Pamukkale (the cotton castle), one of nature's most beautiful wonders
This remarkable, almost dreamlike place lies north of the city of Denizli, about 19 km from the city centre. It is one of the loveliest spots in Turkey thanks to its stunning scenery, and one of the world's finest natural wonders, made up of a series of natural hot pools with a high calcium content. Tourists come from every country in the world to enjoy the extraordinary landscape and the calm, relaxing time it gives them. Its springs are on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and it is one of the geological wonders of the world: the springs appear as a cascade of terraces in which white is the dominant colour.
It takes its name from the extraordinary formation that sets it apart, arranged in white waves that at first glance look like snow cradling hot spring water. In reality they are basins of limestone rock, ranged in a stepped, uneven mountain formation that creates terraces of hot springs.
There are also 17 springs of calcium-rich mineral water at a mild temperature of around 35 degrees Celsius all year round. The water treats blood disorders, eye conditions, skin complaints and rheumatism, and the Turkish state has developed the site so that visitors can enjoy the water and take the cure, providing every service they need.
There are many places with mineral water and hot springs in Turkey, and Pamukkale is one of them, though it stands out for its enchantingly beautiful cotton castle, which is a group of hot springs, a set of natural thermal pools with a high calcium content.
The Denizli Pamukkale area is home to a number of hot springs, among them:
1_ The ancient city
or, as it is known in Greek, Hierapolis, one of the best known of the Pamukkale springs. This city is also on the UNESCO World Heritage list; its history goes back to the second century BC, when people came here to be cured of illness. It contains a group of hot baths alongside some sporting facilities.
2_ The Pamukkale spas
The travertine pools, which visitors come to as a centre for healing heart conditions,
3_ The Pamukkale falls
The famous Cleopatra pool and waterfall with its ancient Roman columns. It is said that the famous queen knew of the health benefits and beautifying properties of this mineral water, which is why she used to bathe in it.