One day we unexpectedly got into a forgotten area in my opinion, unsightly fields, wasteland around, and only in the morning with sunrise did we see this miracle - the famous Cotton Castle.
Pamukkale, translated from Turkish as "Cotton Fortress" or "Cotton Castle", is one of Turkey's most unique natural wonders. Located in Denizli province in the southwest of the country, this place is famous for its thermal springs, which over the centuries have created a fabulous landscape of cascading terraces. And this natural monument is equipped with a serious security system led by an army of fearless and fighting geese whose headquarters is located at the foot of the mountain around the lake.
But on the first evening we found an approach to them in the form of loaves of bread and they good-naturedly let us in 5 minutes before the reserve closed, we set out to conquer this mighty target, the rules were strange enough, they made us take off our shoes, because it is forbidden to walk on the priceless white surface in shoes, given that it was winter, the adventure was risky enough, although extravagant looking at the photos.
Who else but me would take a photo of a leg against a background of white cotton wool. At that moment, I felt like a small child who admired and marveled at every piece of this hill, marveling at its interesting type of covering, why for a long time my brain, although I knew that it was not so, continued to believe that the mountain was covered with salt, but in the end, after trying it to taste, I absolutely denied it this option.
According to legend, the white rocks of Pamukkale appeared thanks to the titans who once lived in this area. These deities grew cotton, picked it and left it to dry in the sun. Since then, this region has received its name, which is associated with snow-white clouds of cotton.
However, the scientific explanation of the appearance of these impressive formations is no less fascinating. During strong earthquakes, many springs with mineralized water formed underground. As this water rose to the surface and evaporated under the scorching sun, minerals settled on the ground, forming hills. Over time, this sediment turned into a polycrystalline rock - travertine, also known as Tybur stone.
Pamukkale is a mountain consisting of a white calcite substance, and in some areas there are multi-level bowls in the middle of which there are healing mineral waters that trickle down from the springs. The water temperature in these springs ranges from 35 to 100 degrees, making Pamukkale a popular hydrothermal resort.
But to my great disappointment, when we got there, you can't swim there because the pools are too shallow and not very clean. My illusions about beautiful photos in a swimsuit against the background of turquoise baths completely dissolved, but still to you it will still look like a mysterious area against the background of me even in ordinary clothes.
Cascades of terraces shining in the sun, decorated with stalactites, create the impression of a truly unearthly landscape. This travertine formation process has lasted for centuries, and now Pamukkale like those sirens lures people with its magical appearance, but expectations may not match reality. But this is me @bugavi, as I am without negativity.
Despite this, all of Pamukkale is a unique natural phenomenon, where history, myths and science intertwine, creating a unique and fascinating landscape that cannot be forgotten and cannot be denied in any way.
Pamukkale not only impresses with its natural beauty, but also hides a rich historical heritage. On the slopes of the "Cotton Fortress" are the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Hierapolis, which was an important cultural and religious center of the region.
The front entrance area is very picturesque and green, exotic enough with ample parking and places to walk. The fairly steep hills make for interesting challenges to climb, and the rhino rock is my favorite part. To the west of the main street of Hierapolis is the Gymnasium - a majestic building dedicated to the cultural and physical education of citizens.
This structure consists of an inner courtyard surrounded by columns in the Doric order and is one of the most important structures in the civil life of the city. The southern facade of the Gymnasium, at least 80 meters long, was excavated during recent archaeological work. According to an inscription on the architrave blocks, the 5.50-meter-high portico, which was a gift from the emperor, dates to the first centuries AD.
Unfortunately, this monumental complex was destroyed by an earthquake in the 19th century and covered with a dense layer of limestone. Among other attractions of Hierapolis, it is worth mentioning the thermal baths, the theater and the necropolis. The thermal baths were used for medical treatments and served as a place of relaxation for visitors from all over the Roman Empire. The huge theater, located on the slope of the hill, could accommodate up to 15 thousand spectators and is a wonderful example of ancient Roman architecture.
The necropolis of Hierapolis, one of the largest and best preserved in Asia Minor, contains numerous sarcophagi, mausoleums and tombstones, which testify to the high level of development of the funerary culture of that time. Hierapolis, like Pamukkale, has undergone significant changes due to the seismic activity of the region. However, despite numerous earthquakes, it continues to impress with its archaeological finds and magnificent views.
Travelers who come here can enjoy not only the healing properties of thermal springs, but also immerse themselves in the history of this ancient city, walking through its ruins and feeling the breath of past eras.
Thus, Pamukkale and Hierapolis represent a unique combination of natural beauty and historical grandeur, which makes them one of the most valuable tourist sites in Turkey. Visiting this place will leave an unforgettable impression, because here you can feel both the power of nature and the richness of cultural heritage.
Pamukkale
