Introduction
If you are a person seeking both Natural and Ancient destinations, then Pamukkale, Turkey will be on your bucket list. Pamukkale, meaning “Cotton Castle” in Turkey language, is labelled for a good number of pools, mineral-rich waters, slopes, waterfalls, and natural landscapes. Recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage Site, well preserved ancient place and landscape of southwestern Anatolia. Hierapolis is a more visited place within the Pamukkale region.
It will take back in time, to the ancient Roman city of Hierapolis. Known for the therapeutic positive advantages of these thermal hot waters, Soaking or bathing in warm water will adversely affect many health and skin diseases. Alongside spa destinations during the Roman Empire, seeking rejuvenation and healing too. It symbolizes the testament to the fascinating forces of nature and the rich history of human civilization that thrived in this region.
Warm Mineral water with rich calcium deposits and natural pools in travertine rocks are on the natural side, with ancient Roman theatres, and ruins of Hierapolis historical in Pamukkale. So, let’s discuss further more about Pamukkale and things to do there. As a traveler, never miss the opportunity to read the articles below.
Top 10 Things to Do in Pamukkale, Turkey to a Traveler;
Here are some of the Top 10 Things to Enjoy when you plan to visit Pamukkale,
1. Explore Hierapolis Ancient City
Hierapolis is situated in Buyuk Menderes, the Present city of Pamukkale in Denizli. Known as the Phrygian Faith centre of God’s mother of Anatolian. A World Heritage Site, it is influenced by many religions including Christians, Romans, Jews and Pagan. During the 2nd century, most of the Constructions took place, such as Museums, Theatres and Large stone baths.
Hierapolis was an ancient important religious center during the Roman Empire. It contains several good churches which date back to the 5th century. The city was built around natural hot springs, where temples are dedicated to Apollo, Artemis, and Leto. This “Holy City” witnessed well-preserved ruins, including the Theatre, Necropolis, and the Ancient Pool with submerged columns.
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2. Walk on the Pamukkale Travertines
Travertines are simply called Limestone or Marble in general words. But, when we talk about Pamukkale Travertines, unique travertine terraces, formed by content-oriented mineral-rich waters cascading down the hillside, create a stunning white landscape or areas. You can easily walk in spotless terraces or walk barefoot on the terraces, known for their healing properties.
You need to pay 700 Turkish Liras, to enter this Pamukkale white terraces. Recognised by the UNESCO World Heritage site, which flows from white terraces to deep valleys. Turkish people believed that this white area could be the 8th wonder of the world. Calcium, Magnesium and bicarbonate are core minerals included in this travertine.
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3. Take a Dip in Cleopatra’s Pool
Located within the Hierapolis Archaeological Site, Cleopatra’s Pool is a thermal hot spring where hydrotherapy and spiritual practices were held during the Roman Empire. You can also swim surrounded by ancient ruins. This 3.5-foot depth pool contains a high calcium content of water. The mineral-rich water is believed to have rejuvenating results, the perfect pool to swim in winter with a temperature of 36°C.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, where 250 tourists can swim at a time. Interestingly, its water is constantly filled by the underground water. Cleopatra’s Pool is mainly divided into 3 sections, to reduce traffic, such as the Pamukkale Region, only Pamukkale Travertines and Cleopatra’s pools are the only places to swim or soak in Clyster clear water.
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4. Visit the Hierapolis Archaeology Museum
Through your Pamukkale tour, the Hierapolis Archaeology Museum will be an interesting and curious one. Located near the white cliff pools and Antique pool. Explore the museum to learn about the history, culture, and artefacts discovered during the Hierapolis period. You can see statues, jewellery, ceramics, and architectural remains during the era of the Roman Empires. It contains a Gym, Library and Roman Baths, the legend of Marsyas and the Hall of Sarcophagi are the most common ruins here.
Enclosed in the Roman Bathhouse, contains 3 different parts; Collections of Artefacts, found near Hierapolis and Aphrodisias, another found in Roman statues from the Academy of Aphrodisias, the final one is a huge sarcophagus. Goddess Cybele, Attis Statue and Isis the Egyptian god are more important antiquities here.
5. Discover the Sacred Pool
Located within the Hierapolis Ancient City, the Sacred Pool is labelled for its thermal waters. Soaking in the pool or bath in the Ancient Roman bath complex is the most attractive thing to do in Pamukkale. Relax in the warm water and never miss swimming in an ancient pool or column of mineral-rich water while surrounded by archaeological treasures. Perfect place, where hot thermal water comes out. While soaking in hot water, you can explore beautiful views of the Apollo temple, ancient fountains, and theatres.
