Pamukkale

What Makes It Special?

Pamukkale, which means "Cotton Castle" in Turkish, is an area of naturally formed cascades and hot springs. The travertine rock formed by these springs is white because of the deposited calcium carbonate. The wondrous thing about this place is that visitors are still allowed to walk on these travertine terraces, thus, it attracts many people from different centers of tourism in Turkey with daily tours. Also the ruins of an ancient city above the ruins, Hierapolis, is worth seeing with its theatre and Necropolis, the biggest ancient cemetery in Turkey with more than 1200 graves.

Even back in the ancient ages, the city was very famous for its baths and springs and some wealthy Romans senior citizens spent their time here. Nowadays, because of the same hot springs, there are many hotels with spa amenities. There also are thermal power plants in the region making use of the steam that emanates from the springs.

The water from the local springs comes out at a temperature of 95 Fahrenheit (35 Celsius) and flows towards the plateau, creating the travertines and also solidified water canals that help irrigate the land. Because of carbon dioxide loss, the calcium carbonate left behind by the spring water amounts up to 1.2 inches (3 cms) per year.

Although historically the city may not be important, its many monuments and great Necropolis are worth seeing. The small museum located next to the travertines is also filled with some statues and relics found inside the city.

Being an important health center, the city houses a temple to the god Apollo, who is generally linked to health. Underneath this temple is one of the earliest centers of worship in this city, a natural cave with poisonous gas that was used by the priests to trick people into believing they were the chosen ones as they went into the cave and came out unharmed.

Location & Climate

Pamukkale is 13 miles (20 kms) away from a major city Denizli. It also has access to an airport (44 miles - 70 kms)which has regular flights to Istanbul. There are hotels both in Pamukkale, the small town just below the cascades, and Karahayit, another town about 4 miles (6 kms) away.

The travertines and the ancient city are subject to the same entrance fee of the museum, and have two different entrances. Those willing to see the Necropolis entirely and the city ruins before visiting the travertines may enter from the "Northern Gate" which is closer to Karahayit, a small town with many hotels. The "Southern Gate" is mainly for those who wish to see the travertines, and then possibly the city ruins.

During the summer months, the temperatures may range from 85-105 Fahreheit (30-40 Celsius). The winter months generally differ between 35-55 Fahrenheit (2-12 Celsius).