Pamukkale, Turkey. Where is the unique medical resort located? Treatment in Pamukkale. Buy quality cotton products

— Pamukkale. The literal translation of the word “pamukkale” (pamukkale) from Turkish means “cotton castle” or “cotton fortress”, which actually corresponds to the local unusual natural landscape.

So called snow-white travertines"cotton castle" appeared on the mountainside as a result of the precipitation of calcium carbonate from the water of carbonic sources. Near Pamukkale And Denizli there are 17 geothermal sources with water temperature from 35 to 100 °C. The water from each source has a different composition, so the thermal springs located in the vicinity Pamukkale also in ancient times used for medicinal purposes. Many hotels in Pamukkalei today they have their own water and mud sources. You can take mineral baths all year round. In 1988 Pamukkale and ruins ancient city Hierapolis included in.

How to get to Pamukkale?

Get to Pamukkale not difficult. If you decide to go there, you just need to decide whether you want to go on your own, or is it better to sign up for a tour? Excursions in Pamukkale organized from any resort and Estimated cost, day trip from 35 to 80 dollars, and a two-day excursion from 60 to 160 dollars. The price primarily depends on which resort the tour starts from and the quality of the services provided. And if you decide travel to Pamukkale on your own, from the starting point of your journey, you must first get to the city Denizli. Buses to Denizli there are almost all the cities of the coast and from the rest major cities, and can be easily reached by plane. From the city bus station Denizli up to the village Pamukkale can be reached in 20 minutes by regular bus. IN Denizli airport "Chardak" fly Turkish Airlines With European airport Pegasus Airlines from the Asian airport Istanbul.

Distances from different resorts and cities in Turkey to Pamukkale

• Distance from () — 618 km
• Distance from – 243 km
  • Distance from – 372 km
  • Distance from – 312 km
  • Distance from – 278 km
  • Distance from – 280 km
• Distance from – 657 km
• Distance from – 475 km
• Distance from – 247 km
• Distance from – 215 km
• Distance from Fethiye– 200 km
• Distance from – 240 km
  • Distance from – 315 km
  • Distance from Kusadasi– 185 km (from the antique 180 km)

Discounts and special offers for hotels in Pamukkale

The ancient city of Hierapolis (Hierapolis)

Pamukkale is famous not only for its mineral springs and white travertines. Next to the travertines is the most interesting ancient city of Hierapolis (Hierapolis or Phrygian Hierapolis). Ruin ancient city Hierapolis scattered over a vast area. Restoration work in the city is carried out with some interruptions and they are carried out mainly for the purpose of protecting and conserving monuments.

History of Hierapolis

The first buildings on the site of the ancient city appeared in the second millennium BC, but the city itself appeared much later. It is believed that the city was founded by a king Eumenes II in 190 BC e. A name is your name Hierapolis received on behalf of the queen of the Amazons Giera, the wife of the legendary founder - Telephos (son of Hercules and Avgi). Later (in 133 BC) the city was already under the rule of the Roman Empire. The city very often suffered from earthquakes, which to this day often disturb the inhabitants of this area. First known major earthquake Hierapolis refers to 17 AD. e. Then the city was almost completely destroyed and rebuilt. Under Roman rule, Hierapolis flourished until the end of the 3rd century AD. e. ABOUT healing powers local sources were known even before the time of the Roman Empire, but the popularity of the city as a healing thermal spa grew up in the Roman period. Wealthy people came to be treated here from all over the empire, but some of them died and in this case they were buried according to the customs of the places they came from. That is why Hierapolis necropolis is the largest an ancient necropolis on the territory with a wide variety of tombstones and monuments.

The city played an important role in the spread of Christianity. It is known that already in the first centuries of Christianity, with the help and with the participation of one of the 12 apostles - the Apostle Philip, the first Christian communities appeared here. According to legend, St. Apostle Philip crucified upside down by order of the proconsul of the Roman Empire, and he died painfully. Martyrium (place of death) of St. Philippa is located to the east of the Old Theater (object 15 on the map below).