During Ancient times, the Sacred Pool was preserved by the Roman Empire, for its mineral content and the Spa city of Hierapolis. It continues even today with its same features, as a public swimming pool. You should pay a certain amount of fees to swim in this pool.
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6. Explore the Travertine Terraces at Sunset
A crucial thing to do in Pamukkale is to watch the sunset over the travertine terraces. Witness the changing colours and the stunning natural beauty of the area. As we know Pamukkale Terrace is made of travertine, it is a sedimentary rock deposit, dating back to the 5th century. The area is covered with more than 15 unique hot springs, each continuing rich mineral content water. Due to the temperature, which varies from 35° C to 100°, so friendly to soak in water during sunset.
It is very important to enjoy the beauty of Pamukkale during sunset. Sunset in Travertine is the most recommended place for photographers too. You can take a glimpse of perfect capture while enjoying mineral water.
7. Soak in Karahayit Thermal or hot Springs
Located just in the outer area of Pamukkale, Karahayit offers thermal hot springs known for their therapeutic properties. Karahayit contains a total of 5 hot springs and red-coloured travertines. Naturally, its water colour is in brown and yellow combinations, due to the water being influenced by the iron salts. 67°C temperature will inspire a relaxing bath in the warm mineral waters and experience the healing effects. Due to the high temperature, you can’t directly jump to these thermal springs.
Exploring Karahayit Thermal Springs with healing mud wraps, fast dips, cold showers and treating varicose veins are things to do in thermal springs. Therapeutic advantages are held by these thermal waters, which positively affect gastritis and stomach ulcer problems. You will get both cold and hot water in outdoor pools here in Karahayit.
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8. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
A Hot Air Balloon will be a perfect choice for a visitor to see the entire Pamukkale in an aerial view in just 1 hour. Total 35 minutes to 1-hour bird’s-eye view of Pamukkale and the surrounding unique landscape, consider taking an above the terraces and enjoying panoramic views of the stunning scenery. One of the cheapest balloon rides compared to other Cappadocia areas. During sunrise and sunset, the Hot Air Balloon ride will be the next-level travel experience in Pamukkale.
You can explore and watch fantastic panoramic views of nearby Hierapolis ancient city, Pamukkale Travertines and Roman Theatres. The normal capacity of a Balloon basket will be around 16 to 24 people at a time. £70 they will charge per person along with pick up and drop, champagne toast and 1-hour incredible aerial view journey.
9. Visit the Ancient Roman Theatre
The most exciting and Exploring place in Pamukkale is the Roman Theatre. Situated in Hierapolis, the Ancient Roman Theatre is a well-preserved architecture that once seated thousands of spectators. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a total 10,000 seating capacity is impressive with a fantastic vantage point at the top. From 2009 – 2013 this ancient theatre was under restoration project by the Italian Archaeologist. Huge public theatres were constructed from time to time over a period of history.
The first phase of the construction was begun during the 1st Century AD and the end of the 1st Century BC. During these periods additional smaller stages of the doric facade are added. Lower seating areas were covered during the 3rd century onward and built by the king Septimus Servus. In the 4th Century, the theatre was used for games and water spectacles. A Hot Air Balloon ride will be the perfect way to see this theatre in an Aerial view.
10. Enjoy Turkish Cuisine
Never miss indulging in the delicious flavors of Turkish cuisine. Tasting delicious food in a region is a part of your journey. Turkey serves a massive number of both vegan and non-veg delicious foods to outsiders. Sample local specialties such as Dolma, Meze, kebabs, baklava, Turkish tea, and traditional Turkish breakfast, including olives, cheese, and pastries. Apart from food, you can taste unique styles of fruits, vegetables and dairy products. Turkey is also known for its most nutritious content-oriented foods.
Fried vegetables such as eggplant and pepper with tomato sauce are more common summer foods in Turkey and Pamukkale regions. ‘Raki’ is an alcoholic drink, which is considered a national drink. Doner Kebab is a main Turkish food that has international recognition too. Trying out some different foods in Pamukkale provides something of an unreal experience to visitors.
Parting Thoughts
Pamukkale, Turkey will be the perfect destination in the Middle-East region. Like Blue Lagoon, Iceland, Pammukkale contains a good number of health-oriented benefits and healing properties too. Carbonate minerals flowing down to the white terrace in Pamukkale are the core matter for tourists, quite different compared to other natural destinations. Soaking or Bathing in Pools and Travertines will be the next level of travel feeling here. From a traveler’s point of view, it is a pleasure to say, a place which offers unique memories, when you enjoy the above things in Pamukkale, even with your family.
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