Pamukkale, also known as the White Terraces, is a unique natural phenomenon that attracts tourists from all over the world. It is located in Turkey. Pamukkale is a place where you can admire white limestone terraces, soak in hot springs and visit the ancient ruins of Hierapolis. This wonderful place is a paradise for travelers looking for adventures in Turkey.
Where is Pamukkale ?
Pamukkale is a Turkish town located in the Cürüksu Valley, about 18 km from Denizli. It is famous for its limestone deposits formed on the slope of Mount Cökelez. Water flowing from hot springs, rich in calcium compounds and carbon dioxide, cools on the surface and precipitates calcium carbonate, the deposits of which form numerous dripstones.
Wonderful Place
At the foot of the mountains, the Menderes River has created a true natural wonder. Limestone terraces that delight with their shape and color. The Turks call this work of nature “Cotton Castle”. White irregular terraces bring to mind cotton balls. This is a must-visit place.
White terraces and hot springs
For hundreds of years, tourists and locals have visited this amazing site to explore these hot springs, which range in temperatures from 35 to 100 degrees Celsius. These ancient thermal pools have been drawing visitors to the area since ancient Roman times. When you’re in the pools, you can look down past the valley and see the town and huge lake. It looks like you’re in the mountains looking at snow, but it’s not snow at all, it’s all the minerals.
Practical information
For sightseeing, it is best to dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable sports shoes. However, you are not allowed to wear flip-flops or other footwear on the travertines – you must take them off before walking. Those who want to swim will need a bathing suit and a towel. You should also remember to wear a sun protection hat and sunscreen.
The ancient city of Hierapolis
Hierapolis is an ancient city located on the slopes of Mount Cökelez, above the limestone terraces of Pamukkale. In ancient times it was a Phrygian city. It was most likely founded by the king of Pergamon, Eumenes II, at the beginning of the 2nd century BC.
Important monuments include a theater from the 2nd century and a necropolis with 1,200 tombs. The local monuments are difficult to compare with Ephesus or Aphrodisias, but they are definitely worth seeing. Valuable finds from the surrounding areas are also exhibited in a small museum.
There are also thermal pools in Hierapolis. Since ancient times, it has been believed that the thermal waters of Hierapolis have healing properties, especially for skin diseases, circulatory system and rheumatism. The most famous is the ancient pool or also known as Cleopatra’s pool, which contains fragments of ancient columns and ruins that collapsed due to an earthquake. The water is warm and rich in minerals, and visitors can swim in it (for an additional fee) while immersing themselves in history.
World Heritage Site by UNESCO
Pamukkale, along with Hierapolis, has been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to its exceptional beauty and historical significance. To protect the delicate travertines, visitors are prohibited from climbing them with shoes on. On designated terraces you can immerse yourself and wade in the water. These extraordinary cascades are protected, so tourists should visit these areas without interfering with the environment as little as possible.
Pamukkale Serenity Suites
Worth paying attention to Pamukkale Serenity Suites is a hotel located in the heart of Pamukkale in Turkey. This extraordinary architectural marvel blends seamlessly with the breathtaking river landscape that surrounds it, creating a modern dreamscape from a high angle perspective.