Attractions of Hierapolis

1. Northern Necropolis of Hierapolis
2. Ancient Roman baths, later rebuilt into a basilica
3. The old theater was badly damaged by the earthquake in 17 AD. e.
4. Frontinia Gate (north gate of Hierapolis) built by the proconsul in honor of the visit of Emperor Domitian
5. Latrina (Public toilet of the city)
6. Triton fountain with sculptural group
7. Agora ( market Square) Hierapolis
8. Frontinia street
9. Fountain Nymphaeum
10. Temple of Apollo
11. Plutonium (Pluto's cave)
12. New Theater (built in the 1st century AD)
13. Large Roman baths - Now the Hierapolis Museum
14. Hierapolis Gymnasium
15. South Roman Gate - Now main entrance in Pamukkale
16. Martyrium of St. Philip
    A - Antique Pool (Cleopatra's Pool)
    B - Travertines

Cleopatra's pool in Pamukkale

In fact, this pool is called "Antique Pool". In the 1980s, some guides began to talk about the fact that the Queen of Egypt Cleopatra once bathed here, who came to thermal springs heal and rejuvenate. Of course, they swim in the pool in which Cleopatra herself bathed and makes a person happier, but historians and archaeologists have not found even a hint that Cleopatra once visited the cities of Hierapolis.

The ancient pool is located next to the ruins of large Roman baths (now Archaeological Museum Hierapolis). A place from which fresh thermal water located next to the pool (it is there that you can drink water, it tastes sour and salty). The water of this spring is not the one that flows over the travertines. She has a completely different composition and no calcium at all. The water temperature is slightly over 35 degrees.

Pamukkale Entrance Prices 2019

Entrance to the territory national park: 50 Lira
Entrance to the Cleopatra Pool: 50 Lira (Children: 6-12 years 13 Lira, 0-6 years free)
Entrance to the Archaeological Museum of Hierapolis: 7 Lira

There are many unique places on Earth that can be safely called the eighth wonder of the world. There are many such places on the territory of modern Turkey. If we do not take into account the objects created by man - ancient cities, powerful fortresses and majestic monuments - and consider only natural formations, then Pamukkale will be able to leave all its competitors far behind.

Pamukkale - what is it?

This amazing place has no ancient ruins and historical monuments, but in Pamukkale there are huge natural terraces that were formed by thermal springs, or rather calcium salts contained in them.

For thousands of years (and according to some sources - millions), seventeen geothermal springs, the water temperature in which is from + 43 ° C to 100 ° C, slowly carried water along the steep slopes of the mountain. They climbed through rocks, dissolved mineral salts and brought them to the surface. Then the water flowed down the slope, evaporating along the way due to the considerable temperature. The salts gradually crystallized and eventually formed snow-white reservoirs-terraces with mineral walls - travertines. This process is in many ways similar to the formation of cave stalactites and, accordingly, does not differ in high speed.

Where is Pamukkale located in Turkey?

Many of our compatriots have been or at least heard about it. unique place. For those who hear this name for the first time, we will tell you that the city of Pamukkale (Turkey), where famous resort, located in the western part of the country, 250 km from Antalya and 20 km from the town of Denizli. Tourists usually come here for regular bus which leaves from Antalya. The journey takes approximately five hours.

Pamukkale: description

Today, many of our compatriots visit the resorts of Turkey. Pamukkale is not known to everyone. In addition, it is located quite far from popular places recreation. In that amazing place everything is so shining in the sun that it is impossible to look away from this picture. A calcium crystal (even untreated) has many facets. For many millennia, nature has created this grand array, reminiscent of magic castle with white terrace.

The water flowing down the mountain created a system of reservoirs with limestone walls. Unique medical resort Pamukkale has been used in Turkey since ancient times. And today it is of interest to many travelers.

Every year tourists from all over the world come to Pamukkale (Turkey), where this health resort. Here you can combine treatment with examination a large number sights that can be seen in the "breaks" between procedures.

Healing properties of springs

The water temperature of the springs is 36 degrees. It consists of:

• calcium,
• soda,
• magnesium,
• sulfate,
• chlorine,
• nitrite,
• bicarbonate,
• ammonium,
• nitrate.

