The Hierapolis necropolis stretches for almost two kilometres north of the city gate, with over a thousand tombs from the 2nd century BC to the early Byzantine period. It is the largest surviving necropolis in Anatolia and one of the most varied — sarcophagi, tumuli, house-tombs and temple-style mausoleums all sitting next to each other along what was once the main road into town.
People came to Hierapolis from across the eastern Mediterranean to take the cure at the hot springs; many came too late, or stayed too long, and were buried here. Inscriptions identify Jews, Christians, Phrygians, Romans and Greeks among the dead. Walking the length of the necropolis at sunset, with the white travertines on one side and the long line of tombs on the other, is one of the most atmospheric experiences at the site.