PAMUKKALE TRAVEL
GENERAL INFROMATION- Pamukkale, meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish, is a natural site in Denizli Province in south western Turkey. Pamukkale be one of the most important thermal centres of Turkey. The nearest major city is Denizli, where one will arrive first and this is 20 kms away from Pamukkale and a 2.5 hour drive from the resort town Kusadasi. Pamukkale forms an important backdrop to the original Greco-Roman town of Hierapolis and the cultural landscape which dominates the area. The city contains hot springs and travertines (a sedimentary rock deposited by water from the hot springs), terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. In this area, there are 17 hot water springs in which the temperature ranges from 33 °C to 100 °C. Their origins in the shifting of a fault in the valley of the Menderes River. Tectonic movements triggered frequent earthquakes in this area and gave rise to the emergence of a number of very hot springs. As the fault shifted, hot springs with a very high mineral content (notably chalk) arose at this location and thus spring formed. Scientifically proven to cure many diseases, so the waters attract people. As the water is useful, this land has been a place where people visit periodically for beauty and health since the ancient times. So the reason for Pamukkale to be an attractive place is not only the natural travertine, but also the healing waters. Hot Springs-Herapolis and Antique Pool are in a vast open complex and not very far. Must bring the swim wear.
Travertine-It is the chemical reaction where calcium and hydrogen carbonate react to create calcium carbonate and limestone. Travertine terraces are some of the most bizarre-looking geological formations on Earth. The rock that makes up these unique formations is a type of limestone commonly deposited by mineral springs through a process of rapid precipitation of carbonate minerals. Travertine has been used as a building material since the time of the ancient Romans, and it was even used in the construction of St. Peter's Basilica and Square in Vatican City. However, the most stunning structures this rock has been known to produce are the travertine terraces. There are more such geothermal activity as below in the world-
3-Semuc Champey in Guatemala is a much less well-known spot.
4- Badab-e Surt is a hidden gem in the north of Iran.
5- Mammoth Hot Springs are part of Yellowstone National Park, in Wyoming, USA.
6- Hierve el Agua, or the water boils, are a few magnificent pools over the edge of a cliff in Oaxaca State, México.
7- Heating water with the power of Hammam Meskhoutine in Algeria.
8-Bagni San Filippo, Tuscany, Italy.
Denizili- Denizli is a growing city both industrial and touristic with 5, 25,000 inhabitants. As the city was situated on the famous trade route - Silk Road, the stunning antique cities of Hierapolis, Loadikeia, Phrygia, Tripolis are within the borders of Denizli. The city is challenging in textile production, the fabrics in Denizli exports quality textile products to the world. Also the handmade “Buldan Cloth” is woven within the borders of Denizli and is reputed worldwide. The “Denizli Rooster” is the mascot of the city. The glass-made Denizli Rooster statue may be encountered in the heart of the city centre. The temperature may go up to 350-360 C in the summer time.
HISTORY- At the end of the 2nd century B.C. the dynasty of the Attalids, the kings of Pergamon, established the thermal spa of Hierapolis. The ruins of the baths, temples and other Greek monuments can be seen at the site. Ceded to Rome in 133 B.C., Hierapolis flourished, reaching its peak of importance in the 2nd and 3rd centuries A.D., having been destroyed by an earthquake in 60 A.D. and rebuilt. Remains of the Greco-Roman period include baths, temple ruins, a monumental arch, a nymphaeum, a necropolis and a theatre. It was a cosmopolitan city where Anatolians, Graeco-Macedonians, Romans and Jews intermingled.
GEOLOGY- When the water (supersaturated with calcium carbonate=calcium hydro carbonate) reaches the surface, carbon dioxide de-gasses from it, and calcium carbonate is deposited. The depositing continues until the carbon dioxide in the water balances the carbon dioxide in the air. Calcium carbonate is deposited by the water as a soft jelly, but this eventually hardens into travertine. There is a high amount of calcium and carbon dioxide in the combination of the water. The chemical reaction from the start to the end is:
Ca (HCO3)2 >> CaCO3 + CO2 + H2O.
