Pamukkale Turkey

Pamukkale meaning cotton castle in Turkish is a natural site in Denizli Province in southwestern Turkey. The city contains hot springs and travertines terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. It is located in Turkeys Inner Aegean region in the River Menderes valley which has a temperate climate for most of the year. Travertine terrace formations at Pamukkale Turkey. May 21 2011.The ancient Greco-Roman and Byzantine city of Hierapolis was built on top of the white castle which is in total about 2700 metres (8860 ft) long 600 m (1970 ft) wide and 160 m (525 ft) high. It can be seen from the hills on the opposite side of the valley in the town of Denizli 20 km away. Tourism is and has been a major industry. People have bathed in its pools for thousands of years. As recently as the mid-20th century hotels were built over the ruins of Hierapolis causing considerable damage. An approach road was built from the valley over the terraces and motor bikes were allowed to go up and down the slopes. When the area was declared a World Heritage Site the hotels were demolished and the road removed and replaced with artificial pools. Wearing shoes in the water is prohibited to protect the deposits.