The natural phenomenon of the thermal resort has made Pamukkale a part of the World Heritage Sites. The list of UNESCO replenished him in 1988.
Pamukkale: where is this interesting place
The small resort town of Pamukkale is located in the Turkish province of Denizli, about 250 km from Antalya, not far from the coast of the Aegean Sea.
Natural calcareous deposits here formed dazzling whiteness cascading pools of bizarre forms, the so-called travertines. These natural baths are filled with healing thermal waters, which help to cope with various diseases. Therefore, where Pamukkale is located, those who suffer from cardiovascular, skin, eye and some other diseases are known to have problems with the musculoskeletal system.
Why "Cotton Castle"?
There are many legends and legends about this. One of them says that in ancient times the Titans lived in this place. They grew and harvested cotton here. Once they left him to dry, they left and did not return. And also, they say, in Pamukkale there are gates to the kingdom of Hades.
In all likelihood, the name "Cotton Castle" has a visual basis. From a distance, the snow-white mass of travertine is very similar to the endless cotton plantations.
How did travertines appear?
The thermal waters of the resort are heated by underground heat and come to the surface with a temperature of plus 33-36 degrees Celsius. This water contains
calcium bicarbonate. On the surface, as a result of reaction with carbon dioxide, it decomposes.
Calcium carbonate is formed
. It is he who precipitates, while creating frozen waterfalls, terraces and magnificent snow-white baths - travertines.
As a hydropathic center, this area began to be used in ancient times. The ancient Greeks knew about the healing properties of thermal springs and even built the city of Hieraspolis near them.
Cleopatra Baths
Where Pamukkale is located, there is also a pool called the Sacred, or Cleopatra. Legend has it that the Roman general Mark Anthony brought this Cleopatra thermal pool as a gift during his honeymoon. No confirmation of this fact has been found in the documents. Most likely, the pool received this name for its exceptional ability to rejuvenate and give invigorating power to anyone who plunges into it. The pool water is very warm, about 35 degrees, and transparent. Where underground keys are beaten, it is also carbonated. The smallest bubbles jump out of it, like champagne.
Where is Pamukkale, there lives a legend
From the ancient city of Hieropolis, which was founded in 190 BC. e., of course, almost ruins remained. However, Roman baths, necropolises, an ancient amphitheater there are partially preserved. For example, the baths were built from huge stone blocks, which are almost impossible to destroy. The largest surviving building now houses a museum, and another two have a library and a gym. The original building of the amphitheater was destroyed during a major earthquake. In the 60s of our era, it was rebuilt, but in an unusual way: it was carved on a hillside. Now the amphitheater is being restored.
The devastating earthquake in the V century BC. e. left behind a few ancient buildings, except only the ruins. By the way, did you know: once the most beautiful temple of Apollo where is located? Pamukkale, it turns out, has preserved its ruins and the cave of Plutonium located next to it. This place was considered the entrance to the abode of the underground god Pluto, because the cave was filled with carbon dioxide. Only the priests who solved this riddle, holding their breath, could be in the cave, thereby proving their exclusivity.
So here it is - Pamukkale (Turkey), where there is a fabulous snow-white valley of thermal springs and where the air is saturated with smells of ancient times.