ATTRACTIONS AT PAMUKKALE -
Travertine-It is the chemical reaction where calcium and hydrogen carbonate react to create calcium carbonate and limestone. Travertine terraces are some of the most bizarre-looking geological formations on Earth. The rock that makes up these unique formations is a type of limestone commonly deposited by mineral springs through a process of rapid precipitation of carbonate minerals. Travertine has been used as a building material since the time of the ancient Romans, and it was even used in the construction of St. Peter's Basilica and Square in Vatican City. However, the most stunning structures this rock has been known to produce are the travertine terraces. There are more such geothermal activity as below in the world-
- The waterfall terraces of Baishuitai are in the Tibetan area of China.
3-Semuc Champey in Guatemala is a much less well-known spot.
4- Badab-e Surt is a hidden gem in the north of Iran.
5- Mammoth Hot Springs are part of Yellowstone National Park, in Wyoming, USA.
6- Hierve el Agua, or the water boils, are a few magnificent pools over the edge of a cliff in Oaxaca State, México.
7- Heating water with the power of Hammam Meskhoutine in Algeria.
8-Bagni San Filippo, Tuscany, Italy.
Denizili- Denizli is a growing city both industrial and touristic with 5, 25,000 inhabitants. As the city was situated on the famous trade route - Silk Road, the stunning antique cities of Hierapolis, Loadikeia, Phrygia, Tripolis are within the borders of Denizli. The city is challenging in textile production, the fabrics in Denizli exports quality textile products to the world. Also the handmade “Buldan Cloth” is woven within the borders of Denizli and is reputed worldwide. The “Denizli Rooster” is the mascot of the city. The glass-made Denizli Rooster statue may be encountered in the heart of the city centre. The temperature may go up to 350-360 C in the summer time.
HISTORY- At the end of the 2nd century B.C. the dynasty of the Attalids, the kings of Pergamon, established the thermal spa of Hierapolis. The ruins of the baths, temples and other Greek monuments can be seen at the site. Ceded to Rome in 133 B.C., Hierapolis flourished, reaching its peak of importance in the 2nd and 3rd centuries A.D., having been destroyed by an earthquake in 60 A.D. and rebuilt. Remains of the Greco-Roman period include baths, temple ruins, a monumental arch, a nymphaeum, a necropolis and a theatre. It was a cosmopolitan city where Anatolians, Graeco-Macedonians, Romans and Jews intermingled.
GEOLOGY- When the water (supersaturated with calcium carbonate=calcium hydro carbonate) reaches the surface, carbon dioxide de-gasses from it, and calcium carbonate is deposited. The depositing continues until the carbon dioxide in the water balances the carbon dioxide in the air. Calcium carbonate is deposited by the water as a soft jelly, but this eventually hardens into travertine. There is a high amount of calcium and carbon dioxide in the combination of the water. The chemical reaction from the start to the end is:
Ca (HCO3)2 >> CaCO3 + CO2 + H2O.
ATTRACTIONS AT PAMUKKALE -
001-HOT SPRINGS- The water that emerges from the spring is transported 320 metres to the head of the travertine terraces and deposits calcium carbonate on a section 60 to 70 metres long covering an expanse of 24 metres to 30 metres. The hot calcium-laden waters spring from the earth and cascade over a cliff. As they cool and they form dramatic travertines of hard, brilliantly white calcium that form pools. These mineralized waters have generated a series of petrified waterfalls, stalactites and pools with step-like terraces, some of which are less than a meter in height while others are as high as six meters. Fresh deposits of calcium carbonate (in gel form) give these formations a dazzling white coating. The Turkish name Pamukkale, meaning “cotton castle”, is derived from this striking landscape. You can access them via a toll-booth, however tough pollution control regulations require removing your shoes (they are watching) in order to walk on them. It can get quite hot in summer, a hat and especially sunglasses will certainly be very helpful against the sun and the reflecting sun rays from the chalky cascades. It is also allowed to walk approximately 0.5 miles over of travertine without shoes, this is also a highlight experience. It will be a very special moment to watch the sunset over one of the
world’s amazing geological wonders. The colour of the sky with the white layers looks spectacular. There are some other colours in certain spots from the other minerals in the water, golden yellow, rust red, green from algae, but the overall impression is pure white. There are also stalactites where the water has been dripping for centuries.
world’s amazing geological wonders. The colour of the sky with the white layers looks spectacular. There are some other colours in certain spots from the other minerals in the water, golden yellow, rust red, green from algae, but the overall impression is pure white. There are also stalactites where the water has been dripping for centuries.