Diseases such as rheumatism, paralysis, hemorrhoids, hypertension, rickets, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, skin, eyes, nervous system, ulcers and burns are treated at Pamukkale.

In addition, they are used healing mud, which are used to treat the locomotor apparatus and reduce weight. They have a unique ability to cleanse the body of toxins, tone and strengthen the body.

In Pamukkale (Turkey), where the famous resort is located, weight loss courses are organized. Experienced instructors will tell you about the types of classical massage, you can take paraffin, flower and mud baths, do gymnastics. At the service of vacationers, effective rejuvenation courses are provided: anti-stress, paraffin, solarium, fitness.

The entrance to the resort is paid. It is open to tourists around the clock. Swimming is prohibited here, but most tourists ignore the ban and plunge into travertines. Their depth does not exceed one meter. For swimming, the Cleopatra pool is provided, which is located in the ancient (now destroyed) city of Hierapolis. It was erected in ancient times on a thermal spring, the water of which looks and tastes like narzan.

Cleopatra's Spring

On Pamukkale (Turkey), where the famous resort is located, there is another miracle, which is called the "Cleopatra's Spring". This is the key, beating from the ground and forming a healing pool. Many people know how Queen Cleopatra took care of herself and kept her beauty - she became a symbol of natural female attractiveness.

Nature in the mountains sunny country as if it takes us back to those times and allows us to plunge into this miraculous pool. The water in it warms up above thirty degrees. An amazing feature is that it bubbles a little, and the effect of visiting a jacuzzi appears. In some areas, the depth of the pool reaches ten meters, but at the same time the water is so clear that you can see the bottom of the pool, on which elements of Roman columns, architectural parts of structures have been preserved - all this plunges you into an atmosphere of antiquity and magic.

Many women note that after taking a healing bath in the Cleopatra Spring, they feel a surge of energy, their skin becomes firm and smooth. The Therm complex, in which the source is located, has been well preserved since ancient times: it seems that now the queen will enter here and amaze everyone with her beauty.

Many experts claim that the placebo effect works here in many ways, but it is impossible to deny that the local water is rich in minerals.

Resort Features

Turkish architects have made minor changes to the look of the pool to slightly enhance the effect on tourists. It must be said that they succeeded. The pool is not a single whole, it has "rays" - streams that depart from it. They were decorated with original wooden bridges, which are comfortably located under the canopy of exotic trees.

Pamukkale has its own theater. It has been very successfully restored, retaining the main signs of antiquity. Today, tourists enjoy attending concerts and festivals held here.

For those who are more interested in pristine nature, laid hiking trails around Pamukkale. Here you can see incredible mountain piles, huge open spaces, mountain streams and "water bowls" in which you can swim on a hot day.

Excursions

For Russian tourists have become commonplace excursions in Turkey. Pamukkale can be visited as part of excursion group leaving from popular resorts, such as: Alanya, Kemer, Side, Marmaris and Beldibi - on comfortable buses.

The cost of the excursion in Pamukkale is determined by the star rating of the hotel where you are going to stay for the night, and the duration of the tour. The price of an excursion for one day is almost twice cheaper than a two-day tour. And the price of a double room in Pamukkale 4 * and 5 * hotels differs only by 10-15 dollars.

The cost of the tour largely depends on the travel agency. A street agent can sell you one day tour for 50-60 dollars, and at the hotel companies such as Coral, Pegas, Tez Tour, the cost ranges from 70-80 dollars.

Pamukkale means "cotton castle" in Turkish. Here, nature has created a very unique landscape - white travertine terraces with numerous filled warm water pools. Source mineral waters, thanks to which this beauty was formed, is located in the center of the ancient city of Hierapolis, the ruins of which, together with travertine terraces, are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Sunset in Pamukkale. Photo credit: Michael Hamalainen, 500px

Pamukkale is one of iconic places Turkey, from mid-April to October, buses full of tourists from all over come here in an endless stream. BUT, despite this, early in the morning and very late in the evening it is quiet, calm and sometimes even surreal on the travertines.

