Named after the cotton-white travertine formation, Pamukkale, is among the most important natural and historical landmarks to visit in Turkey.
The dazzling white calcite cliffs of Pamukkale are composed of calcium deposits left by its hot springs. A series of earth quakes that took place about 400 thousand years ago, combined with other geological factors created this magical cotton-white travertine structure.
There are 17 hot water artesian springs that feed water in the range of 35-100 °C in the region. The hot water from these springs travels a distance of 320 meters. The hot water then pours into these cotton-white travertine layers that lay for another 300 meters.
Pamukkale has been on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List since 1988. The region also is home to these 7 magnificent landmarks.
7 must-see landmarks around Pamukkale
The ancient city of Hierapolis
The ancient city of Hierapolis was found in 197 BC. It was famous for its thermal resources and healing properties even back then. Although earthquakes in 133 BC and 60 AD destroyed the city known to the world with its temples, it was later rebuilt by the Romans.
Hierapolis Theater
This is a magnificent Roman theater that could host 12,000 spectators. It was built during the reign of the Roman Emperors Hadrian and Septimius Severus.
The Antique Pool
Located next to the Temple of Apollo, The Antique Pool has a constant temperature of 36 degrees. The mineral-rich hot spring water creates a healing a relaxing environment. During the Roman era, the Antique Pool and the Hierapolis region were a complete health center. Thousands of people would come to the ancient city to rejuvenate and regain their health.
The Hierapolis Museum
Located on an area of 14,000 square meters within the Hierapolis Ancient City, The Hierapolis Museum is a collection of buildings consisting of the Ancient Roman Bath, Gymnasium and the library. The artifacts in the museum are exhibited in three separate halls: Sarcophagi and Sculptures Hall, Small Works Hall and Hierapolis Theater Findings Hall.
The ancient city of Laodicia
The ancient city of Laodicea, was built between the years BC 261-263. The city was founded by Antiokhos wo named it after his wife. Having one of the first 7 churches of Christianity, the city became a religious center at the metropolitan level in the Early Byzantine Period. The city is part of the Holy Pilgrimage.
The Apollon Temple
The Temple of Apollo, whose foundations date back to the Late Hellenistic Period, is built on Plutonion, a cave used for religious purposes in ancient times. The monumental building is dedicated to the most important god of Hierapolis. The sanctuary on the terraces is connected by a marble staircase. The terrace below is surrounded by marble columns in Doric order on a wide area. The inner structure, which is pointed out in the podium, was previously defined as the Temple and later was defined as the center of prophecy. The poisonous gas is emitted with the entrance from the underground in the middle part, including Plutonium, and this is also mentioned in ancient sources. The large temple of Apollo is in the ionic order and was previously defined as the central sanctuary, and the foundations of the building can be seen. In the light of recent research, a third building has been identified in the North.
Yesildere Waterfall
With its water flowing from 55 meters up high, Yesildere is a beautiful spot where you can spend peaceful hours thanks to its calm environment, and the green, spongy rocks in the pond formed under it create a very beautiful image. It is also called the Crying Rock because of the wonderful view of Yeşildere Waterfall that resembles a weeping rock.