002-HIERAPOLIS CITY RUINS- The ancient city of Hierapolis was located on the top of the white terraces and is about 2700 meters long, 600 meter wide and 160m high. It can be seen from the hills on the opposite side of the valley. Hierapolis means “Holy City” because of its religious importance and also temples together with other religious buildings. First founded by King Eumenes II of Pergamon soon after 190 BC, Hierapolis was originally a fortified military colony.Hierapolis had many destructive strong earthquakes and as a result, each earthquake razed the city. In The Roman period, Hierapolis and its site were a health centre. The remains of a grand colonnaded street are parallel to the travertines for just over 1 km, extending between the necropolis to the north and a Byzantine church at the southern end. From the church, if you take the eastern path, you come to the Temple of Apollo and its famed Plutonium (a cave beneath the temple that was a source of poisonous gas-CO2).
003-HIERAPOLIS (ROMAN) THEATER-It is located in the middle of Hierapolis and is very well preserved. It was built during the reign of Emperor Hadrian in 2nd century AD. Roman Theatre had a capacity of 8500 – 10000 spectators and was divided into two parts as upper and lower parts of seat each with 26 rows.
People arranged concerts, religious ceremonies, competitions in this theatre. In the friezes of the theatre some mythological scenes had been depicted.
People arranged concerts, religious ceremonies, competitions in this theatre. In the friezes of the theatre some mythological scenes had been depicted.
004-ROMAN BATH-It was built in the 3rd century AD, Roman time. Classical architectural features which have large stone blocks were used in the construction. The Roman Bath, one of the biggest buildings of Hierapolis antique city, has been used as the site of the Hierapolis Archaeology Museum since 1984. Antique Pool is still there and near the temple, littered with marble columns from the Roman Temple of Apollo.
Antique Pool-It is located near to the hot springs and total area is for pedestrian only.Antique Pool remains from Roman times, when it was the spiritual centre of the spa city of Hierapolis. The modernized pool is the prime public place for a swim at this hot-springs resort. Surrounded by oleanders, palm trees, pines and cypresses, and littered with the fluted drums of fallen marble columns, plinths and the occasional capital from the nearby Temple of Apollo, the pool is constantly refreshed by an inflow of hot calcium-laden mineral water. The temperature of the water is comfortably and pleasurably warm, not hot. The pool is of varying depth. In most places, an adult's feet can touch bottom with head above water. Substantial areas are shallower and suitable for children. Admission for a swim is a pricey TL32 per adult. Towels are NOT provided as part of the admission fee. Paying these fees supposedly admits you for a period of two hours. There are men's and women's changing rooms, toilets, souvenir shops, a snacks-and-drinks shop, and plenty of tables and chairs set in sun and shade for those who wish not to swim, only to watch. You need not pay admission if you only sit, and don't swim.
Antique Pool-It is located near to the hot springs and total area is for pedestrian only.Antique Pool remains from Roman times, when it was the spiritual centre of the spa city of Hierapolis. The modernized pool is the prime public place for a swim at this hot-springs resort. Surrounded by oleanders, palm trees, pines and cypresses, and littered with the fluted drums of fallen marble columns, plinths and the occasional capital from the nearby Temple of Apollo, the pool is constantly refreshed by an inflow of hot calcium-laden mineral water. The temperature of the water is comfortably and pleasurably warm, not hot. The pool is of varying depth. In most places, an adult's feet can touch bottom with head above water. Substantial areas are shallower and suitable for children. Admission for a swim is a pricey TL32 per adult. Towels are NOT provided as part of the admission fee. Paying these fees supposedly admits you for a period of two hours. There are men's and women's changing rooms, toilets, souvenir shops, a snacks-and-drinks shop, and plenty of tables and chairs set in sun and shade for those who wish not to swim, only to watch. You need not pay admission if you only sit, and don't swim.
005-HIERPOLIS MUSEUM- Dedicated to Hieropolis, this excellent museum is set inside the former Roman bathhouse. Exhibits showcase some of the beautiful artistry of this once important city. Once a Roman bath, the Archeological Museum is near the Antique Pool atop the travertines at Pamukkale. The large building is a 2nd-century Roman baths and gymnasium made of local tawny travertine ashlars once covered with polychrome marble. It has entrance fees.
Presented by -V P Gupta
Presented by -V P Gupta