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Introduction
Pamukkale and Hierapolis are two neighboring places in inland Turkey that together make up a spectacular natural and archaeological site. Known for its white travertine terraces and hot springs created by mineral deposits from the water, Pamukkale is a stunning vision of white pools and calcium formations flowing down a cliffside. Just above sits Hierapolis, an ancient Greco-Roman city founded in the 2nd century BC that contains remarkably well-preserved ruins, including a theater, temple, and necropolis.
Located close to the modern city of Denizli in Turkey’s Aegean Region, Pamukkale and Hierapolis have been drawing visitors for thousands of years eager to bathe in the warm, mineral-rich waters and take in the dramatic landscape. Inscribed collectively as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, Pamukkale and Hierapolis should be on any traveler’s itinerary for Turkey.
Pamukkale
Pamukkale, meaning “cotton castle” in Turkish, is named for the white limestone formations created by the hot, mineral-rich waters flowing down the hillside. Formed by calcium deposits from the water, the terraces look like cascades of white cotton puffs or petrified snow. The effect is magical, unlike anywhere else in the world.
Pamukkale has been a site of bathing and healing for millennia, originally used by Romans. The warm waters emerging from 17 hot springs in the area contain calcium, chloride, hydrogen carbonate, and sulfate, giving the pools reputed therapeutic properties. Visitors can still bathe in the antique pools today, enjoying the beautiful travertines at the same time.
In 1988, Pamukkale was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Hierapolis. It remains one of Turkey’s most popular attractions, drawing visitors who walk along the terraces and bathe in the mineral waters.
Hierapolis
Situated on a plateau just above Pamukkale are the ruins of ancient Hierapolis. Originally founded as a thermal spa early in the 2nd century BC, Hierapolis became a prosperous Greco-Roman city famed for its sacred hot springs.
Hierapolis has been called the “largest ancient thermal city” due to the numerous temples, bathhouses, and other structures that were centered around its hot springs. The city reached its height under Roman rule from the 1st to 3rd centuries AD.
Today, Hierapolis is an important archeological site that has been extensively excavated. Notable ruins include an enormous necropolis with over 1200 tombs, a well-preserved theater capable of seating 20,000 spectators, the Temple of Apollo, the Ploutonion (Pluto’s Gate) – an ancient Plutonian cult site – and the Martyrium of the Apostle Philip.
Getting from Pamukkale to Hierapolis
Pamukkale and Hierapolis sit immediately adjacent to each other, connected by an access road. It’s just a short distance of around 2 km (1.2 miles) between the travertines of Pamukkale and the ruins of Hierapolis above.
Visitors can easily walk between the two sites, taking the road or pedestrian paths up the hillside. Shuttle buses also continuously run back and forth between Pamukkale village and the Hierapolis entrance, providing transportation. Most visitors plan to see both sites in one day.
Typically travelers begin their visit at Hierapolis in the morning when the site opens. They explore the ruins for a few hours before heading down to Pamukkale in time for lunch. After relaxing in the hot spring pools during the afternoon, they return to Hierapolis to end the day. This allows seeing both sites while avoiding the largest crowds.
Things to See and Do
While at Hierapolis, don’t miss:
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The Hierapolis Archeological Museum, housing important artifacts from ancient Hierapolis
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Cleopatra’s Pool, an oasis-like pool of warm mineral water with submerged Roman columns
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The gleaming white travertines and pools of Pamukkale, created by calcite deposits
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The well-preserved Temple of Apollo, an important Roman sanctuary
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The enormous Roman Theater of Hierapolis with seating for over 20,000
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Ploutonion, also called Pluto’s Gate, an ancient Plutonian cult site
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The vast ancient Necropolis containing over 1200 tombs
In Pamukkale, visitors can bathe and swim in the warm mineral waters flowing over the terraces. Relaxing in the pools overlooking the calcite slopes is an unforgettable experience.
When to Visit
The best times to visit Pamukkale and Hierapolis are Spring and Fall, between mid-March to mid-June or September to November. Summers are very hot, and winters can be rainy and cool.
During high season between May and October, Pamukkale in particular draws huge crowds. Visiting in shoulder season allows you to enjoy the sites without as many tourists.
The peak period is from mid-morning to mid-afternoon when all the tour groups arrive. Plan to visit the sites early in the day or later in the afternoon to avoid the largest crowds.
Where to Stay
Pamukkale village, located at the base of the travertines, contains many hotels. Staying here allows easy access to both Pamukkale and Hierapolis. Hotels situated along the hot springs often have pools with the mineral-rich waters.
Alternatively, staying in the quieter countryside around Hierapolis offers proximity to the ancient ruins. Some hotels in this area also have natural hot spring pools drawn from ancient springs.
Day trippers arrive from the popular coastal destinations of Bodrum, Fethiye, and Antalya, but staying overnight allows seeing the sites at your own pace.
Traveling to Pamukkale and Hierapolis
The closest airport is Denizli Cardak Airport, located around 20 km (12 miles) from Pamukkale. Many domestic Turkish airlines offer flights to Denizli. From the airport, shuttle buses can take you directly to Pamukkale village.
Buses regularly run between Denizli and Pamukkale, making it easy to reach without a rental car. Alternatively, rental cars are available to pick up at Denizli Airport.
Organized day trips to Pamukkale and Hierapolis are offered from the nearby coastal towns like Bodrum, Fethiye, and Antalya. These towns have international airports and resort amenities.
Conclusion
In summary, Pamukkale and Hierapolis together create a one-of-a-kind destination that deserves a spot on any Turkey travel itinerary. The cascading white travertines and hot spring pools of Pamukkale combine with the fascinating ancient ruins of Hierapolis to provide an experience found nowhere else in the world. By planning your visit during shoulder season and staying overnight, you can enjoy these unique sites without the largest crowds. A trip to Pamukkale and Hierapolis promises beautiful vistas, relaxing hot springs, and glimpses into Roman and Greek history in this part of Turkey.
FAQs
1. How far apart are Pamukkale and Hierapolis?
Pamukkale and Hierapolis are located very close together, just around 2 km (1.2 miles) between the two sites. Visitors can easily walk or take a shuttle bus between them.
2. What is the white material formed over Pamukkale?
The white terraces are formed by travertine, a type of limestone deposit created by minerals in the hot spring water flowing down the hillside. Calcium carbonate and other minerals precipitate out as the water cools, forming the cascading whitish-colored terraces.
3. Can you swim in the pools at Pamukkale?
Yes, swimming and bathing in the warm mineral pools on the travertines is allowed and very popular. The water stays at a comfortable warm temperature of about 35°C (95°F).
4. Do I need to book Hierapolis ruins in advance?
No, you do not need to book tickets for Hierapolis beforehand. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance gate upon arrival. Only during peak seasons are pre-booked tickets recommended to skip the ticket line.
5. How much time is needed to see both Pamukkale and Hierapolis?
Most visitors plan to spend 1 full day seeing both Pamukkale and Hierapolis. This allows adequate time to explore Hierapolis in the morning, have lunch, then soak in the Pamukkale hot spring pools during the afternoon. You can return to Hierapolis later to catch the sunset.