Denizli

Pamukkale is a well-known hot spring resort located north of Denizli, Turkey. The area not only has thousands of natural hot springs, but also has quirky cotton ball-like hills, which, despite their soft and fluffy appearance, are actually made of hard limestone. In 1988, Pamukkale was listed as a World Heritage Site, along with the ancient city of Hierapolis, located above it. The unique stair-stepped “cotton ball” hills of Pamukkale are a beautiful and unusual landscape that can only be seen here. The waters of the hot springs flow down from caves at the top of the hill and wash down the slopes, leaving mineral deposits along the way.

The Pamukkale Thermal Pools are natural hot spring pools created by carbonate minerals deposits. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pamukkale was once the site of the ancient Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis. The region’s thermal springs have been known since Classical antiquity and are revered for the turquoise color created by water atop on the snow-white limestone pools. In addition to the springs, there are also well-preserved Roman ruins, making Pamukkale a great place for history buffs and fans of natural scenery.

Hierapolis was an ancient Greco-Roman city whose remains are located near the world famous Pamukkale Thermal Pools. The springs were known in antiquity and great stone baths were constructed with huge blocks. Today the Roman Bath, which was one of the biggest buildings in Hierapolis, houses the Hierapolis Archeology Museum. Visitors can learn about the city’s long history before retiring to one of the still popular thermal pools for some relaxation.