Denizli Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Bülent Nuri Çavuşoğlu's tourism efforts continue to bear fruit. As part of initiatives to promote the region's historical and cultural heritage, Italian visitors toured the tomb of Saint Philip, the Martyrion Church built in his memory, and the Holy Cross Church in the ancient city of Laodicea, one of the seven churches mentioned in the Bible. The group first visited the tomb of Saint Philip in the ancient city of Hierapolis in Pamukkale. Seeking to become pilgrims, they climbed the 'Pilgrimage Path' and crossed the bridge. Upon reaching the tomb, the visitors prayed and fulfilled part of their spiritual journey.

 

Ancient Theaters Dazzled

 

One of the group members, Lucca Fioratti, expressed his great excitement about the visit, saying, ''Being here is very meaningful for us. As a group of 170 people, we came to explore our roots during our pilgrimage. Seeing the places where the first Christian communities lived is very thrilling. Following the footsteps of Saint Philip, we will visit Laodicea and conclude our journey in Ephesus. ''Another group member, Antonio Lumare, was particularly impressed by the Ancient Theater of Hierapolis, stating, ''Even in Italy, it is rare to find such a well-preserved theatre. This both surprised and delighted me. ''