Laodicea is the seventh and last of the churches addressed in the Book of Revelation, and for many groups it is the most striking. The city lies just outside Denizli in southwest Türkiye, and its ruins are among the most actively excavated in the country. This guide explains what a group sees today and how we plan the visit.
Laodicea in the Bible
The letter to Laodicea (Revelation 3:14 to 22) is the one people remember: "because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of my mouth". The city was rich, known for banking, black wool and an eye salve, which gives the words about gold, white garments and eye salve their sharp edge. Paul mentions the believers of Laodicea several times in his letter to the Colossians and asks for a letter to be read in both churches (Colossians 4:16).
What to see at Laodicea
The Church of Laodicea: a large early Christian church from the 4th century, excavated and now protected under a modern roof, with its floor plan, baptistery and coloured stone floors clearly visible.
Syria Street: the main colonnaded street, with columns re-erected by the excavation team.
The theatres and the stadium: two theatres and one of the largest stadiums of Asia Minor show the size and wealth of the city.
The water system: stone pipes clogged with lime deposits recall the image of lukewarm water. Hot springs ran at nearby Hierapolis and cold water at Colossae, while Laodicea's supply arrived lukewarm.
Hierapolis, Pamukkale and Colossae
Laodicea is rarely visited alone. Hierapolis, on the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale about 10 kilometres away, has the Martyrium of St Philip on the hill above the city, and the excavators identify the nearby church remains with his tomb. Colossae, the town of Paul's letter to the Colossians, is a largely unexcavated mound near Honaz, about 20 kilometres east; there is little to see, but standing on the hill with the text in hand is a moment many groups value.
How long to plan
Laodicea needs about two hours on foot. With Hierapolis and Pamukkale, plan a full day. Most groups stay one or two nights in Pamukkale or Denizli, which also breaks the long drive between the inland churches and the Aegean coast. On a Seven Churches route, Laodicea usually comes after Philadelphia and before the drive west to Ephesus.
When to go and practical points
Season: April to June and September to October. In July and August the site is very hot and has almost no shade; visit early in the morning.
Walking: the paths are long and partly on uneven stone; bring good shoes, hats and water.
Readings: we time the visit so the group can read Revelation 3 together, for example at the church or above the theatre.
Getting there: Denizli Çardak airport has flights from Istanbul; most groups arrive by coach from İzmir (about three hours) or from the other inland churches.
Planning a visit with KAMPA
Since 1996 we have organised faith and cultural groups across Türkiye for churches, associations and the tour operators who serve them. We build the day around your group, with a licensed guide who knows both the archaeology and the text, and arrange hotels, coaches and entries. Read about Thyatira, Sardis and Philadelphia, see our faith and cultural groups page, or send your dates through the form below.