Pamukkale is a unique thermal spa resort you will find nowhere in the world. The waters rich in calcium bicarbonate form there cascades of terraced baths of dazzling white color. Beautiful calcite stalactites hang down below these baths. Pamukkale resort is 20 kilometers from the city of Denizli, and 240 kilometers north of Antalya.
Despite the distance from seaside resorts excursions to Pamukkale are considered the most popular. However, you should go there for 2 days in order to have time to see both the thermal springs and the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis.
Pamukkale means «Cotton Castle» in Turkish. From the entrance to the reserve a path leads up the slope where for thousands of years there were formed pools (travertines) covered with a white layer of calcium. In the environs of Pamukkale there are 17 thermal springs but «cotton» travertines are formed due to the water of just one spring, the temperature of which is 35 degrees.
If you have time, you should have a dip in the Cleopatra`s Pool. It was built back in ancient times, but as a result of an earthquake, the columns fell in the pool, and since then they have been there.
Calcium bicarbonate settles on the slope of the hill in the form of a soft substance, which then hardens. Previously, people could go into travertines, but now, in order to preserve the natural monument, you are allowed only to walk on special paths. The pools for swimming were created at the foot of the slope.
In the 2nd century, the Romans built the «resort» town of Hierapolis over the springs, where people came to improve their health. The archaeological museum is among the picturesque ruins. Near it you can also see a large ancient theater.
