The natural phenomenon of the thermal spa has made Pamukkale a World Heritage Site. The UNESCO list was replenished with 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 have formed here dazzling white cascading pools of bizarre shapes, the so-called travertines. These natural baths are filled with healing thermal waters that help to cope with various diseases. Therefore, those who suffer from cardiovascular, skin, eye and some other diseases, have problems with the musculoskeletal system know where Pamukkale is located.
Why Cotton Castle?
There are many stories and legends about this. One of them says that titans lived in this place in ancient times. They grew and harvested cotton here. Once they left it to dry, left and did not return. And they say that in Pamukkale there are gates to the kingdom of Hades.
Totalit is more likely that the name "Cotton Castle" has a visual basis. From a distance, the snow-white mass of travertine is very similar to endless cotton plantations.
How did travertines appear?
The thermal waters of the resort are heated by underground heat and come to the surface with a temperature of plus 33-36 degrees Celsius. This water contains calcium bicarbonate. On the surface, as a result of reaction with carbon dioxide, it decomposes. calcium carbonate is formed. It is he who precipitates, while creating frozen waterfalls, terraces and magnificent snow-white baths - travertines.
As a hydropathic, this area began to be used in ancient times. The ancient Greeks knew about the healing properties of thermal springs and even built the city of Hieraspolis near them.
Cleopatra Baths
Where Pamukkale is located, there is also a pool, which is called the Sacred, or Cleopatra's. Legend has it that the Roman general Mark Antony brought this thermal pool to Cleopatra as a gift during his honeymoon. 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 invigorating power to anyone who plunges into it. The water in the pool is very warm, about 35 degrees, and clear. Where there are underground springs, it is also carbonated. Tiny bubbles pop out of her like champagne.
Where Pamukkale is, a legend lives there
From the ancient city of Hieropolis, which was founded in 190 BC. e., of course, there were almost only ruins. However, the Roman baths, necropolises, and the ancient amphitheater have been partially preserved there. For example, baths were built from huge stone blocks, which are almost impossible to destroy. The largest of the surviving buildings now houses a museum, two more houses a library and a gym. The original building of the amphitheater was destroyed during a strong earthquake. In the 60s of our era, it was rebuilt, but in an unusual way: it was carved on a hillside. Now the amphitheater is being restored.
A devastating earthquake in the 5th century BC. e. left behind few ancient buildings, except for some ruins. By the way, do you know: where is the once beautiful temple of Apollo located? Pamukkale, it turns out, has preserved its ruins and the cave of Plutonia located next to it. This place was considered 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 while holding their breath could be in the cave, thus proving their exclusivity.
This is it - Pamukkale (Turkey), where the fabulous snow-white valley of thermal springs is located and where the air is saturated with the smells of ancient times.
