Pamukkale is situated in south-west of Turkey, about 200 km from Kusadasi in the province of Denizli. It is an extraordinary geological curiosity : hot water which runs out of the entrails of the mountain, releases some carbone dixide, that creates precipitate calcium carbonate.
The tectonic movements that took place in the fault depression of the Menderes river basin gave rise to the emergence of a number of very hot springs.Some of these sources have a temperature of more than 45°C, and are saturated with salt, which at the moment of the evaporation of water settle and are petrified on the hillside.
It gives white layers on the stone, and when you look at the mountain, you immediately think about a fortress of cotton or a water fall.
Pamukkale has lots of warm water pools in which you can have a walk and even bathe (but not in all of them). Hierapolis (Holy city), near the springs, has been established by Eumenes II, King of Pergammon, during the 2nd century before J.C.The ancient city of Hierapolis has been developed thanks to the exploitation of its thermal springs. Hiera was the girl’s name of the king.
The Romans built the greatest number of buildings, before the city had been completely rebuilt following a violent one seism into 60. The city was dedicated to the Apollon and Pluton gods.
The ruins of Hierapolis include a grand theater and a vast necropolis (cemetery).
Most of the hotels, and pensions located near the site, have swimming pools filled with the same warm waters in which you can let the calcium make your skin feel sil. Pamukkale is known for being Turkey’s foremost mineral-bath spa.
You can go there from Kusadasi thanks to excursions (about 30 euros), or by regional bus that goes to Denizli. It will take about 3 hours.