Thermal Pools of Pamukkale, Turkey

The Pamukkale natural thermal pools

Pamukkale is a tiny town in southwestern Turkey that boasts 17 of the most spectacular water terraces in the world. For thousands of years, people have journeyed to bathe in these hot springs, which range in temperature from 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) to 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit).

The warmth of the water is not the only appealing aspect of these thermal pools, however. Equally as attractive is the striking contrast between the glistening pools and the travertine—a type of white limestone deposited by thermal waters—that makes up the surrounding mountains.

The rich white blanket on the hillside, Pamukkale has been formed by the mineral-rich thermal waters cascading down the travertine formations for eons. The precipitation of carbonate minerals from calcite-rich springs, slowly dripping down the mountainside, has given rise to the shimmering, snow-white limestone. Little wonder the place is called Pamukkale, Turkish for ‘cotton castle’. More incredible is the legend surrounding it that considers it solidified cotton that giants left out to dry!

The Pamukkale natural thermal pools in Turkey, located in the River Menderes Valley in the inner Aegean region, are certainly massive, measuring about 2,700 meters (8,860 feet) long, 600 meters (1,970 feet) wide, and 160 meters (525 feet) high. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This wonder of nature has attracted people since time immemorial. In fact, around 190 BC, the ancient Romans had already founded a spa city in Hierapolis or the Holy City. The city included a well-preserved theater and a 2-kilometer-long (1.24-mile-long) necropolis with sarcophagi. It also has The Antique Pool, the spiritual center of the spa city.

The city of Hierapolis became a famous healing center where patients were bathed in thermal springs as a treatment for their ailments. However, during the rule of Emperor Tiberius in 17 AD, a massive earthquake destroyed the city. In modern times, the site has become a major tourist attraction. The modern Pamukkale offers artificial thermal pools, sightseeing at well-preserved Roman ruins, and a museum. The visitors can also use a small footpath to go up to the mountain face, but not on the off-limits travertine terraces.

The good part is it is easy to reach this location. All you need to do is to reach Istanbul, the largest city of Turkey, and take a flight from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Denizli, just around 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) to Pamukkale town. So, if you want to enjoy the thermal springs or immerse yourself in the Pamukkale thermal pools history, Turkey is where you should head for.

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