Plan to spend at least one full day here, add another if you want to explore the area around Pamukkale.

what to go for

Don't miss in Pamukkale

• Early in the morning, wander barefoot through the "cotton terraces", feeling slightly rough travertine warmed by the sun and warm soft water of mineral springs under your feet.
• Explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, including the remains of ancient temples and a huge amphitheater.
• Spend a couple of hours relaxing in the thermal pools.
• Return to the travertine terraces closer to booking to admire great views evening Pammukale to the sounds of the evening azan (call to prayer in the mosque).
• Check out the borek (large filled flatbreads) and airan (sour milk drink) from the local market (view of the travertines is a lunch bonus).
• Set aside a day for sightseeing near Pammukale - the ancient ruins of Laodicea and/or Aphrodisias, the red springs with mud baths, and the underground version of the travertines - the Kaklik caves.

Pamukkale travertines

Pamukkale literally translates as "cotton castle". It is a hilly formation of travertine (calcareous tufa) with very picturesque pools filled with warm mineral water.

The entrance to the travertines is only barefoot, in summer the travertines and water can be very hot, in winter - very cold. Best time to visit the off-season - April-May and September-October.

The blue cascades of Pamukkale. Photo credit: Carlos Pinto, 500px

Pamukkale travertine. Photo credit: 远程, 500px

Hierapolis

The ancient city of Hierapolis once served as a thermal spa for the Romans. The history of the city goes back to the second or first century BC, the period of the dawn of the Roman Empire. The thermal baths were built on huge blocks of stone without the use of cement.

According to historians, the city was destroyed by the Persians in the 6th-7th century AD. The ruins of Hierapolis began to be restored at the end of the 19th century by German archaeologists, who conducted extensive excavations throughout the territory of modern Turkey. The most significant building is the ancient amphitheater (don't miss it!)

The complex is quite large, plan to explore the ruins from 2 to 4 hours.

Map of Hierapolis. Photo credit: Beth, Flick

Ancient Hierapolis, near Pamukkale. Photo credit: Lothar Bendix, 500px

Ancient amphitheater. Photo credit: Daniel Perazzone, 500px

Cleopatra's pool

The modern antique pool was built partly on the territory of the Roman baths, which is eloquently reminiscent of large stone blocks preserved in the water. According to legend, Cleopatra made a stop here during her trip to Rome.

The complex has all the necessary infrastructure - showers, left-luggage offices, a cafe, tables, sunbeds, etc. IN high season there are a lot of people in the thermal pools, so plan to visit the pool in the morning or late afternoon.

Cleopatra's pool. Photo credit: Fatma Nur Yoğuran, 500px

how to look on your own

Orientation in Pamukkale

Geographically, Pamukkale can be divided into three parts: the village, travertines and the ancient city of Hierapolis (see map). The ancient city, which in ancient times was a Roman thermal spa, is located above the travertine terraces, the modern village is below "under" the terraces. Village and travertine separates big lake with turquoise water. Antique pool with thermal water(informally - Cleopatra's pool) is located between the travertines and the ancient city.

Travertine terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis are combined into a single complex, the cost of visiting is about 35 Turkish Lira. visit thermal pool paid separately (about 32 Turkish liras). The entrance to the complex is open around the clock, the pool is open until 7 pm (check the latest information on the spot).

Three entrances lead to the territory of the complex - one from the village up the terraces to Hierapolis, the second and third from the side of Hierapolis (descent down the terraces). Before upper entrances from the village you can take dolmush (about 2 Turkish liras). Tourist buses usually brought to the upper northern entrance.

Maps of the complex with the ruins are located on large boards throughout the territory, printed versions of the maps can also be taken from boarding houses and hotels.

Get ready to spend the whole day in Pamukkale. Please bring swimwear, light towels, hats and sunglasses.

attractions, what to see, what to do

Attractions in the vicinity

If time permits, set aside at least a day for sightseeing in the Pamukkale area. This day will be especially interesting for those who prefer less touristy places.

You can get to any of the attractions in the "near Pamukkale" section (see below) on dolmus, which run from the village. By car, you can see all the sights in a day, leaving early in the morning.

