2014-04-15

Terraces and Pools of Pamukkale | Turkey

The marvellous terraces and pools of Pamukkale ("Cotton Castle" in Turkish) located in Denizli Province of south-western Turkey, were created by mineralized water flowing from hot springs. The travertine basins were formed by the carbonate minerals in the flowing water. The pools vary in size and overlook the surrounding green countryside. In 1988 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and according to UNESCO, the supposedly therapeutic virtues of the water were used for health and religious reasons by local cults in ancient times, and the Temple of Apollo was built near a fault zone where vapors arose. Whether a soak in steamy mineral waters has any health benefits or not, the warmth of the water and the relaxation it encourages have made Pamukkale a popular destination for hundreds of years. 

Terraces and Pools of Pamukkale | Turkey
Image credit Brian Hammonds

This place comes with a lot of ancient ruins as well, called “Hierapolis”. Some of the ruins still lay in the pool where you can swim in. Absolutely a dream for cleopatra. Hierapolis basically was a cure center because of this therapeutic hot springs. Pamukkale is one of the most extraordinary natural wonders in Turkey and perhaps one of the most attractive spot for tourists. Thousands of tourists visit this spot everyday during the summer.

Terraces and Pools of Pamukkale | Turkey
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Terraces and Pools of Pamukkale | Turkey
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Terraces and Pools of Pamukkale | Turkey
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Terraces and Pools of Pamukkale | Turkey
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Terraces and Pools of Pamukkale | Turkey
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Terraces and Pools of Pamukkale | Turkey
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Terraces and Pools of Pamukkale | Turkey
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Terraces and Pools of Pamukkale | Turkey
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Terraces and Pools of Pamukkale | Turkey
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Terraces and Pools of Pamukkale | Turkey
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Source — Weather | Marmaris

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