Where is Pamukkale - Cotton Castle?

The natural phenomenon of the thermal spa provided Pamukkale with belonging to the monuments of world heritage. The list of UNESCO replenished him in 1988.

Pamukkale: where is this interesting place

The small resort town of Pamukkale is located in the Turkish province of Denizli, about 250 km from Antalya, near the coast of the Aegean Sea.

Natural calcareous deposits formed a dazzling whiteness cascading pools of bizarre forms, the so-called travertines. These natural baths are filled with therapeutic thermal waters, which help cope with various diseases. Therefore, where Pamukkale is located, those who suffer from cardiovascular, cutaneous, ocular and some other diseases know, have problems with the musculoskeletal system.

Why Cotton Castle?

There are many legends and legends about this. One of them says that in this place in ancient times lived titans. They grew up here and collected cotton. Once they left it to dry out, went away and did not return. And yet, they say, in Pamukkale there is a gate to the kingdom of Hades.

In general, it is more likely that the name "Cotton Castle" has a visual basis. From a distance, the white mass of travertine is very similar to the endless cotton plantations.

How did the travertines?

The thermal waters of the resort are heated by underground heat and come to the surface with a temperature of 33-36 degrees Celsius. This water contains calcium bicarbonate. On the surface, as a result of the reaction with carbon dioxide, its decomposition takes place. Calcium carbonate is formed . It is he who precipitates, while creating frozen waterfalls, terraces and magnificent white baths - travertines.

As a balneary, this area began to be used even in ancient times. The ancient Greeks knew about the healing properties of thermal springs and even built a nearby city of Hieraspolis.

Baths of Cleopatra

Where Pamukkale is located, there is also a pool, which is called Sacred, or Cleopatra. Legend has it that the Roman general Mark Antony during the honeymoon brought this thermal pool to Cleopatra as a gift. Confirmation of this fact in the documents was not found. Most likely, this name was given to the pool for its exceptional ability to rejuvenate and give an invigorating force to anyone who plunges into it. The water in the pool is very warm, about 35 degrees, and transparent. Wherever there are underground keys, it is also carbonated. The smallest bubbles jump out of it, like champagne.

Where is Pamukkale, there lives a legend

From the ancient city of Hieropolis, which was founded in 190 BC. Of course, there were almost only ruins left. However, the Roman baths, necropolis, ancient amphitheater there are partially preserved. For example, baths were built from huge stone blocks, which it is almost impossible to destroy. In the largest of the surviving buildings is now a museum, in another two - a library and a gym. The original building of the amphitheater was destroyed during the strongest earthquake. In the 60's of our era it was rebuilt, but in an unusual way: it was carved on the hillside. Now the amphitheater is being restored.

The devastating earthquake in the V century BC. E. Left behind a few ancient buildings, except perhaps only ruins. By the way, do you know: the most beautiful temple of Apollo where is located? Pamukkale, it turns out, has preserved its ruins and the cave of Plutonium located next to it. This place was considered to be the entrance to the abode of the underground god Pluto, because the cave was filled with carbon dioxide. Only the priests who solved this riddle, holding their breath, could be in the cave, thereby proving their exclusivity.

Such here it is - Pamukkale (Turkey), where there is a fabulous snow-white valley of thermal springs and where the air is saturated with the smells of ancient times.