A Journey Through Time- Exploring Pamukkale’s Travertines and Hierapolis’ Ruins
Pamukkale, which translates to “cotton castle” in Turkish, is a natural wonder located in Denizli Province, Turkey. It’s famous for its white travertine terraces that cascade down a hillside, resembling a frozen waterfall.
Pamukkale was formed when a spring with a high content of dissolved calcium bicarbonate cascaded over the edge of the cliff, which cooled and hardened leaving calcium deposits. This formed into natural pools, shelves and ridges, which tourists could plunge and splash in the warm water.
Hotels were springing up from the 1970s to cater for the large influx of tourists, and shortly afterwards UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site. But by the 1990s, this took its toll on the state of the calcium pools and restrictions were placed on these travertine terraces. Many hotels were knocked down, visitors are only allowed on major paths around the sites, and must remove footwear to stand on the calcium deposits. This seems to have been a successful move, as the water supply is now used for preservation and some of the damaged calcium deposits have been strengthened.
Near the famous Pamukkale, you can find Hierapolis. A city founded in 190 BCE by the Pergamene king, Eumenes II. This holy city was most famous for its festival, the Letoia, honoring a local goddess similar to the Great Mother of the Gods. Hierapolis also housed a temple dedicated to the god Apollo Lairbenos. The city thrived under Roman rule, undergoing restoration during the reign of emperor Tiberius in the first century AD. Sadly, a devastating earthquake destroyed Hierapolis in 1334. Today, visitors can explore the ruins, including public baths, a training center, a marketplace, and even a Christian church, all testaments to Hierapolis’ rich history. The site’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 highlights its enduring importance.
The general entrance ticket is 200 Turkish Lira TRY (11 Euros or 11 US Dollars) for adults & children and grants you access to the Hierapolis Archaeological Site and Museum. There are several tickets available based on your preferences:
- Hierapolis Archaeological Site and Museum ticket: 200 Turkish Lira TRY
- Hierapolis Archaeological Site and Museum ticket + Audio Guide: 275 Turkish Lira TRY
- Hierapolis Archaeological Site and Museum and Laodicea Archaelogical Site ticket: 250 Turkish Lira TRY
- Automobile parking ticket: 20 Turkish Lira TRY
Prices can fluctuate slightly due to currency exchange rates and potential inflation. It’s always a good idea to check the official website or a trusted booking platform for the latest prices before your visit -> https://www.denizlihotel.com/visit-pamukkale/. The opening hours of Pamukkale are:
From April 1 till October 1 (summer) – Open from 06:30 to 20:00 every day.
From October 1 till April 1 (winter) – Open from 08:00 to 18:00 every day.
Getting to Pamukkale and Hierapolis depends on your starting point. Here are the two most common options:
- Flying– the closest airport to Pamukkale is Denizli Cardak Airport (DZA) located about 68 km (42 miles) away. From the airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle service, or public bus to get to Pamukkale.
- Taking a Bus– many cities in Turkey offer bus service to Denizli, the nearest major city to Pamukkale. From Denizli, you can take a local bus or minibus to Pamukkale.
- Once you arrive in Denizli or Pamukkale, you can reach Hierapolis which is located adjacent to Pamukkale itself. You can easily walk between the two sites, or take a local dolmuş (shared minibus) for a small fee.
Pamukkale and Hierapolis offer a captivating blend of natural wonder and historical intrigue. Pamukkale’s dazzling white travertine terraces, sculpted by millennia of thermal waters, create an otherworldly landscape. Hierapolis, a short distance away, unveils its rich past through impressive ruins of temples, baths, and a marketplace. Whether you’re seeking a dip in therapeutic waters, a walk through historical sites, or simply breathtaking scenery, Pamukkale and Hierapolis promise an unforgettable experience. Remember to plan your trip according to the season for optimal opening hours and weather conditions. With its UNESCO World Heritage status and ease of access, this remarkable duo should definitely be on your Turkish travel itinerary.
