Pamukkale Travertines with Pure-White Beauty

The nature fascinates us, the human being, with its unique beauty. Our country is also a country standing out in the world with its richness in history and natural beauties. Resembling white fluffy clouds, Pamukkale Travertines are one of these natural beauties. This immense whiteness is a geographical region, which attracts the attention of whole world with its thermal pools. Stretching along Menderes Valley, Pamukkale Travertines are among the most precious regions of Turkey.

Pamukkale has made a name for itself not only with its healing water and natural beauty, but also with the ancient city of Hierapolis. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, Pamukkale Travertines are a must-visit cultural heritage, which must be protected, not only for our country but also for whole world. Pamukkale Travertines are located at a distance of 18 kilometers from Denizli. Located at an altitude of 400 meters above sea, Pamukkale Travertines offer also an extremely wonderful view from afar. Shallow and broad pools filled with healing water are good not only for the body but also for the soul.

How were Pamukkale Travertines Formed?

Being a kind of rock, Pamukkale Travertines were formed as a result of a chemical reaction. There are scientific formulas lying behind this fluffy, cotton-like look. The water, saturated with hydro carbonate, reaches the surface; the out-gassing of carbon dioxide occurs, and the remaining part deposits as carbon dioxide structures. This reaction lasts until the carbon dioxide in the thermal water and the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere reach the same level. The ambient temperature, weather conditions and the water flow also play a role in this reaction.

The underground hot water has found its way to reach the surface during the tectonic fault movements for thousands of years, flowed in a certain direction and down from the cliff edges, hardened over time and formed white limestone layers. The while limestone layers and stalactites formed took random shapes, forming the travertine terraces, shallow and broad pools and plateaus offering an oceanic feeling.

The clear turquoise water on the thermal spring terraces are not only beautiful, but also rich in minerals. The tourists visiting Pamukkale Travertines must take off their shoes and walk barefoot in order to prevent damaging of calcium deposits forming the terraces. There are 17 hot springs in Pamukkale with temperatures ranging from 35 degrees to 100 degrees. This healing and hot water relieves physical and mental fatigue, energizing and rejuvenating the body.

The healing water in Pamukkale flows from a boiling central lake in the form of waterfall streams from an altitude of 100 meters. This boiling water, which branches off, forms Pamukkale Travertines. The thermal spring water herein is good externally for blood pressure, cardiovascular stiffening, skin, rheumatism, eye, paralysis, ricket, vascular and nervous system diseases, as well as a number of stomach disorders when it is drunk. It is known that the thermal spring water, which is also said to have diuretic action, acts on expelling of kidney stones and sands and urinary tract infections. If you happen to pass Denizli, you must visit this pure-white and healing region.