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The Martyrium of St. Philip is located in Hierapolis, a quite famous tourist attraction called Pamukkale where highly calcareous water forms cascades. The remains of the ancient city are mostly from the Roman times and are equally remarkable as those cascades. The Martyrium is octagonal in shape. This monumental building consists of a circular central hall surrounded by eight small chapels and four triangular courtyards in the corners. What remains today is foundation of the walls once supporting the dome. The tomb of the saint was believed to be here but in 2011, Prof. Francesca d’Andria claimed that a tomb found a newly discovered basilica was of St. Philip. His relics are now in Santi Apostoli Church in Rome.

Ancient city of Hierapolis was an important trade center and it was also famous for its Apollo Temple, an important oracle center. It is known that the Severan dynasty of the Roman Empire paid special attention to Apollo Temple and to the city. According to Christian tradition he went to preach in Greece, Syria and Asia Minor. While in Hierapolis, he cured the wife of the Roman proconsul so she converted into Christianity. Filled with anger, Roman proconsul ordered that Philip and Bartholomew to be crucified. According to one account he was hanged or crucified, head downwards. An apocryphal gospel that is among Nag Hammadi manuscripts describes the progress of the soul through the next world, bears his name. The town was a bishopric center. As the place of St. Philip’s martyrdom in 80 A.D. a martyrium building was erected in the 5th century. Hierapolis was an important religious center for the Eastern Roman Empire. Between late 11th century and early 13th century the land changed hands between Byzantine and Seljukid rule and early 13th century it became under the rule of the Turks. The city lost its importance and abandoned for centuries until it became a tourist attraction for its cascades.

From the faith-practicing point of view, there is no inter-religious point of view to speak of. On the other hand, the natural beauties of the site attracts quite a large amount of local as well as international visitors from all around the world. In a way the site, especially the martyrdom of St. Philip can be regarded as a “once” religious painting being exhibited in a gallery of a museum. But still there are religious Christian groups visiting the site and venerating St. Philip. Moreover locals become aware of the existence of a saint who suffered and executed for his faith.

Since Hierapolis is an archaeological site, we can not speak of a religious influence of the dominant religion of the region. But from historical point of view, the area shared the same faith with the regions of Asia Minor.

- Direct visit
A direct visit, if possible, would be the best way for students to experience the atmosphere of the place.
- Virtual visit (specify how)
A PPT presentation prepared by the tutor enriched with visuals.
- Classroom activity (pre- and post- visit)
Pre-visit activity: A research by students on a historical site that was important before the arrival of the main faith of their country (on the base of Apollo oracle center in Hierapolis)
A research on history of Hierapolis and its connection with St. Philip.
A research on touristic potential of Hierapolis/Pamukkale.

Post-visit:
- Discussion if tourism has a role understanding the faith of the others.