Pamukkale Favorites

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Favorite thing: Pamukkale means "cotton castle" in Turkish. It is a natural site and attraction in south-western Turkey. The ancient city of Hierapolis was built on top of the white "castle" which is in total about 2700 meters long and 160m high.

The tectonic movements that took place in the fault depression of the Menderes river basin triggered frequent earthquakes, and gave rise to the emergence of a number of very hot springs. The water from one of these springs, with its large mineral content - chalk in particular - created Pamukkale.

Today Pamukkale is a famous tourist attraction. It is recognized as a World Heritage Sites together with Hierapolis.

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Favorite thing: Hierapolis was first excavated by the German archaeologist Carl Humann (1839-1896) during the months June to July 1887. His excavation notes were published in his book "Altertümer von Hierapolis" in 1889. His excavations were rather general and included a number of drilling holes. He would gain fame for his discovery in Pergamon of the Pergamon Altar.

Excavations began in earnest in 1957 when Italian scientists, led by Paolo Verzone, began working on the site. These studies still continue. A restoration of the site has begun. For example, large columns along the main street near the gate named after Domitian, which were toppled by the earthquakes, were erected again. They also unearthed a number of houses from the Byzantine period, including an eleventh century courtyard house.

Many statues and friezes were transported to museums in London, Berlin and Rome.

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Favorite thing: Hierapolis means in Greek: 'holy city'. It was the ancient city on top of the famous Pamukkale hot springs. Now Hierapolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It's called Hierapolis because of its Mother goddess Cult.
Information about Hierapolis is limited. There are only a few historical facts known about the origin of the city. It is known that the king of Pergamum, Eumenes II, founded the city in 190 BC. It was named Hierapolis after the Amazon's Queen Hiera, the wife of Telephos, the founder of Pergamum. (Pergamum is also called Pergamon or Pergamos).

Hierapolis was completely destroyed by the earthquake in 60 A.D. during the time of Roman Emperor Nero. During the reconstruction after the earthquake, the city lost its Hellenistic Style and became a typical Roman City. Right after the Roman period started, Hierapolis became an important center because of its commercial and religious position. In 80 A.D. St. Philip came to Hierapolis and was murdered by the Jewish inhabitants.

Hierapolis was conquered by the Turks at the end of the 12th century A.D.
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Favorite thing: 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

Fondest memory: 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.

Favorite thing: The ruins of Hierapolis are the other main attraction. The city was founded in 190 B.C. by Eumenes II, king of Pergamon. In the 2nd and 3rd centuries, it reached the height of its development as a Roman thermal bath center.

Favorite thing: Pamukkale is located in the Inner Aegean region at a distance of 20 km from the town of Denizli. This lovely, rapidly developing district in the Menderes valley, which enjoys a temperate climate over the greater part of the year, has all the conditions required for an ideal touristic resort.

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Favorite thing: When you enter the basins you are informed that you should take off your shoes.

This is not only the best way to experience these unique sensations, but it also for protection reasons.

Unfortunately I've seen during my both visits there many persons walking with the shoes on which obviously didn't understood we are very lucky to enjoy this wonder but it's also our responsibility to protected it.

Favorite thing: Once you enter the site you are tempted to wander around by your own, but it's better to have at least a map of Hierapolis in order to be sure that you'll not miss the important parts.

In any case there is a board with a map located near the western entrace which helps you identify better the ancient buildings.