This historical,stunning place is full of white-stone castles and it is a must-see landmark when you go to Turkey.Not only local people but also tourists from all over the world go to Pamukkale on a regular basis because of the jaw-dropping appearance it has and also because of the history that seems to float in the air.Scientists have studied the thermal waters in the area and have claimed that they are great natural remedies to cure different illnesses.Pamukkale,meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish,is a natural site in Denizli Province in southwestern Turkey.The city contains hot springs and travertines,terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water.It is located in Turkey's Inner Aegean region,in the River Menderes valley,which has a temperate climate for most of the year.Travertine terrace formations at Pamukkale,Turkey.May 21, 2011.
The ancient Greco-Roman and Byzantine city of Hierapolis was built on top of the white "castle" which is in total about 2,700 metres(8,860 ft)long,600m(1,970 ft) wide and 160m (525 ft) high.It can be seen from the hills on the opposite side of the valley in the town of Denizli,20 km away.Tourism is and has been a major industry.People have bathed in its pools for thousands of years.As recently as the mid-20th century,hotels were built over the ruins of Hierapolis,causing considerable damage.An approach road was built from the valley over the terraces,and motor bikes were allowed to go up and down the slopes.When the area was declared a World Heritage Site,the hotels were demolished and the road removed and replaced with artificial pools.Wearing shoes in the water is prohibited to protect the deposits.