There are some places in the world that are so unique and beautiful that they take your breath away. Yesterday we visited Pamukkale and it is one of those places. After taking the train (a very civilized experience – roomy and on time) we arrived in Pamukkale around noon. In the late afternoon we headed to the travertine pools with the intent of enjoying them and being at the top of the hill to catch the sunset.
Waiting for the train
Yummy stirfry lunch to fortify us for the hike up the cliff (that is Katie from my tour group)
The village of Pamukkale sits at the base of a pure white cliff. Looking at it from the bottom it looked like snow and the walk way going up the side looked to be a ski route. However, it is solid rock and there is warm spring water running down the hillside. There is a thermal spring at the top of the hill which is the source of the water and the desolved calcium in the water. The Greeks created a massive spa settlement at the top of the hill called Hieropolis. Unfortunately there isn’t much left besides scattered stones and the amphitheater.
Along the cliff there are pools which have formed as a result of calcium buildup. The water looks very blue. Unfortunately due to the tourist traffic, the natural pools have been very damaged so there are artificially created pools which are still gorgeous as you walk up the hill. You have to walk barefoot to protect the stone.
White cliff above the town
Walking up the hill barefoot on the stone covered in running warm spring water
Solid rock cliff wall
Travertine pools
White travertine pools
In the ruins there is a thermal hot spring pool that you can take a dip in. It is lovely and warm so very relaxing. The bottom of the pool is covered in bits of ancient marble columns which you can sit on.
Bathing in the thermal spring waters with ancient marble columns
We stayed for the sunset. With the change in light the pools change colour. Unfortunately the sunset before we could make it all the way up to the ancient amphitheater. The sun now sets around 5 pm as the clocks changed back last weekend.
Amphitheater at Hieropolis
Sunset over the ruins
Travertine pools at sunset
Travertine pools at sunset
In the evening we wanted to go for a drink but unfortunately the village was so small and many of the businesses are now closed for the season so we ended up back where we had lunch. It was fun though.
The pools look so fabulous! Did the locals mention if the pools had any health benefits?? Can you drink the water or only bath in it?? Looks like a lovely oasis and your stirfry lunch looks quite tasty!! What were the orange things in the rice??
We couldn’t drink the water but I believe the ancient Greeks believed they had healing properties. It was lovely and warm so at the very least it was relaxing! The area was lovely. It would have been nice to stay longer and explore more – maybe do some hiking. This is one of the down sides of being on a tour – you are always forced to move forward to the next spot even if you’re not ready. Unfortunately I have no clue what the bits were in the rice – I think maybe pasta of some sort.