Close to Pamukkale

Ruin ancient city of Laodicea(Laodykia) are 10 km away (10 minutes by dolmush). Worth a visit if the itinerary is not planned or Aphrodisias. Photography lovers should plan a trip in the early morning or late afternoon.

Red springs located in the area of ​​​​the thermal resort Karayhit (Karahayit) in 5 minutes by dolmush. An interesting landscape is the terraces of red color similar to travertines. Near the complex there are mud baths.

Caves of Kaklik(Kaklik) are located 30 minutes by dolmush. The caves are often referred to as the underground Pamukkale, as the interior of the caves resembles travertine terraces.

Laodicea. Photo credit: Turkish Travel Blog, Flick

Caves of Kaklik. Photo credit: Yvonne, Flick

Aphrodisias

The ancient city of Aphrodisias was named after the goddess of love, Aphrodite, who was considered the patroness of the city. The ruins of Aphrodisias and the temple of Aphrodite are on the list of the most impressive ancient ruins on the territory of modern Turkey, but, unlike the popular and always full of tourists Ephesus, Aphrodisias, due to its remoteness, is rarely visited.

On your own, you can get on tourist dolmushes (check on the spot, at the hotel reception).

The ancient city of Aphrodisias. Photo credit: Philippe K, Flick

Antique high reliefs of Aphrodisias. Photo credit: Dean Stevens, Flick

Going to Turkey for the second time, I firmly decided that we would definitely visit Pamukkale, where I had long wanted to go. Even the resort was chosen with this in mind. And everything worked out for us (2 adults and two children - 7 years old and 4 years old). And I definitely want to go back there again and spend the whole day there! Top tip: if possible, go to Pamukkale on your own. It is not as expensive as the guides tell us (more details below). But the experience will be completely different.
Plus number 1: you will get there faster, since you will not be brought to numerous factories, wineries and shops (if someone really wants to get to the factories too - don't worry, don't miss them: they are all on the road, you won't pass by) . From Kemer, we traveled to Pamukkale for 6 hours (because we got lost, but the girl from the car rental office confused us, saying to focus on the sign, which we should not have oriented). But from Pamukkale to Kemer we arrived in just 3.5 hours - this is against 5-6 hours on a bus with a tour. In fact, getting lost is still something to try. If you are resting in Kemer or Alanya, you reach Antalya, there follow the signs for Burdur and Isparta until the turn to Denizli appears. Turn onto Denizli and continue almost to the end in a straight line (choose the road that goes through Korkuteli (Korkuteli), Chavdir (? Avdir) and further to Denizli - buses travel along another road, through Burdur, longer). In Denizli, you are already looking for signs to Pamukkale, they are on a brown background, do not miss it. The closest way to Pamukkale is from Marmaris, Bodrum and Fethiye. The farthest from Alanya. I read in reviews that tourists take excursions from a tour operator, because. "It's safer to go through the mountains with a tour operator." So, a beautiful modern freeway has been laid to Pamukkale, of course, there are mountains, and ups and downs, but this is far from a serpentine, so there is nothing to be afraid of, even in the dark it is very comfortable to drive (about the same road you will be taken from the airport to the hotel upon arrival). In places of possible collapses, the slopes are covered with a metal mesh.
Plus number 2: You don't have to check out at 2am or 5am as an organized tour usually suggests. Do not be afraid to be in Pamukkale at the height of the day, because when climbing the mountain, you will walk on water, which is very pleasant in the heat. In addition, the wind blows on the mountain, which is also refreshing. The only negative is that it blows off the hat (I ran after it 4 times)), choose a scarf or a tight-fitting cap as a headdress, and not a hat or panama hat. The murmur of water makes you really thirsty, so take plenty of drinks with you.
Plus number 3 is the most important for me: Pamukkale will appear to you from a completely different side. If you arrive on your own, you enter from one side, and the buses enter from the other, since they cannot turn around in the narrow streets of the town. That's why self-guided tour looks completely different than organized.
