A “gate to Hell” has emerged, spewing lethal mephitic vapors from ruins in southwestern Turkey, Italian archaeologists have announced.

The site, known as Pluto’s Gate, used to be celebrated as the portal to the underworld in Greco-Roman mythology and tradition, Fox News reports.

The “gate” is located in the ancient Phrygian city of Hierapolis, now called Pamukkale.

The team, led by Francesco D’Andria, professor of classic archaeology at the University of Salento, announced the discovery this month at a conference on Italian archaeology in Istanbul.

Founded around 190 B.C. by Eumenes II, King of Pergamum, Hierapolis was given over to Rome in 133 B.C., Fox News reports. It became a flourishing Roman city. During the 6th century AD, the city was obliterated by the Christians.

Mr. D’Andria and his team are now working on the digital reconstruction of the site.

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