PAMUKKALE, Turkey: Thermal Springs, ‘Cotton Castle’, Hierapolis
Posted by: kirsty_wilson in Asia, tags: Denizli, Hierapolis, Pamukkale, Springs, TurkeyWhere is Pamukkale?
Pamukkale is found in south, western Turkey approx 19km north of Denizli. It gained UNESCO listing during 1988 for both its environmental features and Roman history. It would have to be one of the most spectacular places I have visited. From a distance, as I approached from the bus, the white scar on the hillside glistened as the sun was lowering in the sky. The name Pamukkale means ‘Cotton Castle’ and that’s exactly what it looked like! (A photo of myself at Pamukkale can be seen on the ‘About Kirsty’ page.)
The terraced basins are filled with warm, thermal spring waters that are mineral-rich with calcium. This in turn has created the shallow pools supported by stalactites. The warm springs have made the area popular since ancient times. The Romans built Hierapolis here. After you have marvelled at the environmental feature of Pamukkale, you are able to explore the Roman Baths and take a dip amongst collapsed roman columns and other archaeological, building ruins.
Map
TravelTipsPlus Google Map of Pamukkale
One Great Reason to Visit Pamukkale
One great reason to visit Pamukkale is for the stunning scenery of the ‘Cotton Castle’ surrounded by reasonably arid plains.