Pamukkale, meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish, is a natural site in Denizli Province in southwestern Turkey. The area is famous for a carbonate mineral left by the flowing of thermal spring water. It is located in Turkey's Inner Aegean region, in the River Menderes valley, which has a temperate climate for most of the year.
The ancient Greek city of Hierapolis was built on top of the travertine formation which is in total about 2,700 metres (8,860 ft) long, 600 m (1,970 ft) wide and 160 m (525 ft) high. It can be seen the hills on the opposite side of the valley in the town of Denizli, 20 km away. This area has been drawing visitors to its thermal springs since the time of classical antiquity.The Turkish name refers to the surface of the shimmering, snow-white limestone, shaped over millennia by calcite-rich springs.Dripping slowly down the mountainside, mineral-rich waters collect in and cascade down the mineral terraces, into pools below.
It was added as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 along with Hierapolis.
Pamukkale, located in southwestern Turkey, is a stunning natural wonder famous for its striking white travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters. The name "Pamukkale" means "Cotton Castle" in Turkish, reflecting the terraces' fluffy appearance. Visitors can bathe in the thermal pools, known for their therapeutic properties, and explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, which sits above the terraces. Hierapolis boasts impressive ruins, including a well-preserved theater, temples, and a necropolis. Pamukkale is a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting millions of tourists each year who seek both relaxation and a glimpse into the region's rich history.
Hierapolis, an ancient city in Phrygia, modern-day Turkey, was founded in the 2nd century BC. Known for its hot springs, the city became a major healing center. The extensive ruins include a well-preserved theater, baths, temples, and the famous Necropolis, which contains over 1,200 tombs. Its proximity to Pamukkale’s natural travertine terraces made it a popular spa destination in antiquity. Hierapolis was also a key center for early Christianity, with the Apostle Philip believed to have been martyred there. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site attracting visitors worldwide.
Cleopatra Pools, located in Pamukkale, Turkey, is a thermal spring rich in history and legend. According to local lore, it was a gift to Cleopatra Mark Antony, and the queen is said to have bathed there. The pool’s warm, mineral-rich waters, around 36°C (97°F), are known for their therapeutic properties. Visitors can swim among submerged ancient Roman columns, remnants of an earthquake that once shook the area. Surrounded by lush greenery, Cleopatra Pools offers a unique and relaxing experience, blending history, natural beauty, and health benefits in a stunning setting.
