is in the heart of Anatolia and on the way to the ancient Hierapolis. Laodekeia is an ancient city, which was founded from Antiochus II even in the time before Christ.
In the past Laodekeia has been one of the oldest Christian communities. An ancient Romans lived here and they gave the city the characteristic stamp of the Roman Empire. Most of the sites that you can see on this historical significance, mainly come from the first century BC. In the immediate vicinity of this ancient city flows the river Lykos.
The city resembles a fortress and is possible to enter only through one of the three existing gates. Within the city, there is an ancient bridge. Some other interesting ruins you can see inside the strong walls are many old buildings that were built during the Roman emperor Vespasian. One of the largest buildings in the framework of this complex is the Palace, but it's ambiguous whether it was a kind of bathroom or this was a gymnasium. In recent years, the Church of Laodikeia was presented to tourists. This church was built in the time of Constantine the Great, in the early period of Christianity and is one of the Seven Churches of Asia.
The sad fact is that this ancient city in the 6th century suffered substantial damage and was destroyed after the earthquake. Historically significant ruins of this town disappeared under the earth, and it seemed that the city was gone forever. But, thanks to the effort to exhume, all artefacts again became visible, and Laodicea had regained its former beauty. After excavation, the entire city was placed under protection.
In addition to Laodikeia, there are still many other ancient cities around and the lovers of that historically significant areas can visit different sites in Denizli district, such as Tabea, Hierapolis and Tripolis.