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Pictures from Pamukkale

Pamukkale means ‘Cotton Castle’ in Turkish and perfectly describes the white terraces, known as travertines, which tread their way down the hillside. Each pool is created from startling white limestone deposits filled with water from 17 of the natural hot water springs in the area.

The travertines, Pamukkale

The terraces are like hundreds of mini infinity pools that hug the hillside leading down to the town below.  The shallow water reflects the cobalt blue skies above.

The travertines, Pamukkale

The travertines, Pamukkale

People have bathed in the pools for hundreds of years and at one time hotels at the top of the travertines used the water from the pools. This took a serious toll on the site which was in danger of being damaged beyond repair. The hotels have since been demolished and visitors are no longer allowed to wear shoes in the pools. The the water is now channelled in rotation as there is not enough to fill the whole site at any one time. Fortunately the travertines are now slowly recovering.

The travertines, Pamukkale

We spent a couple of hours exploring the remains of Hieropolis, the ancient town built at the top of Pamukkale. Afterwards we paddled in the travertines. Whistles were blasted at offenders not removing their shoes before walking on the limestone – yes some tourists still actually do this. Travertines, Pamukkale

Up close the limestone was a miniature version of the travertines themselves and just a little rough to walk on – by the time we got to the bottom my feet felt really soft after the buffing they’d had.

The travertines, Pamukkale

As the sun slowly started to sink the light reflected off the limestone giving it a soft golden glow and the moon rose in the sky above.

The travertines, Pamukkale

The travertines, Pamukkale

Travertines, Pamukkale

Travertines, Pamukkale

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Sunset at Pamukkale

This was the second stop on our mini-tour of Turkey. From Goreme we travelled eight hours on the night bus to Dinizli and then by Dolmus to Pamukkale itself arriving in the town at dawn.

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Rhonda Albom

Tuesday 26th of May 2015

Wow. The photos are really fascinating. I have seen photos before, but never read the about the damage. I am so glad to read that Turkey is protecting it. I am surprised, yet pleased they were able to remove the hotels. Thanks for taking me virtually on this tour of Pamukkale. I will get there some day.

Suzanne Jones

Wednesday 27th of May 2015

Thanks Rhonda - I hope you get to visit soon. Hierapolis which is right next to the travertines is fascinating so worth visiting too.

Suze

Sunday 7th of July 2013

They're on top of my list! It's really sad how sites like that are being destroyed by mass tourism :-(

The Travelbunny

Sunday 7th of July 2013

I'm glad to say the travertines are recovering but very, very slowly...

Bodrum, Bigfoot and a bit of a Barter | the travelbunny

Monday 24th of June 2013

[…] of St Peter.  Such different scenery from the dry volcanic rock in Goreme and the travertines of Pamukkale. At the far end of the bay is a modern marina crammed with sleek, white yachts, smart shops and […]

Hierapolis and the Gate to Hell | the travelbunny

Wednesday 8th of May 2013

[...] Pictures from Pamukkale (the-travelbunny.com) [...]

florenceyildiz

Thursday 11th of April 2013

Love your pics, I am going to be doing similar trip to yours in the summer. Istanbul - Izmir - Ephesus - Pammukkale - Datca - Kos - Bodrum - Cappadocia (Goreme ) then back to Istanbul before returning back to London and work ! We will be away for about 25 days - can't wait !

The Travelbunny

Thursday 11th of April 2013

I'm just a teensy bit envious! How fantastic 25 days! We had two weeks and I still haven't finished blogging - Bodrum and Istanbul still to go. Look forwrd to reading about your trip, sounds amazing.

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