Pamukkale / Hierapolis

Western Anatolia (Interior)

Province: Denizli

Nearest town: Denizli

Altitude: 350m/1,150ft

Situation and Landscape

The ancient site of Hierapolis, now known as Pamukkale (Cotton Castle) after the famous calcareous terraces, offers a superb view over the valley of the Büyük Menderes and the Aksu. It lies on the borders of Caria, Lydia and Phrygia some 20km/12mi north of Denizli on a plateau of chalky deposits nearly 3km/2mi long, up to 300m/330yds wide and about 160m/525ft above the Lykos valley. Gleaming white limestone deposits, flanked by oleanders as they cascade down the steep hillside like a petrified waterfall, the inviting warm water baths and the remains of the ancient city of Hierapolis combine to create one of Turkey's most fascinating sights. The first archeological investigation was carried out in 1887 under the leadership of Carl Humann. Further excavations were undertaken by an Italian team from 1957 onwards.