Pamukkale and Hierapolis.

May 11

Pamukkale is a town known for the mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down white travertine terraces draped over the hillside. It neighbours Hierapolis, an ancient Roman spa city founded around 190 B.C. The Antique, Cleopatra Pool, which is warm but not hot, is famous for its submerged Roman columns resulting from an earthquake.

We first walked down the travertine hillside, following the pools. They control the water that flows down here, so many of the pools were dry, but it was still very unique and interesting to visit.

We then swam in Cleopatra's pool for a while. The temp was around 96 degrees Celsius, so pleasant but not like a nice hot tub.

We then explored Hierapolis, originally a Phrygian cult centre of the Anatolian mother goddess of Cybele and later a Greek city. Some impressive archaeological structures include one of the largest surviving necropoleis in Turkey, two Roman baths, colonnaded streets, and a massive theatre.

We also stopped at a vast textile building where we wandered among the many floors shopping for Turkish Linens. I purchased a Turkish towel to use at the Antique Pool.

It was another entertaining day full of exploration.