Sightseeing in Pamukkale - what to see. Complete travel guide

Pamukkale is one of the most amazing and most incomparable resorts not only in Turkey but also all over the world. The location of the resort is a unique natural terrain. It was created close to healing thermal springs, the age of which is several thousand years. One of the peculiarities of these springs is a high calcium level that facilitated the formation of incredibly beautiful snow-white mountains. Contemporaries call Pamukkale a Cotton Fortress due to its original and incomparable landscape.

For thousands of years, thermal springs had formed multiple natural basins and terraces, so the human race didn’t have to make much effort to build a large balneological center. According to historians, the first travelers started visiting these places more than 2 thousand years ago. At that time, the glory of healing springs spread fast all over the world.

The marvelous resort have recently been accessible only for one-day visitors, as there were neither hotels, no entertainment venues. When the first hotels appeared, the resort gained another status. Now thousands of admirers of the health tourism spend their holidays here. Without exception, all hotels offer their clients a wide choice of spa facilities and exclusive wellness programs. Medical specialists from all over the world work in Pamukkale. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Despite the fact that there are few entertainment centers and attractions in the territory of the resort, tourists can find them in its surroundings. Just a couple of minutes by car, and you will reach an amazing recreation place with unique archaeological lands that are traditionally visited by tour admirers. Since 1988, Pamukkale and ancient city Hierapolis located near the resort are under UNESCO protection, so guests of these amazing resort areas must follow some important rules. Main gems of the resort are natural terraces and basins that have been forming for thousands of years, but vacationers can use not all of them. All resort visitors are told about what terraces are accessible for walks and in what basins you can enjoy water procedures.

Pamukkale is a perfect resort for tourists who prefer spending time in the calm and relaxing atmosphere. Resort guests can leave picturesque places at any time and go to explore nearby towns that are famous for their historical sites, markets and national restaurants. This is also important to note that the resort is suitable for family recreation, as the youngest guests can try many services and discounts.

Besides its healing geothermal springs, Pamukkale is internationally famous for its miraculous landmarks of antique times. Not long ago, a Pluto cave was discovered in Pamukkale. During the ancient times, this cave had an important cult meaning for local people. They believed that this cave was an entrance to the underground world of the dead. During many decades, archaeological excavations do not stop in this region. Scientists managed to detect the ancient St Philip basilica and the burial site of the patron saint.

Approximately a one-hour long ride separates the resort area and the archaeological site of Laodicea. It is named after the ancient city that was founded on this site yet in the 3rd century BC. The city was one of the largest in this area but numerous earthquakes destroyed it and forced people to leave this region. It took years of careful work to restore some ancient temples, a big stadium, and thermae. Nowadays, the archaeological site is almost completely open to visitors, so tourists are welcome to walk among gorgeous stone columns and feel the unique atmosphere of the ancient world.

The Museum of Pamukkale is open directly at the resort, so vacationers do not need to go anywhere. The entrance is paid, but the fee is a symbolic one. This museum exhibits precious findings of archaeologists, so one can admire antique sculptures and clay vessels, the age of which is several thousand years, and other precious findings from local archaeological sites. Not far from the museum, there are popular souvenir shops that offer well-made memorable gifts in the national style. Attractive leather goods made by local artisans and onyx jewelry are particularly popular categories of items. Females usually like cotton clothes and elegant ceramics.