Turkey is associated with many as a country for couch potatoes, where there is only a buffet and a lazy holiday. This is a fundamental misconception. Turkey has many unique and unusual attractions. One of those places is Pamukkalewhich is considered a real miracle of nature. The article will be mine Review about visiting Pamukkale this year, as well as useful information: history, how to get there and excursion options.
Introductory part for those who plan to visit
The name of the attraction translates as "cotton padlock”, it is due to the unique white terraces (For the sake of which they come here). There are about 12 mineral springs here, because of which Pamukkale is also considered a healing resort. The complex is part of the world heritage UNESCO. In addition to water bowls, Pamukkale has ruins of the ancient city и Cleopatra's pool. (I will also talk about them in this review).
Most tourists travel as part of an organized tour. But you can visit Pamukkale on your own without problems and restrictions. About the cost will be at the end of the text.
History of occurrence
The springs were discovered by the Greeks several thousand years ago. In the II century. BC e. they built a city here Hierapolis. In the XNUMXth century A.D. e. Pamukkale survived an earthquake that created a pool filled with artesian water. Now you can swim in it for an additional fee. (the same Cleopatra pool).
The temperature of the springs is from +35 С° to +100С°. It is because of them that white terraces.
Leaving the bowels of the earth, water begins to run along artificial channels and flows into the valley. Calcium carbonate settles on the ground. Over time, it hardens and turns white. From a distance, the mountains look snow-covered, but in fact, mineral deposits give the area a white color.
Some springs are inaccessible to tourists. When the water dries out, the bowls change color to gray over time. Today you can get into only 3-4 bowls with water, the rest are drained.
The depth of each source is not more than 1 meter. Tradition says that the water in them can cure any disease. During the year, it changes color: it becomes either transparent or bright blue.
Deserves special attention travertine. This is a rock that is often used in interior decoration. Most often it has a beige color, but in Pamukkale the travertine is white.
Closer to water sources, it is wet, reminiscent of gypsum. Due to the abundance of minerals, the rock became very dense. Travertine - the main part of the mountain range. Standard porous and brownish limestone can be seen in those areas of the complex where there is no longer water.
Due to the fact that the stone is slippery, all tourists walk barefoot. This precaution further protects the rock from wear. Security makes sure that all guests follow the rule. Therefore, it is very cold to walk in these mountains in winter, the feet quickly freeze. In summer, travertine is also cool, but in the heat - this is only a plus.
Although the monument was created by nature, the architects have slightly changed the area to impress the visitors. In particular, they added wooden bridges and planted exotic plants. You can walk around the area with or without a guide.
Small Tips
Many tourists are brought upstairs, where there is a bus stop. As a result, about travertines will have to be lowered. There are many downsides to this:
- rather slippery (whole streams flow at the top)
- a huge number of people (good photos can not be taken)
- you have to go down and then up again.
Personally, the guide dropped our group down below and we calmly climbed, having time to take photos without crowds.
White terraces that lure you on excursions are far from all that awaits you. Further about the legendary pool and ruins. In addition, Pamukkale has everything you need for tourists infrastructure. There is a cafe next to the Cleopatra pool where you can relax and have a bite to eat. Locker rooms, souvenir shops, toilets and parking lots are equipped. So the service is modern - you don't have to worry here.
Cleopatra's pool - review, history, tips and prices
The water in Cleopatra's pool is medical. It is believed that it is useful for people with diseases of the respiratory system, digestion, and the cardiovascular system. In addition, water has a rejuvenating effect. The skin after bathing becomes soft and tender, as after a spa. Therefore, there are many who want to swim, be ready for it.
- ticket for a fee (prices often change, on my visit - 100 lira per person)
- you need to move very carefully, the ruins at the bottom
- most bubbles at the end of the pool ;)
- there are enough people, but since everyone is just sitting in the water, there is enough space
- locker rooms are included in the price
- no towels, bring your own
- after the pool, you can take a shower and change clothes calmly
- phones, cameras and other equipment are not allowed in the Cleopatra pool
- you can order a photo session (for an amateur)
Care should be taken when bathing preschool children, as minerals can adversely affect growth. The water is carbonated, the temperature reaches 35 С°. Bubbles of gas pop up with a hiss when touched. In ancient times, the pool was surrounded by columns, but after the earthquake they collapsed. Their fragments remained at the bottom.
You can’t swim for more than two hours (in fact, they spend no more than 40 minutes in the water), so there is a clock around the pool.
There are also souvenir shops and cafes nearby. In summer the pool is crowded, in winter there are fewer tourists. Jewelry should be left in the locker room so that the metals do not change the composition of the water. Diving is prohibited due to the ruins at the bottom.
