Rest in Turkey has long ceased to be something exotic. But even this, which has become for many a practically native country, there will be something to surprise the most choosy tourist. It is here, in Turkey, there is a real miracle of the world - the thermal springs of Pamukkale.
Where is Pamukkale?
How do I get to Pamukkale? The town of Pamukkale, in the vicinity of which the thermal springs are located, is in the western part of Turkey, at a distance of 20 km from the Denizli district center and 250 km from Antalya . You can get there by the regular bus from Antalya, and on the road you have to spend about five hours. Despite the fact that the buses are equipped with air-conditioners, it is not an easy task to spend such a long time on the road. To brighten up a long journey will help beautiful views, because you have to go on a beautiful mountain road. The cost of the excursion in Pamukalle is about 65 USD. for one person.
Sights of Turkey: Pamukkale
Pamukkale translated into Russian means Cotton Castle. Such a name is given to this locality not by chance. As a result of the deposition of salts from calcium-rich thermal springs, the slopes of the mountain covered with snow-white travertine terraces, and from afar it looked like a huge mountain of cotton. And at sunset and dawn the sun colors the slopes of the mountain in different shades of purple, pink and red. Used as a hydropathic this area began back in ancient times. It was then that the city of Laodicea stood nearby, which was then replaced by the city of Hierapolis. Because of the frequent earthquakes, Hierapolis repeatedly collapsed and repeatedly rose from the ruins. Until now, many monuments of antiquity have come down, some of which we'll talk about in more detail.
Pamukkale: Amphitheater
The Amphitheater, located in Pamukkale, is one of the best-preserved monuments of ancient architecture. Here everything literally breathes history - bas-reliefs, sculptures, moldings. The construction is staggering its scale, because here could easily accommodate about 15 thousand spectators. Neighborhood of the amphitheater with the hydropathic institution is not accidental: our ancestors knew that it is necessary to clean not only the body but also the soul. In addition to soul-theatrical performances, gladiatorial fights were also held here, and even navmahii were real sea battles, for which the arena was transformed into a pool.
Pamukkale: the Cleopatra Basin
As the legend says, the great Roman commander Marc Anthony brought the pool, located in Pamukkale, during the wedding trip of Cleopatra as a gift. True or not, it is difficult to say. In any case, no reliable evidence of this to this day has not reached. Most likely, this pool received a great name due to its exceptional ability to rejuvenate and invigorate anyone who plunged into its waters. The temperature of the water in the pool is always kept at 35 ° C, but to taste and appearance it is very similar to narzan.
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Pamukkale: Temple of Apollo
In memory of the pantheon of the gods, who once brought their prayers to the people of Hierapolis, their descendants are reminiscent of the ruins of the temple of Apollo and the Plutonium next to them. The temple itself is almost not preserved, but now Plutonium is in excellent condition. The place was revered as the entrance to the abode of the underground god Pluto, the lord of the kingdom of the dead. This cave is unique in that it is a place of accumulation of carbon dioxide. Having discerned this mystery and delayed the breath of the cave at the entrance to the cave, the priests successfully used this place to show the others their exclusiveness once again.
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Another amazing place in Turkey is Cappadocia with amazing lunar landscapes.