7. The Gateway to the Underworld
Within the center of old Hierapolis sits the Plutonium, a mystery cave thought to be the portal to the underworld.According to the myth, twelve guardian spirits—each taking the shape of whirling mists above separate pools—emerged from the thermal springs to defend this entrance.Those with pure hearts were supposed to be able to safely approach these holy waters; those with bad intents would be overpowered by unknown powers.Believing they could interact with the spirits of the underworld through the bubbling waters, priests of the temple would carry complex rites close to particular springs.Modern scientific research has shown that the cave does in fact exude harmful gases, so supporting the ancient ideas of its lethal nature.The particular configuration of the thermal springs around this place generates strange acoustic effects that occasionally produce sounds like whispers and chants, hence augmenting its enigmatic environment.
