Discovery of St. Philip the Apostle’s Tomb in Hierapolis, Turkey
Archaeologists have spent many years searching for the tomb of St. Philip the Apostle who was one of the original 12 disciples of Jesus Christ named in the Bible. Earlier this week, an exciting discovery was made at the Hierapolis ancient city of Denizli in south-western Turkey when experts reached the long sought-after tomb. Italian professor Francesco D’Andria who is head of the excavation team told reporters on Tuesday, “The discovery of the tomb of St Philippus, who is a very important figure for Christianity, will leave a tremendous impression in the world.”
The discovery was made while working on the ruins of a newly-unearthed church in Hierapolis and Professor D’Andria stated that the tomb’s structure and the writings on it proved that it belonged to St. Philip the Apostle, a recognised martyr in the history of Christianity. Professor D’Andria also stated that the tomb, unopened as yet, is expected to become an important Christian pilgrimage destination.
The legends surrounding the death of Philip, one of the 12 disciples of Jesus
Legendary stories about Philip’s life state how he was sent with his sister Mariamne and Bartholomew to preach in Greece, Phrygia and Syria, following the resurrection of Jesus. One account describes his martyrdom in the city of Hierapolis, where the tomb has been discovered. It stated that through a miraculous healing and his preaching, Philip converted the wife of the proconsul of the city which caused outrage. The proconsul ordered for Philip, Bartholomew and Mariamne to be tortured and later Philip and Bartholomew were crucified upside-down, but Philip continued to preach from his cross. The listening crowd released Bartholomew from his cross but Philip insisted they not release him, and he later died on the cross. Another version of events stated that Philip was martyred by beheading in the city of Hierapolis. No reputable source describing Philip’s death has ever been found, therefore the Catholic Church regard all of the accounts of his death as legendary.
Pammukkale & Hierapolis – UNESCO World Heritage site
Pammukkale is located next to the ancient city of Hierapolis, its name literally translates as “Cotton Castle” and it is one of Turkey’s most impressive natural wonders. White travertine terraces cascade down a cliff almost 200m high, created by the limestone-laden spring waters that run down the cliff congregating in warm pools on the terrace, from a distance the landscape creates a shimmering fairytale picture with its white rocks and shallow pools.
All religious buildings were built near to hot or cold water sources in ancient times and often other buildings such as fountains and baths were built for curing. It was the thermal waters in the area which led to the creation of the spa town of Hierapolis at the end of the 2nd century BC by the dynasty of Attalids, kings of Pergamon. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, Hierapolis (literally meaning “Holy City”), here visitors can see the ancient ruins of the baths, temples, the well-preserved theatre and the largest necropolis or graveyard in Anatolia containing 1200 tombs.
Pamukkale and Hierapolis are already a popular tailor-made holiday destination for our customers year after year but as stated by Professor D’Andria, this latest discovery of the tomb of St Philip the Apostle will now make this also a very important destination for Christian pilgrimages.
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