Is it worth it to visit the pool?
Personal impression of the visit. For my taste, this is a tourist attraction, which is quite expensive (roughly $ 12). But if you have reached Pamukkale, it will be strange to refuse to participate in a visit to the Cleopatra pool. So relax and enjoy the bubbles!
A little history of the pool and the origin of the name “Cleopatra”
In the II century. BC e. Greek dynasty Attalid established a resort here. Nearby was a complex of baths and temples. The ancient Romans were also interested in water. Therefore, the pool was first called Roman, but to attract tourists it was decided to rename it in the 1990s Cleopatra's pool.
The name of the pool is associated with a local legend, according to which she herself bathed in these waters. Cleopatra. Most likely, this legend is just a publicity stunt, but in any case, the reservoir has a rich history.
Ruins of the city of Hierapolis
Another interesting part excursions in pamukkale - these are large-scale ruins of an ancient city Hierapolis. According to my observation, many tourists ignore this part, but in vain. Unlike the white bowls and Cleopatra's pool, there are almost no people here and you can enjoy great views.
The ruins are spread over a large area and include dozens of objects. Seeing everything is quite problematic, but you can easily look at a few.
Roman theater (Roma Antik Tiyatro) in Pamukkale
In my opinion, the most interesting part of Hierapolis, which is definitely worth walking to, is amphitheater ruins. The path from the pool will take about 15 minutes uphill, but the wonderful view will be a reward.
Archaeological Museum
It contains exhibits that were found during excavations and research.
History of Hierapolis
Although the first people settled this place 4 thousand years ago, the city received its name only after the arrival of the Greeks. Later, Hierapolis (Hierapolis) joined ancient Rome.
The earthquake, which turned it into a popular resort, was accompanied by significant destruction and loss of life. The story is creepy and sad.
Hierapolis is a significant part of Christian history. In this city, one of the apostles of Christ, Saint Philip of Bethsaida, was painfully killed. For some time, the city, by order of Emperor Constantine, was the center of the bishopric. Hierapolis changed owners several times.
In the XIII century. the city was finally taken over by the Ottoman Turks, but just a century later the city turned into ruins. In the 50th century the city was studied by German archaeologists, and in the XNUMXs of the XX century. - Italian.
Restoration and research work is still ongoing. The complex is open for tourists from 8:00 to 21:00, entrance is paid.
Where is Pamukkale located?
Pamukkale is located in the western part of Turkey, in the Aegean region, in the province Denizli. From Turkish "Denizli" means "seaside", although more than 100 km separates the province from the coast. She is at the foothills Taurus Ranges. This is a lively tourist area, through which runs a mountain road connecting Antalya and Izmir. Pamukkale - a very popular tourist attraction to which they travel from all over Turkey.
From Antalya
Distance in a straight line - 181 km, by car - 238 km. Buses to Denizli run 1-2 times per hour, the journey takes 4 hours. The rest of the way will need to be overcome by minibus, leaving from station 75. Without transfers, it is easier to get to the place using taxi or rental carthe journey will take 3 hours.
From Alanya
By car, you will have to overcome 371 km, the trip will take about 6 hours. Buses run in the morning and in the evening, make several stops along the way, and passengers are treated to ice cream and sweets. Dolmushi follow the same route. A trip by a rented car in this case will be costly, because gasoline is expensive in Turkey. My excursion was just from Alanya, rode on such a sightseeing bus:
On the way back we stopped at the beautiful lake Salda. In my opinion, if you plan to travel from distant tourist cities, take an excursion. Driving a rental car for more than 10 hours (round trip) will be tiring. If you take an overnight stay, then it is already much more expensive.
From Istanbul
Distance by car - 653 km, almost 11 hours. To save time, some travelers travel by plane: the journey takes only an hour. Daily from Istanbul to Denizli about 5 airbuses depart. Regular buses run from early morning until 22:30 pm. Another suitable option is to travel by high-speed train.
From Ankara
Distance - 484 kilometers. You will have to spend about 6 hours by car, 7-9 hours by bus or all 10 hours by train. Also available are taxis and planes that depart from Sabiha Gokcen Airport and land at Denizli airport.
Should I go to Pammukale?
Pamukkale - a natural monument of nature and leaves a pleasant impression. I liked the trip, but you need to be prepared for a long road. After all, this tourist site is one of the main treasures of Turkey and is under the protection of UNESCO. The waters in the springs and Cleopatra's pool are considered healing and rejuvenating.
Remember that the entrance to the territory is paid, there is a lot tours in Pamukkale, options here. You can get to the place from all major resort cities (buses, cars, trains and even planes).
