Pamukkale is located in the southeast Aegean Coast. Pamukkale is used as the center of the spa since the 2nd century BC, which literally means "cotton castle" in Turkish. Features travertine formed from shifting cracks in the surface of the valley of the Menderes River (between Pamukkale and Denizli), when these cracks shifted, very hot springs with mineral-rich content sticking to the surface. Regardless of mineral content with a slightly radioactive, calcium and hydrogen carbonate react to form calcium carbonate (known as travertine) and a rock. This is what makes Pamukkale appear white with pools in the cliffs.
The water sources have a temperature of 35 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit) and has been scientifically proven positive effects on heart disease, arthritis, hypertension, urethra and kidney disease. Healing waters of Pamukkale, the Roman kings came to bathe once, now serving local and international clients.
The sacred city of Hierapolis was built around the warm water spring by the Romans, many centuries ago. Town’s sacred pool is still there and a large number of trekkers stop at this place in order to admire the exotic views. In order to improve this spa area and to encourage tourism, the local people undertook a revolution in 1999. The ruins of the historic city of Hierapolis cover a large area of this region.
Pamukkale, a cotton castle in Turkey
