Cotton Castle
by miman
Pamukkale, meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish, is a natural site and attraction in south-western Turkey in the Denizli Province. The ancient city of Hierapolis was built on top of the white "castle" which is in total about 2700 meters long and 160m high. It can be seen from a great distance, eg. when driving down the hills on the opposite side of the valley to the town of Denizli, which is 20 km away. Pamukkale is located in Turkey's Inner Aegean region, in the Maeander River valley, which enjoys a temperate climate over the greater part of the year.
The tectonic movements that took place in the fault depression of the Menderes river basin did not only cause frequent earthquakes, but also gave rise to the emergence of a number of very hot springs, and it is the water from one of these springs, with its large mineral content, chalk in particular. Apart of some radioactive material, the water contains large amounts of hydrogen carbonate and calcium, which leads to the precipitation of calcium carbonate. The effect of this natural phenomenon leaves thick white layers of limestone and travertine cascading down the mountain slope, making the area look like a fortress of cotton or a frozen waterfall.
Pamukkale is a very famous tourist attraction of Turkey Here, in a landscape fascinating in its own right, the action of various mineral springs which contain calcium oxides has left fantastic concretions on the travertine structures. The resulting effect is spectacular: these mineral-rich waters have dripped down over a series of terraced levels designing bizarre solidified cascades, dazzling in their radiance and changing their color according to how the sunlight strikes them.
Hierapolis
by SirRichard
Hierapolis, located 20 kms away from Pamukkale, was founded in 190 B.C. by Eumenes II, king of Pergamon, and it was a Roman thermal bath center during the 2nd and 3rd centuries.
Now you still can see a lot standing. More info at: http://www.bodrumpages.com/English/Hierapolis.html Near the ruins you can visit the THERMAL HOT SPRINGS. This is a gorgeous natural swimming pool with roman columns and ruins at the bottom.
It's inside a modern motel now, but you can use the swimming pool. You can even rent a room per hours if you wanna rest a while after the bath and take a shower.
Walk from Karahayit to Pamukkale
by Durfun
Between Pamukkale and Karahayit countryside is all open & tranquil. No heavy traffic or dense neighbourhoods.
I chose to walk the 8 kms, enabling me to survey the terrain. You pass some valleys, the roads fork out, heading into different regions.
From the elevation (Karahayit end, past Hierapolis' North Gate) you figure out your orientation as you look onto the settlements in the distance. Otherwise, a large part of the route feels completely barren & uninhabited.
Perfect for a walk on a lovely day in some fresh air, amidst attractive countryside.
Pamukkale - the village
by MalenaN
Most people visiting Pamukkale just come for the day, but stay somewhere else. As few tourists (and fewer the last year) is staying in Pamukkale everyone is eager that you eat at their place, go with their bus company or stay at their place.
It is a small village with many nice family run pensions of good value. You should consider staying here rather then just visiting for the day.
Views from above :)
by Durfun
The views of both the travertine terraces, and surrounding countryside is stunning & peace-inducing.
Due to water diversion in parts, for preservation of the mineral-rich terraces, not all the terraces have water in them.
Once, the whole area was under threat due to rapid proliferation of hotels in the vicinity that were diverting the waters for their own use (to attract guests). Now, the site is regaining some stability after the hotels were knocked down & removed.
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Pamukkale
Dry pools, views towards South Gate
Hierapolis
Real ruins in the pool!!
