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Pamukkale means ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish and this is the image that comes to mind when thinking about the incredible white travertine terraces. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, together with the ancient city of Hierapolis, this area of Turkey has maintained its reputation as rich in minerals and a popular natural spa! One of Turkey’s most photographed sights, Pamukkale is definitely a place in the world like no other and an ideal travel destination!
Pamukkale Highlights
- Unique geological landscape
- Preserved natural environment
- Rich history
Pamukkale History
Pamukkale’s terraces have been formed over millions of years by the water derived from hot springs at the top of the mountain Cal. These springs have come to the surface due to earthquake activity in this region and the saturation of the water with various minerals brought up from deep in the bowels of the earth. Over time, some of these terraces have developed into basins that retain water in pools. Since ancient times, people have been drawn to these pools for their rich mineral content, said to give relief to ailments such as asthma, circulatory problems, eye conditions, heart problems, nervous disorders, rheumatism, and skin conditions.
It is around 190 BC that a city was established at this site by Eumenes II, King of Pergamon. By 129 BC, this city, named Hierapolis, meaning “sacred city” in Greek, would become part of the Roman Empire in Asia Minor. It is under the Roman Empire that Hierapolis became an impressive and even monumental city and famous thermal spa. Although many earthquakes caused destruction to this area, Hierapolis developed into a major and prosperous city, with thousands of people, including Roman Emperors, visiting this area to seek relief from their ailments in the pools and hot springs of Pamukkale. By the late 1300s, Hierapolis was essentially abandoned. After a devastating earthquake in 1534, most of the ancient structures were destroyed and the site was slowly buried under debris and all but forgotten until archaeological digs in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
It is around 190 BC that a city was established at this site by Eumenes II, King of Pergamon. By 129 BC, this city, named Hierapolis, meaning “sacred city” in Greek, would become part of the Roman Empire in Asia Minor. It is under the Roman Empire that Hierapolis became an impressive and even monumental city and famous thermal spa. Although many earthquakes caused destruction to this area, Hierapolis developed into a major and prosperous city, with thousands of people, including Roman Emperors, visiting this area to seek relief from their ailments in the pools and hot springs of Pamukkale. By the late 1300s, Hierapolis was essentially abandoned. After a devastating earthquake in 1534, most of the ancient structures were destroyed and the site was slowly buried under debris and all but forgotten until archaeological digs in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
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