Don't miss the chance to see one of the wonders of the Natural World - the magnificent Pamukkale (literally 'Cotton Castle') which has been formed over thousands of years by thermal spring waters pouring down the mountainside and calcifying to form cascading terraces of glittering white basins of water. Due to the healing properties of the water, the Romans founded Hieropalis nearby as a spa centre, and today, the baths, theatre and graveyard of over 1200 sarcophagi can still be seen. |
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Pamukkale (Hierapolis) is both, a magical and spectacular natural site, unique in the world and with its ancient ruins it is perhaps one of the most attractive spot for tourists. Pamukkale is one of the most extraordinary natural wonders in Turkey. Stay over-night if you can to enjoy its tranquility early in the morning or in the evening. |
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Over thousands of years, hot mineral waters had burst from the earth to run through the ancient city of Hieropolis before cascading down over a cliff. These waters contained a high content of calcium, which solidified into snowy white travertine; waterfalls of white stone inlaid with layer upon layer of small pools filled with this calcium-rich warm mineral water. When you go up through the middle of these travertines to the plateau at the top you will find the ancient city of Hierapolis. Today, several hotels have been built on this plateau to cater to the many visitors to this famous spot and they now served as a 'welcome break’ to the visitors . There are thermal pools set amidst the travertines. These waters are said to have 'healing' powers for all sorts of ailments such as stiff joints, skin irritations and so on. There is also another small pool halfway down the cliff, and sitting in this pool is like sitting in a bath, but a bath in the outdoors with an incredible view of the valley below. The other pool, larger size and situated within the walls of one of the hotels. Here you will come across the most incredible swimming pool you've ever seen. Many refer to it as Cleopatra’s pool. |
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The water is the same warm, mineral water that is found in the travertine pools but the base of the pool is strewn with ancient ruins that you can swim around and gaze upon, almost like an underwater museum. People travel from far and wide to see and swim in this pool together with the smaller 'rock' pools. You will feel like Cleopatra yourself, languidly floating face up in this warm water soaking up the sun overhead. Maybe you have never felt so relaxed before in all of your life. |
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You will travel through some of the most incredible scenery ever to get to Pamukkale: Little Turkish villages that time had passed by; fields ripe with cotton for picking; Turkish ladies in their baggy pantaloons and head scarves working the fields whilst their husbands sat under the trees or in the Tea Houses having a game of backgammon. In front of the most incredible sight, in the distance you will see this dazzling 'slash' of white as though snow had decided to fall in this one particular spot and had forgotten to fall on the rest of the landscape. By getting closer, you will realize it is white 'rock' covering the cliff side and not snow. |
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There are thermal pools set amidst the travertines. These waters are said to have 'healing' powers for all sorts of ailments such as stiff joints, skin irritations and so on. There is also another small pool halfway down the cliff, and sitting in this pool is like sitting in a bath, but a bath in the outdoors with an incredible view of the valley below. The other pool, larger size and situated within the walls of one of the hotels. Here you will come across the most incredible swimming pool you've ever seen. Many refer to it as Cleopatra's pool. |
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The water is the same warm, mineral water that is found in the travertine pools but the base of the pool is strewn with ancient ruins that you can swim around and gaze upon, almost like an underwater museum. People travel from far and wide to see and swim in this pool together with the smaller 'rock' pools. You will feel like Cleopatra yourself, languidly floating face up in this warm water soaking up the sun overhead. Probably you have never felt so relaxed before.
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