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Pamukkale is one of the most curious and spectacular natural phenomena not only in Turkey, but in the whole world. Located in Denizli Province in the soth-western part of Turkey, the unique white terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Translated from Turkish, the name of this marvelous place means “white castle”. The formation is about 2700 meters long, 600 meters wide and 160 meters high. This white phenomenon starts from the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis and goes all the way down to the ancient pool complex. The white slope can be seen from the nearby town of Denizli situated 20 km away.

The miraculous white color is due to the mineral water springs, on top of the cascade. Mildly warm water gush from the top of the hill going all the way down to the ancient pool, approximately 3 km away. What is very special about this water is the high concentration of calcium salts. When it comes down the slopes, the mineral water superimposes the calcium on the calcareous rocks. This process has formed astonishing terraces, pools, stalactites and cataracts.

Tourism is essential for this region. The Pamukkale phenomenon is well known from ancient history to this day. People have come here not only to admire the white slopes, but the heal illnesses like asthma and rheumatism in the mineral water basins. The ancient city of Hierapolis is a landmark that testifies for Pamukkale`s ancient history. In modern times, the site was rediscovered for tourism in the 50`s. Local authorities built hotels and restaurants on top of the ancient ruins of Hierapolis. Not only that, but a motorway was built over the white terraces for motorbikes. In 1988 Pamukkale was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the hotels and the motorways were removed. The remains of Hierapolis were restored, so as the pools under the demolished road. Now people can walk on the beautiful white slope only barefooted because of the fragile nature of the phenomenon.

A part from the mineral water springs and the spectacular white formation, the Pamukkale region offers some more interesting sites. One of those sits on top of the hill. This is the ancient city Hierapolis, whose amphitheater is very well preserved. There is an archeological museum on top of the ancient roman baths with a large amount of interesting statues, decorations and other troves. On the bottom of the slope sits a large pool where all the water from the springs pours in. This site is now redecorated as a swimming pool but it`s very charming whit the palms and broken column drums situated around the whole complex. The modern pool is part of an ancient complex of pools claimed by ancient historians as sacred.

The easiest way to get to Pamukkale is by bus or train from every part of the country to the nearby town of Denizli. The beautiful mix of natural beauty and ancient ruins gives this place a magical setting, and it`s a must see site if you are on a holiday in Turkey.