Pamukkale is an extraordinary natural wonder. The mineral-rich waters
rise from the ground at a temperature of 35°C and tumble down the
mountain from a height of 100 metres, forming a myriad of pools.
Cream colored stalactites are formed as the water overflows the
pools, creating a breathtaking sight unequalled in the world. Water
is the sole instrument in the creation of this gleaming fairy castle
that resembles cotton (hence the name "Cotton Castle").
There are an abundance of hot springs in this wonderland which are
recommended for the treatment of heart disease, circulatory problems,
high blood pressure, nervous disorders, rheumatism, eye and skin
diseases, nervous and physical exhaustion, and digestive maladies.
The road to Pamukkale (19 km from Denizli) is lined with oleander
bushes which anticipate the relaxing atmosphere of this ideal holiday
center. The hotel pools are in garden like settings; the natural
ones on the hillside, with their tiny splashing waterfalls, are
particularly appreciated by nature lovers and sunbathers. The ruins
of Hierapolis are the other main attraction. The city was founded
in 190 B.C. by Eumenes II, king of Pergamon. In the 2nd and 3rd
centuries A.D. it reached the height of its development as a Roman
thermal bath center. Hierapolis has such extensive ruins that the
following route is suggested: After admiring the city walls, start
with the 5th - century octagonal Martyrium of St. Philip, cross
to the 2nd - century theater for some fine marble reliefs above
the stage, all quite well-preserved.
Next to the Temple to Apollo is a sacred area a deep hole in the
ground (known as Plutonium) that used to emit noxious fumes (carbon
diox- ide) which the priests said were fatal to all except them-
selves.
A memorial fountain is nearby. In the pool of the Pamukkale Motel
are large marble slabs belonging to what was a Roman bath. Next,
go to the basilica, then up a colon naded street and through memorial
gates dating from Byzantine and Roman times, to the West Bath, and
finish at the necropolis. The necropolis area stretches 2 km and
contains some of the best examples of tomb styles; it is one of
the best-preserved cemeteries in all of Anatolia. The now-restored
East Bath is an archeology museum housing many artifacts from Hierapolis.
The few shops in Pamukkale offer various calcified objects unique
to this area. In contrast to this very white back ground, the colorful
kilims seem even more brilliant. Five km northwest of Pamukkale
is the Karahayit thermal center with plentiful accommodation as
well. The water in the thermal baths here has a high iron content.
EPHESUS , PAMUKKALE, PMD AND PERGAMUM
TOUR
Day 1 Arrival to Ęzmir airport
and transfer to your hotel for overnight stay.
Day 2 - Ephesus Visiting Temple of Diana-Artemis
(one of the 7 Wonders of the world), Ancient Ephesus City (Celsus
Library, Marble Road,Big Theater, etc.) Church of St. Jean and St.
Mary's House. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 3 Visiting Priene, Temple
of Athena, Hellenistic Theater, Miletus ancient city, Didyma Apollon
Temple.
Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 4 Visiting Pamukkale- Hierapolis
ancient city with travertens. Swimming in thermal water. Return
to Kusadasi for overnight stay.
Day 5 Visiting Church of Pergamon,
Asklepion ( Health Center )
Transfer to Izmir airport.
