Pamukkale Travertines and Calcium pools
Pamukkale means "Cotton Castle"... Designated as a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1988, this natural phenomenon with its stunning white calcium cliffs and beautiful turquoise pools is truly a sight to behold. It's easy to understand why when you arrive; it’s like stepping into an alien landscape.
Cleopatra’s Pool
Do not leave Pamukkale without taking a healing dip in the sacred spring of Cleopatra’s Pool. Swimming in the vibrant waters of the Cleopatra Pool should top every Turkey Travel Program. At the bottom of the crystal clear Pool lies a stunning collection of striated columns and column capitals, a striking reminder of the Pool’s venerable heritage.
Hierapolis Ancient Site and Archaeological Museum
After walking along the terraces, we will take a short walk to the city of Hierapolis, also known as the 'Sacred City.' Just outside the main entrance lies the Necropolis, containing over 1,200 tombs and sarcophagi for people who wished to be buried here.
Among these tombs is the Martyrium, built on the spot where Saint Philip is believed to have been martyred in AD 80. The proximity of the hot springs and steaming fissures led people to believe they eased the journey to the Underworld.
The Baths of Hierapolis, sourced from these springs, were particularly popular among vacationing Romans. You will notice the massive Great Theatre carved into the hillside dominating Hierapolis's landscape.