|
Located 14 km to the north of the provincial center of Denizli, Pamukkale lies on a hill dominating the Plain of Menderes at an elevation of 160 m. The name of the city in the Etruscan/Pelasgian language is "Swaura," meaning "Sacred City". Indeed, the city was subsequently Hellenized by the Macedonians and Byzantines and called Hierapolis again to mean "sacred city."
Pamukkale is one of the most interesting places in the world, justly famous not only for the entrancing beauty of its unique geological formations but also for its historical remains. Pamukkale has always been a very popular settlement where the hot springs were believed to have healing powers, so the city became the center of a pagan cult in antiquity and a spa resort today. It represents a shimmering white cascade, formed by limestone-laden hot springs, which have formed stalactites, potholes and magical fairy-tables. The water is reputed to be beneficial to the eyes and skin and to alleviate the ills of rheumatism, asthma and dermatitis.
Pamukkale (Cotton Castle), is considered today the eighth wonder of the world. It is presumed that the travertines were formed in the course of a process which lasted 15 thousand years. As the water, having a temperature of 34 degrees Calcius, gushing from the underground springs at an elevation of 160 m off the plain of Menderes, with calciumbicarbonate content, flows down the hillsides, carbonmonoxide gas emanates, and the calciumbicarbonate, dissolving thereby, is sediment, thus forming the white-coloured travertines. Therefore, the area is called Pamukkale (Cotton Castle).
The city of Hierapolis, which was founded on this site in the 2nd century B.C., differs from all other ancient cities in being located, not on earth or rock, but on solid limestone layers formed by limestone water that flowed for centuries over this raised level plateau. "Hierapolis" means "sacred city", and according to Stephanus of Byzantium the city was given this name because of the large number of temples it contained. Up to the reign of Augustus the city was officially described on coins as Hierapolis, the city of temples, but it seems reasonable to assume that this was not the original meaning of the name. Today, the theatre, the Apollo temple and the necropolis are the most important places to see in Hierapolis.
You will be picked from your hotel at 07:30 and start your tour Karahayit Springs which is known as Kirmizi Su (Red Water). Then your next stop will will be Hierapolis ancient city. Your guide will lead you from northern necropolis to southern necropolis. On your way, you will learn the story of this sacred city and explore it's basilica, theater, temple of Apollo, roman bath, St. Phillip Martyrium and other parts of the city. You will also have a chance to swim in the historical roman pool of Hierapolis. Among these archaeological treasures, the highlight of the excursion will be walking with bare-foot on the travertine terraces.
|
Excursion Information:
Visits : Pamukkale
Duration : 12 Hours
Runs : Everyday
Leaves : Kusadasi
Returns : Kusadasi
Traveler Information:
Camera
Hat
Comfortable Footwear
Soft Drinks
|
Included in Price:
Professional English or German speaking guide on tours.
A/C Mini Bus
Lunch
All Local taxes.
No extra or hidden costs!
History
Excluded in Price:
Drinks
Tipping
Swimming pool entrance
|
Please feel free contact with us for Groups
We have also many professional Guides in 10 languages.
|
