Pamukkale & Hierapolis

In Turkish Pamukkale means the cotton palace; the most apt definition of this place. The mineral rich water from the thermal springs has been dripping down into the valley for many centuries. In course of time, the dripping water deposited calcium carbonate forming a series of dazzlingly white, shelf like structures called travertines. These almost look like a frozen mineral waterfall. 

The three hour journey to Pamukkale required a few breaks on the way, including lunch, and the hitherto unseen large strawberries from the farms en route. This was one of the few conducted tours --- the guide, a young lady, was full of pep was very helpful. Too many people, and almost all crowding the travertines. 

The Greco-Roman town itself had been developed to take advantage of the hot water springs of the region which was considered to be healing. It boasts of a number of baths, a Roman theater that could seat 12000, a necropolis, an agora(market) and a large number of temples which gave the city the name "the holy city", Hierapolis. 

 

The town was destroyed by earthquakes but rebuilt  more elaborately to became a big center of art and trade. A series of earthquakes hit the town after 7th century following which it was abandoned. Excavation started in 20th century and are still going on. A small museum enclosing a roman bath exhibits the findings. Hierapolis is now a UNESCO protected site. 

On the other side of Hierapolis, the whole of the mountain-side is covered with travertines. The mineral water is nowadays directed to a series of travertines cascading down one side only. So you can walk down the travertines to lower levels which made them less and less crowded. The path was slippery and narrow --- Sudhir went only up to the first, I braved it to the fourth travertine. Loved it.

May 31, 2024

Subscribe by Email

Follow Updates Articles from This Blog via Email