Pamukkale, meaning “Cotton Castle” in Turkish, is one of the most interesting sites in Turkey which has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1988.
The travertine pools are very strange formations caused by thermal springs which has a temperature of 35 Celsius Degrees. The water coming from the springs contains huge amount of calcium bicarbonate , chalk and limestone. The travertines cascade down the hills naturally and very much resemble a frozen waterfall.
Pamukkale is a very strange piece of landscape with a surreal appearance unlike any site you will be able to see in Turkey. It is about 2 hours far from Ephesus Ancient City. There is also an airport about 45 minutes far from the travertine terraces and there are several flights from Istanbul in a day.
Hierapolis Ancient City was founded in 2nd century B.C and it was always a very important Ancient Roman City because of the thermal springs. It was used as a healing center in ancient times. The ancient city contains the biggest necropolis (cemetery) in Anatolia with about 1200 graves. What makes Hierapolis Ancient City different from the others is that monumental limestone and marble tombs, sarcophagi and house-type tombs. There is also a theatre with 20000 people capacity and St. Philip Martyrium.
Pamukkale Area has a lot to see, so we've compiled a list of several different excursions that you can get more information: