Destination Detour: June 2012

The Cotton Castle, Pamukkale

There once was a young girl who was unmarried and ugly. No one wanted to marry her, so she decided to commit suicide by throwing herself off the travertine. She fell into one of the pools of the natural travertine terrace, but she did not die.

Because of the magical water in the natural pool, she turned into a very beautiful girl and caught the attraction of the lord of Denizli while he was passing by. At that moment, the lord fell in love with this young and beautiful girl and they were soon married.

This is the ancient folklore of Pamukaale, which means "Cotton Castle" in Turkish, and it is the modern name of the ancient Greek city of Hierapolis. It's called the Cotton Castle because the travertine is white. From a distance, when approaching the terrace, it appears to be covered in snow.

Pamukkale is considered as one of the most original destinations in Turkey and the 8th wonder in the world. It was built near hot springs which, over the centuries, have partially covered the ancient Greek ruins in natural terraces that have formed due to the high mineral content of the water flowing out of the springs.

The water sources have an average temperature of 35 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit) and contains large amounts of hydrogen carbonate and calcium. As the water cools calcium carbonate gets precipitated and forms thick white layers of so-called travertine.

The mineral water of Pamukkale has been scientifically proven to have positive healing effects on heart disease, arthritis, stroke, rheumatism, nervous and physical exhaustion, eye and skin diseases, circulatory problems, digestive maladies, nutritional disorders, hypertension, kidney stones, urethra and kidney disease. In addition to the curing effects of the water, people also believe in the beautifying power of the water.

Pamukkale is not only a favorite spa resort today, but was at the center of a pagan cult in antiquity where people visit periodically for beauty and health.

Denizli’s popular site Pamukkale is a must-see natural thermal water source of ancient Greece, but it isn't the only attraction. The ancient sites of Laodicea, Tripolis, Hierapolis, Colossae, Eumania, Heraklia Salbace, Tabae, Dionysopolis, Apollon Lermenos Temple, Sebatopolis, Anava, Trapezopolis, Attuda, and Apollonia Salbace are also inside the borders of Denizli city.

Portions of the upcoming movie release "Ghost Rider - Spirit of Vengeance" was filmed at Pamukkale and Cappadoci. The movie stars Nicholas Cage and is set to be released February 17, 2012.

I have seen some magical places in my life time but when I saw this place I knew there was a heaven on earth. I can understand why Kings and Emperors traveled to vacation here in ancient times. This is truly the Pièce de résistance of hot springs on this earth. A must see to add to your bucket list!

To see more pictures and find out more information on Pumakkale, visit one of the links below.

MORE INFORMATION ON PAMUKKALE: