Geographic Overview of Colossae  

Click on  thumbnail for larger image


The map below details each Roman province in the year 120 AD.  Colossae was located in the province of Asia (Number 28). 


The map below uses 1 Kilometer resolution satellite imagery.  Colossae was approximately 100 miles east of the provincial capital at Ephesus.
The map shows the relative locations of Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis.
Today, the site of Colossae is in western Turkey near the city of Denzili and just north of the village of Honaz
The map below shows the relative locations of the three ancient cities and their proximity to current towns in Western Turkey.
The location of ancient Colossae is just north of the village of Honaz.
The following is an attempt depict the location of Colossae using pictures posted on the internet.  The key is the mountain farthest to the left.  This same mountain is visible in several shots.  The picture below is taken from Laodicea, several miles from Colossae.  The view shows the Lycus River valley and the surrounding mountains.  The viewing angle is looking eastward from Laodicea.
Yep, it's the same mountain in the background.  We're still looking eastward, but closer now.  The site of Colossae is shown in the foreground beyond the road.  Archaeologists refer to this as a "tel" or in plain english "a mound of dirt." 
Same angle as above, but a clearer shot of the mound of dirt.
Still the same mountain in the background.  We're standing right at Colossae (on top of the mound) looking eastward.
While standing on top of Colossae, turn around 180 degrees.  We're looking in the opposite direction (westward) back toward Laodicea in the distance.
Ditto!!