Pamukkale Travel Guide / Hierapolis Ancient City

The ancient city of Hierapolis is located in the upper area of the travertines, integrated with the Pamukkale travertines. The ancient city of Hierapolis, which means "Holy City", is waiting to be discovered with its bath structures, and the tomb of St. You can also explore Plutonium (Hell's Gate), one of the original sources of thermal waters, which was found in 2013, considered the "gateway to the land of the dead" in the ancient world, and which enabled the formation of Pamukkale travertine pools.

The necropolis of the city is quite large and various tomb structures can be seen. In the necropolis of this city in Denizli, the center of the textile industry, the Greek inscription in detail (1st century AD) on the Mausoleum of the Merchant Flavia Zeuxis transported the weaving products (carpets, rugs, fabrics, etc.) produced in Hierapolis to the Port of Ephesus. and that the products were shipped to the countries of the Mediterranean basin by ships. This inscription can be visited as an interesting example of how old the textile culture in Denizli is.

When Hierapolis is mentioned, one of the first structures that comes to mind is the Greek theater type, the magnificent Ancient Theatre, consisting of 300 feet leaning on the hillside. Figure reliefs are seen on the stage of the theatre. Another precious feature that distinguishes Hierapolis from other ancient cities is the Ancient Pool, where it is said that Cleopatra swam. In the pool, you can enjoy swimming among ancient ruins in the waters at 38 degrees in summer and winter.

Pamukkale travertines are located on the slope of the ancient city. It owes its white appearance to the waters containing calcium oxide coming from the southern skirts of Çaldağı. The waters, which have a temperature of 38 degrees in summer and winter, invite millions of tourists from various countries to walk in the travertines every season with their unique turquoise pools. However, do not forget to come with a bag where you can put your shoes, as it is forbidden to walk with your shoes on the travertines. You can also find the opportunity to watch Pamukkale travertines from a different angle from the "Big Slot" located just below the Pamukkale travertines.

There is no one who has not heard about Pamukkale Travertines, which look like the cotton land of Denizli. We recommend everyone to see this white place, which is on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. Pamukkale is home to a natural wonder that amazes people. I wish you to give due importance to these white ponds and waterfalls, which are a natural wonder that enchants those who see them in the Ancient City of Hierapolis. So how did Pamukkale Travertine form? What is the best season to explore? Is it easy to reach Pamukkale? Let's find answers to frequently asked questions about Pamukkale and get to know this beautiful formation closely.

All About Pamukkale Travertines

I wish you to give due importance to these white ponds and waterfalls, which are a natural wonder that enchants those who see them in the Ancient City of Hierapolis. So how did Pamukkale Travertine form? What is the best season to explore? Is it easy to reach Pamukkale? Let's find answers to frequently asked questions about Pamukkale and get to know this beautiful formation closely.

What gives Pamukkale its color is the thermal waters and the minerals in these waters. Water rises and reacts with oxygen, when some minerals in the water evaporate, calcium carbonate remains. Calcium carbonate precipitates and hardens over time and travertines are formed. The water temperature varies between 33 and 100 degrees and there are dozens of hot water sources. The turquoise mineral waters in Pamukkale create Pamukkale by painting white everywhere it flows

The Healing Waters of Pamukkale

Pamukkale Travertines stand out not only with their fascinating appearance but also with their healing waters. It is known that the thermal waters here are especially good for cardiovascular stiffness. Apart from that, it is known that these waters are good for rheumatic and skin diseases, eye diseases, and nerve and vascular diseases.

It is not possible to swim in every thermal pool here, as it is both very sensitive and included in the protection list. There are certain pools to swim in Pamukkale and it is not allowed to swim in places other than these pools. It is forbidden to enter the travertines with shoes, if you take a swimsuit, towel, hat, and sunscreen with you, you can swim in one of the Hierapolis king towels

Keep Safe Pamukkale Monuments

Previous hotels were built in the region very close to Pamukkale Travertines. At the same time, these snow-white travertines were open to visitors before the rains got harder. Pamukkale is on the UNESCO World Heritage list and needs to be properly protected.

Currently, various measures have been taken to protect Pamukkale, No one can reach the area with a vehicle. The surrounding hotels have also been moved away from the travertines. In addition, incoming tourists can no longer wander all over Pamukkale, instead, places reserved for tourists can be visited. You can swim in the water on the terraces that are open to tourists. It is also not allowed to enter with shoes. 

Some of the tourists were trying to tear off a piece of travertine as a souvenir, its biggest damage to nature. Also, the piece that was cut off does not remain as white as it is in place. It is becoming too dark over time. Thanks to tourists for the precautions. In addition, the water drainage system has also been kept under control. The continuous flow of water from the source causes moss and yellowing of the travertines. To prevent this from happening, Pamukkale Municipality has also taken the flow of water under control.

It may be better to choose the summer months, as there are many open areas to visit in Pamukkale. In addition, the visiting hours of the Pamukkale travertines vary in summer and winter. The winter month covers the time between October 3 and April 14. If you come between these months, you can visit between 08.00-17:00. The summer month covers the dates between April 15 and October 2. During these periods, they open at 08:00. Evening closing is later than in the winter months. Pamukkale Travertines are open in summer until the closing time is 21:00

Hierapolis ancient city open-air museum entrance fee is 200 TL.