On your own: you arrive in Pamukkale, park right on the street (for free, but it’s hard to find a place in the middle of the day), buy an entrance ticket, take off your shoes and start climbing the mountain, stepping on pleasantly murmuring water. The heat is not felt at all, only thirst. It is better to grab a small backpack or shoulder bag where you can put your shoes (you will have to carry them with you) and water. Your hands will be free to take pictures. Impressions from this rise are simply unforgettable!!! It is this road up the mountain that is the very salt of Pamukkale. And organized tourists will not feel this to such an extent (further it will become clear why). We climbed to the very top, put on our shoes - and it was then that a magnificent panorama of this wonderful place appeared to us in full measure - travertines, the town of Pamukkale and the lake below. Pine trees grow at the top of the mountain, under which there are several cafes with numerous tables and benches, so rest can be doubly pleasant and combined with a snack. Prices, of course, tourist, but divine. You can grab sandwiches or fruit to go. Then you can walk along the mountain, admiring the travertines, go for a swim in the Cleopatra pool (the ticket is bought separately on the spot) or visit the ancient city.
Organized excursion looks exactly the opposite: first, a visit to the ancient city (since the buses call in from that side), then the path lies through the Cleopatra pool and only then, in fact, the travertines. As a result, for the majority of “organized” tourists, it will be like this: I went to the edge, looked at the travertines and the panorama opening, exhaled: “Cool!” - and all. Going down, so that later (this is after the ancient city and Cleopatra's pool) climbing up - few are capable of such a feat. Therefore, 50 percent of the most extraordinary sensations are lost.
Plus number 4: Do it yourself - cheaper! For us, a trip for 4, taking into account the rental of a car, the cost of gasoline and food on the way, was cheaper than if we bought an excursion from a tour operator. The guide scared with expensive entrance tickets - it's just ridiculous: an adult ticket costs 25 lira (at today's rate it is about 600 rubles, the rate in August last year was not much different from today), child ticket- 15 lira (about 350 rubles), a child of 4 years old was free (you still need to go to the ticket office, they give you a free entrance ticket). The entrance ticket to the Cleopatra pool is a little more expensive - 32 lira (about 760 rubles), I don’t seem to remember exactly. Again, the children's ticket is cheaper, and small children get in for free. I read in the reviews that travel agencies charge 16-18 dollars for the same tickets (from about 1000 rubles). Attention! You can pay for tickets only in lira (or credit card). We did not have any lira or cards, we had to look for an exchanger. As a result, they exchanged it at the nearest store, and even at the normal rate. But it is still better to prepare and exchange money in advance.
Plus number 5: you are not limited in time. For organized tourists they give only 2-3 hours for inspection - this is insanely little! This is to run, take a photo, dive into the pool and never absorb the beauty and grandeur of this place.
Plus number 6: normal food. You eat when you want, what you want and according to your budget. For example, on the way back we had a great dinner in Denizli for only 700 rubles for 4! This is with salad, kebab, chicken, potatoes, drinks in abundance ... They specially chose an institution that is not very presentable in appearance, but popular with locals. The meat is the freshest, lying raw in the window, and you poke your finger which piece you want to cook. On the territory of the cafe there is a children's playground. In general, a complete set. Reviews about the food provided by travel agencies ... everything is clear there, read it yourself.
Minus (or plus?): no guide. It's like someone. Personally, most guides annoy me, and from the stream of facts and information they pour out, almost nothing remains in the bottom line. I love to travel on my own. Let me not know in what year this tower was built and who its architect is, but I will feel the atmosphere and mood, and this, in my opinion, is more important.
Bonus: downstairs, at the entrance to Pamukkale, there is enough big park with lake, swimming pool separate fee), cafes, snacks (grilled corn, ice cream), toilets. There you can relax after visiting Pamukkale.
So, what do you need if you decide to go to Pamukkale on your own?
1. Rented car.
2. Road map.
3. Gasoline.
4. Snack on the road (cookies, fruit) and plenty of water.
5. "Inflatable" headgear.
6. Protective cream.
7. Sunglasses.
8. Camera.
9. Small bag (better backpack) to take everything you need to the mountain.
10. Money (prepare Lira or a credit card).
Most importantly, do not be afraid of anything and do not listen to "horror stories". Travel and have fun!