Pamukkale, meaning “cotton castle” in Turkish, is a natural site and
attraction in south-western Turkey in the Denizli Province. The ancient city
of Hierapolis was built on top of the white “castle” which is in total about
2700 meters long and 160m high. It can be seen from a great distance, eg. when
driving down the hills on the opposite side of the valley to the town of
Denizli, which is 20 km away. Pamukkale is located in Turkey’s Inner Aegean
region, in the Maeander River valley, which enjoys a temperate climate over
the greater part of the year.

The tectonic movements that took place in the fault depression of the Menderes
river basin did not only cause frequent earthquakes, but also gave rise to the
emergence of a number of very hot springs, and it is the water from one of
these springs, with its large mineral content, chalk in particular, that
created Pamukkale. Apart of some radioactive material, the water contains
large amounts of hydrogen carbonate and calcium, which leads to the
precipitation of calcium carbonate. The effect of this natural phenomenon
leaves thick white layers of limestone and travertine cascading down the
mountain slope, making the area look like a fortress of cotton or a frozen
waterfall.

Pamukkale is a very famous tourist attraction of Turkey, and the tourists
travel from the coast of Antalya and the Aegean Sea to this place as it is one
of the World Heritage Sites in Turkey, together with Hierapolis. Only few
remaining places in the world are somewhat similar, like the Mammoth Hot
Springs in the USA.

Unfortunately, the place was abused for decades in the late 20th century, as
hotels were built on top of the site, destroying parts of the remains of
Hierapolis. The hot water was taken to fill the hotel pools, and the waste
water was even spilled over the monument itself which turned brownish. In
addition, a tarmac road ramp was built right into the main part. People walked
around with shoes, washed themselves with soap and shampoo in the pools, and
even rode bikes and motorbikes up and down the slopes.

After the UNESCO turned its attention to Pamukkale, and the site was
dramatically losing its attraction, the officials finally acted. The hotels
were demolished, and the road ramp was covered with artificial pools which
nowadays are, unlike the most other parts, accessible to bare-footed tourists.
Even tadpoles can be found in there. A small trench was carved along the
outside of the ramp, to collecting the water and prevent it from spilling the
“wrong” places. These brownish parts are left to be bleached by the sun first,
without being covered by water, as this would worsen the problem. Many pools
are thus empty. Others parts are covered with water for an hour or two
according to a schedule which is on display on top of the hill.

The underground volcanic activity which causes the hot springs, also caused
carbon dioxide to seep into a cave which as a result was called the Plutonium

Thermal Spring, Pamukkale. Travel to Turkey

Moon over Pamukkale
Termal spring water. Turkey

Sunset in Pamukkale
Thermal spring, Turkey

Sunset and Terraces.
The Travertine Terraces of Pamukkale, Turkey

Thermal Spring, Pamukkale, Turkey travl

Thermal Spring, Pamukkale. Travel to Turkey

Thermal Spring, Pamukkale, Turkey travl

Thermal spring water. Parmukkale, Turkey photo

Thermal spring water. Parmukkale, Turkey travel

Thermal spring water. Parmukkale, Turkey

Thermal spring. Parmukkale, Turkey

Thermal spring. Parmukkale, Turkey

From Flickr.com