Pamukkale is a locality in Turkey with geothermal springs, which have no analogues anywhere in the world. A unique resort and a stunning natural attraction is located in the south-west of the country, 20 kilometers from the city of Denizli. The complex of 17 mineral springs, known since ancient times, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and represents the outskirts of an ancient volcanic plateau towering 100 meters above the plain.
Mineral water, heated by the bowels of the earth to +30 … +100 ° C, has been flowing down the slopes of the plateau for thousands of years, forming travertines — small natural pools of bizarre shape with limestone sides. Sources oversaturated with calcium bicarbonate form a precipitate of the purest snow-white color on the surface. In addition to calcium, water is rich in other chemical elements and compounds: magnesium, hydrocarbons, sodium sulfate. For many centuries, this white cover has covered the entire slope of the plateau, and today Pamukkale, which means “cotton castle” in Turkish, really looks like a huge mountain of cotton laid out by mythical giants to dry. In fact, the natural phenomenon was formed due to the strongest earthquakes that shifted rocks and formed faults through which groundwater rushed to the surface.
Not so long ago, it was possible to come to Pamukkale only with a one-day excursion, but with the appearance of hotels and health complexes on its territory, streams of tourists rushed here. All hotels have spa salons, wellness sessions in which are conducted by highly qualified medical specialists.
There are lots of souvenir stalls around Pamukkale, the atmosphere is always festive. But popularity also has a negative side: the influx of visitors is too great, many seek to swim in the springs without washing off the tanning oil; all this leads to pollution and destruction of a unique natural complex.
Now only a narrow passage has been left for visitors, allowing them to see all the beauties up close. But you are allowed to walk only barefoot, and this is not an easy test — your feet slip. Bathing is also allowed only in a specially designated area. The water flows down the terraces and reservoirs again and gradually returns to their former whiteness.
People come to the thermal springs of Pamukkale not only to see and capture the fantastic beauty of a unique place, but also to improve their health in the healing water, from which, according to legend, Cleopatra herself took baths. Wellness courses are also organized at the resort, including mud treatment, mineral water intake and anti-aging procedures. Water from the springs differs in three types, each of which helps in the treatment of certain ailments: rickets, rheumatism, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases, psoriasis, eczema; relieves fatigue and stress.
If you want to fully enjoy the unreal splendor of the plateau, try to come here at dawn or at sunset — then you will see it not snow-white, but pink.