Aegean Coast Excursions
Pamukkale © Turkey Ministry of Tourism
Pamukkale
Calcium-rich mineral springs surging over the edge of a mountain
plateau for thousands of years has resulted in an
intriguing natural masterpiece. The rock formations of Pamukkale
(‘Cotton Castle’) are a series of natural shelves and
ridges, terraces that have been turned white from the solidified
chalky calcium deposits left behind as the thermal waters tumble
into further basins clinging to the cliff edge below. From a
distance it appears to be a dazzling white fairytale castle, with a
formation of tiers rising from the ground containing warm water
pools. The hot springs have been used since Roman times to cure
certain ailments. On the plateau is the Pamukkale Thermal enclosing
the bubbling ‘sacred pool of the ancients’, the main
source of the springs creating the white terraces, and its mineral
waters are open for public bathing. Pamukkale is also the site
of the ancient Roman spa-city of Hierapolis, and there are several
ruins scattered about the area, including an impressive Roman
theatre. It was considered a sacred site for its magic healing
waters and was the weekend destination of kings and emperors of the
Pergamum and Roman Empires.
Telephone: Pamukkale Thermal: (258) 272 2024;
Transport: Pamukkale is a five-hour bus journey from Bodrum;
Opening time: Open daily. The Pamukkale Thermal is open 8am to 8pm (to 5pm in winter);
Admission: US$4, and US$5 for a swim in the mineral water at the Pamukkale Thermal
