Hello, folk I am back again with Pamukkale Travel guide 2020. In this article, I am going to show you one of the most fantastic places exist on the Earth” Pamukkale Turkey”. Pamukkale means (“cotton castle”) is a town in western Turkey and is famous for its mineral-rich thermal pools. Besides the thermal pools, there is an ancient Roman spa city Hierapolis. The city date back around 190 B.C. The ruins of the town are in good condition which includes a tremendous Roman amphitheatre. A vast necropolis stretches for 2km long with sarcophagi. So here is everything which you need to know about Pamukkale scroll down.
What to visit?
- Thermal pools
- Hireapolis ruins(ancient Roman city)
Thermal pools
Pamukkale thermal pools are comprised of natural mineral basins formed amongst bright calcium bicarbonate deposits, resulting in an unreal landscape. The petrified white deposits stand out in contrast to the natural bright blue pools formed in layers. It will genuinely take your breath away.
The minerals in the pools, formed by underground hot water sources help with all sorts of ailments. Especially like digestive and circulation problems. Be sure to don your swimsuit and dip your entire body in to take full advantage of this! At the very least, your skin will feel like you just came back from a luxury spa.
Hierapolis
Hierapolis mean Holy city in Greek, hot Spa centre in Roman. It was founded as a Hellenistic town by Eumenes II under the rule of Pergamene Kingdom in 190 BC. Hierapolis was destroyed by the earthquakes in the 1st C AD several times. But the city was rebuilt and had a golden age between 1st and 2nd centuries AD.
Theatre, baths, agoras, temples, sanctuaries and so many beautiful edifices were built in Roman times. One of the disciples of Jesus, St. Philip was nailed upside down on the gate of Hierapolis made this city as a religious significance for early believers.
Roman Amphitheatre
Ancient Hierapolis Amphi-theatre is 1800 years old, and it took about 150 years to be completed. The amphitheatre is considered one of the unique ones from antiquity with its mythological reliefs, magnificent scenery stage building and spectators’ seats.
The capacity of the theatre is about 10.000. So you can understand that Hierapolis was about 100.000 in population in Roman times. One of the best theatres in Asia Minor situated on a hillside has 50 rows of seats dividing by a diosoma.
There is a vaulted passageway to Vomiterium from Diosoma. There are the columns adorn with statues and marble reliefs on the walls behind the scene. Apollo and Artemis’ s births, Dionysus, Satyr and Geometric period consisting of those fun. Marsyas and Apollo elapsed between the music competition. The wars between the gods and giants reliefs and an architrave above the door of the king of Emperor Septimus Severus’ depicts the coronation ceremony. You can see it today as mythological sceneries in the amphitheatre of Hierapolis.
Pamukkale Travel guide: Local Market & Food
There is a small market in Pamukkale down to the thermal pools. One can buy souvenirs and Turkish rugs at a reasonable price. Alcohol is available at general shops; also they do have more ever all brands.
There are many restaurants in Pamukkale which serves almost all kind of food. When I saw an Indian restaurant, I just rushed into it and ordered food for myself. The food is ok but, finding an Indian restaurant and above that when someone shouts behind your head “have Daal Makhni” in a foreign land, makes you feel welcome.
Pamukkale Travel guide: Activities
- One can enjoy bathing in the thermal pools.
- Hiking in the necropolis
- Enjoy the hot air ballon
How to reach?
Pamukkale-Hierapolis is lie-down on the western rim of the vast Anatolian plateau. It is around 120 miles east of ship port of Kusadasi, near Ephesus. Most visitors come on gruelling day trips from Izmir. The easiest way to visit under your own steam is to hire a car. The drive takes around three hours from Kusadasi, four from Antalya and Marmaris, five from Bodrum and Izmir. Alternatively, comfortable inter-city coaches run to Denizli, the nearest city to Pamukkale. From all the places mentioned above and take around the same time as driving. Frequent buses and minibuses make the 40 minutes run between Denizli’s bus station and Pamukkale. Turkish Airlines (turkishairlines.com) and Pegasus (flypgs.com) both fly to Denizli’s Cardak airport from Istanbul. The Train has four times daily service between Izmir and Denizli, via Selcuk.
Pamukkale Travel guide: Tips
The best way to approach the ancient site is to walk up through the south gate to the site. Shoes or sandals are not allow at thermal pools. I would recommend you to bring your footwear (and everything else you’ll need for exploring the ancient ruins) along in a bag. You can swim in the antique pool at the top of the terracing pools. Most important thing don’t forget to carry sunscreen and swim suits during the summer
Pamukkale Travel guide: Opening times & fees
- Hierapolis/Pamukkale travertines joint site entry: 25TL (£6). Open Nov-March 6am-6.30pm, April-Oct 6am-midnight.
- Antique pool entry: 32TL (£7.50). Open Nov-March 8am-5.30pm, April-Oct 8am-7.30pm.
