Dubbed as one of the most beautiful landmarks of the natural world, Pamukkale, in the Denizli region of Turkey is a top visited attraction enticing more than 2 million domestic and foreign visitors ever year. Along with the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis, the UNESCO World heritage site is a biological phenomenon with its white travertine pools cascading down the southern slope of the Salpak mountains and its unique appearance has led it to be nicknamed the Cotton Castle of Turkey. Thermal spring waters with an average temperature of 45 degrees celsius contain high amounts of carbon dioxide and calcium which eventually separates and solidifies to form small pools, suitable at certain times of the year for bathing. For centuries, many have testified to the healing qualities of the water including Roman soldiers who used the city as a base and scientists who say it is good for curing skin diseases, rheumatism and tension. With historical and health values, this beautiful landmark should be on everyone’s list of places to visit in Turkey. Visiting Pamukkale Previously under threat from mainstream tourism, management at Pamukkale now practise responsible tourism to preserve as much of the natural travertine pools as possible. They demolished hotels and now ask visitors to remove shoes before walking on the travertines, therefore protecting the natural appearance. The pools, however, are just a small fraction of what to see in the area because they used to belong to the ancient city of Hierapolis. In history, it was named the sacred city and the guide of the east, and its citizens flourished under Byzantine rule when Hierapolis was commercially successful. As one of the first destinations to fully embrace Christianity, it enjoyed a lucrative timeline until various external factors such as wars, looting and earthquakes caused it
Dubbed as one of the most beautiful landmarks of the natural world, Pamukkale, in the Denizli region of Turkey is a top visited attraction enticing more than 2 million domestic and foreign visitors ever year. Along with the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis, the UNESCO World heritage site is a biological phenomenon with
As one of the Seven Churches of Revelation mentioned in the New Testament, the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus are a religious treasure but extensive excavation work also makes it a historical marvel. Ongoing since 1927, only a small fraction of the city has been uncovered yet the ruins of a library, houses, theatre, marketplace, temples, and public latrines have made it one of Turkey’s most top visited attractions. During the Augustan period of Roman rule (63 B.C to 14 A.D,) Ephesus became the most important commercial centre for the Roman Empire in Asia Minor. Many of the ruins that we see today are from this period although its historical timeline covers thousands of years. Famous figures from throughout history who have visited or stayed in the city include Saint John, Saint Paul, the Virgin Mary and Alexander the Great so a walk of the old streets to admire the classical buildings is not only following in famous people’s footsteps but also a fun history lesson about one of the greatest empires of all time. Highlights of a Visit to Ephesus Entering from the southeast gate, visitors walk downhill past the upper gymnasium public baths to begin a stroll down the Royal Walk, originally constructed in the 1st century. On the right-hand side is the small Odeion where council members discussed current day issues affecting the city or relaxed listening to music because Ephesus was also a haven for artists, musicians and philosophers. Passing the Temple of Domitianus, and through the impressive Gate of Hercules, the main street of Ephesus becomes visible. Known as the sacred path, Curates Street stretching for 210 metres eventually reaches the most humorous, yet impressive public latrines. Rich Roman masters ordered their slaves to warm up the u-shaped marble toilet seats by sitting
As one of the Seven Churches of Revelation mentioned in the New Testament, the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus are a religious treasure but extensive excavation work also makes it a historical marvel. Ongoing since 1927, only a small fraction of the city has been uncovered yet the ruins of a library, houses,
