Photo Journal: The Ancient Spa City of Pamukkale
What’s better than lounging in a natural-bath spa with warm spring waters cascading over terraces of white mineral deposits? Absolutely nothing.
With dramatic basins of dazzling white, petrified calcium castles, Pamukkale (which means “cotton castles” in Turkish) is an ancient spa city built by the Romans in the 2nd century BCE. The spa’s water source is heated by volcanic lava which then dissolves into pure white calcium. When the calcium cools, it solidifies and forms white stone (travertines), which explains the snowy appearance of the landscape.
So our day began with a walking tour through Hierapolis (“Sacred City”), an ancient Roman town adjacent to the 1.6 mile stretch of the sacred warm-water spring and ended with a relaxing dip in the outdoor spa. It was the perfect balance of historical sightseeing and indulgent pampering. Some of the highlights of the spa day included:
» The city of Hierapolis opens up with the ruins of a gymnasium (photo 2 below). Even in 200’s BC, a spa would not be complete without a gym!
» Waters from the natural spring also run through Hierapolis, forming a “Sacred Pool” in the heart of the city. Believed to have healing powers, there were hundreds of visitors soaking it all in. Although fresh water flowed in continuously, we decided to watch along the steamy path.
» With stunning 360 degree views of the city, the great Roman amphitheater (photos 5 and 6) of Hierapolis was built to seat 12,000 and was a stage for the latest news and events. We used it to showcase our levitation skills.
» The monumental gates (photos 12 and 13) of Hierapolis open up to the main street, Colonnade Street, of the ancient city.
» The necropolis (photos 9-11), dating back to the Hellenistic period, is one of the largest and oldest existing cemeteries in Europe. Situated on both sides of Hierapolis, the large necropolis is filled with sarcophagi, including the Tomb of the Gladiators.
» After a 4-hour tour through the beautifully preserved city, we walked our tired legs and aching feet past dried-up travertines (photos 16-18) to the active hot springs and watched the breathtaking sunset. A view that even a few stray dogs couldn’t stay away from (photo 21).
For more posts on Turkey, click: Category Turkey
Hotel:
Melrose House Hotel
Pamuk Mahallesi
Vali Vekfi Erturk Cad, No. 8
Pamukkale 20280, Turkey
Henry
Hi, found your site via tripadvisors, you took some seriously awesome photos!! Do you mind sharing how you planned your trip to that region? I’m looking to visit Istanbul and then onto Ephesus/Pamukkale, or in the reverse order…
spicycocoa
Your pictures brought me back to Pammukale!! :)
xing xing
Great post!
Tati
Found your site via Tripadvisor — lovely shots! I love how it seems like you have the place to yourself. I plan on visiting Turkey, including, Pamukkale, this coming September. Will look through the rest of your blog now.
elleyess
Thank you Tati! I’m so excited for your upcoming trip.
I have to say that the travertine area was far from empty so would advise you to get an early start to your day there. Please let me know if you need any tips/suggestions as I still have the written itinerary for the entire 12-day Turkey trip.
Sandy a la Mode
the photos of the animals are my faves!!!
elleyess
Thanks Sandy! I love that the dog that plopped itself next to me appreciated the sunset just as much as we did.
Drew
Interesting and informative blog post! Those hot springs look amazing!
elleyess
Our feet were thanking us at the end of the day!
Jeffery Williams
Love all, and I mean all the photo’s. Makes me wish I was there!
elleyess
Thank you, Jeff. Hope you’ll make it out there sometime!
Narf
seriously amazing photos lis
elleyess
Thanks Narf! I miss you!