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over the millennia, have also created the unique travertine formations that resemble nothing so much as cr\stallised Ă&#x20AC;elds of cotton Pamukkale and the adjacent ancient city of Hierapolis are listed as a site of World Heritage by 81(6&2 7ogether they form one of the most attractive destinations in the Zorld 9isit the enchanting and eternal city of Pamukkale <ou Zill never forget it

Let us familiarise ourselves with the History of Pamukkale 7he ancient city of Hierapolis, situated  km to the north of Denizli, is known in the annals of archaeology as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sacred Cityâ&#x20AC;? on account of its several temples and the other religious structures clustered in the city 2ur knowledge of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s early years is limited but it is known that it was established at the beginning of the nd century %C by (umenes ,,, .ing of Pergamum 7he name Hierapolis honours Hiera, the Queen of the $mazons, beloved wife of 7elephos, the legendary founder of Pergamum (umenes ,, is also renowned as the builder of the world famous =eus $ltar Hierapolis maintained its authentic fabric by following the Hellenistic principles of city formation until the great earthquake that took place during


the era of 5oman (mperor 1ero  $D  7he city suffered greatly in the earthquake and was completely renovated, assuming the appearance of a typical 5oman city )ollowing the 5oman (ra, Hierapolis maintained its position as an important centre during the %yzantine (ra Philip the $postle was martyred in the city in  $D, and the city became an important centre of Christianity after the 4th century $D 7he glorious city was captured by the 7urks at the end of the th century ,t has maintained its historical texture and the importance of its thermal waters has never waned


7he maJQiĂ&#x20AC;FeQt JeoJraShy of Pamukkale Pamukkale is situated within the territory of Denizli province, and is one of the most important destinations in 7urkey Situated on the southwestern corner of the Anatolian Peninsula, Denizli provides passage between Central Anatolia and the coastal areas of the Aegean and 0editerranean regions Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis are situated  kilometres from the city centre




Part of the inner Aegean Region, Denizliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s climate differs from that typically found along the Aegean coast. The mountains of Denizli province run perpendicular to the coast and the valleys and plains are open to the sea breeze. Consequently, the winters are relatively warm and rainy. Average Monthly Temperatures in Pamukkale






















November December



How to go? Pamukkale, part of Denizli province, is accessible by highway, by railroad, or by air. Highway: Highway networks provide numerous routes to Denizli. ,ntercity coaches stop at a terminal in the centre of Denizli. Regular minibus service to Pamukkale departs from the same terminus. Coach Terminus Tel  4  4 Railroad: There are regular rail connections from Ankara, Ä&#x2C6;stanbul and Ä&#x2C6;zmir provinces. The train station is in the city centre. Station Tel     Airway: The international airport in dardak county is situated  kilometres outside the county centre and  kilometres from Denizli city centre. There are twice daily Ă ights to Ä&#x2C6;stanbul.

Turkish Airlines 2fĂ&#x20AC;ceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Address Ä&#x2C6;stiklal Cad. 1o % Airport Tel   4 


The Astounding, “Must See” Sights of Pamukkale


Seen from a distance the magniĂ&#x20AC;cent Travertine Terraces of Pamukkale look like the white clouds of heaven, or a sundrenched, snow covered series of glittering ridges. As you approach you realise that water is gently falling over the clouds of snow. Closer still, as you wade in ankle deep thermal water, you realise that this is unlike anything you have seen before and you are in for a once in a lifetime experience. Let us share the secrets of Pamukkale, which brings you in contact with the wondrous, magical architecture of nature.

Travertine is a sedimentary rock which is formed under speciĂ&#x20AC;c conditions as a result of a chemical reaction. The terraces themselves are the product of this process. The geological events that have formed the thermal springs of Pamukkale have also affected a large region. There are 17 thermal springs in the region where the water temperatures vary between  and 1Ă?C. The thermal spring of Pamukkale is one of those springs which have been in use since antiquity, and has provided therapy to humanity through the millennia. The thermal waters of the 9

spring follow a  m long channel to the head of the travertine ridge and fall into the travertine terraces, approximately 7 meters long, where the deposits form. At the source, the temperature of thermal water is .Ă?C, and it contains a high concentration of calcium carbonate. When it comes in contact with the oxygen in the air it forms carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide gases, which evaporate and leave deposits of calcium carbonate. ,nitially, the calcium carbonate deposits are like soft jelly. 2ver the time it hardens and forms the travertine. However, if visitors are allowed to walk in the cascading pools, that leads to squashing and dispersing the soft jelly of calcium carbonate. At present, thermal water is released over the travertine in a controlled programme. ,f a large amount of water is allowed to Ă ow on a certain area for a long time it leads to moss formation and darkening of the colour of the travertine. The atmospheric temperature conditions, loss and duration of the Ă ow affect the creation and maintenance of pure whiteness.



PamukkaleHierapolis, City of Antiquity


The ancient city of Hiearapolis grew over the thermal springs and today provides visitors with a glimpse of the natural gifts of the region and cultural riches that man added to nature. The ancient city, situated  kilometres north of Denizli, is justly famous for the buildings and artefacts unearthed during extensive excavations.


Hierapolis was best described by Prof. )rancesco D’Andria who supervised the archaeological excavations

Pamukkale derives its name, which means “Cotton Castle”, from the white travertine deposits formed by thermal springs. However the travellers of 18th century, looking at the graves scattered along the plain on top of the ridge called it “Pambouk Kalesi” which means the “Castle of Graves”. The outstanding natural scenery also cradles the ruins of Hierapolis of Phrygia, one of the sacred cities of the East. The excavations and restitution work carried out in the recent years have unearthed the traces of one of the famous centres of Asia Minor. Every year more than one million visitors explore the splendour as described by author A. Aristides in his Oration on Rome in the 2nd century AD. The expression used in the Oration is as follows: ‘ ..., the whole empire is full of gymnasia, fountains, temples, workshops, and schools … cities glisten with radiance and charm, ...’


Theatre of Hierapolis

Domitian Gate


PamukkaleHierapolis, City of Antiquity in its Heyday (2nd -3rd c. AD


Hierapolis is known as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sacred Cityâ&#x20AC;? on account of its many temples and religious buildings. The geographers of antiquity, Strabo and Ptolemy, claimed that Hierapolis was a Phrygian city, because of its proximity to Laodicea on the Lycus and Tripolis, cities situated on the border with the Caria region. (xperts noted that there were human settlements associated with the cult of Cybele, the goddess of motherhood, on the site of the city before it was established as Hierapolis.



Bear Witness to the Splendour of the Architecture of Hierapolis Frontinus Road 14 meters wide, )rontinus Road, built in the 1st Century AD, was the main thoroughfare of the city. Along its centre is the main drain of the city, covered with large stone slabs. Shops, houses and warehouses ran along both sides of the road, forming the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commercial district, which extends along the 17 metres section of the road up to the %yzantine Gate.



Agora )ollowing an earthquake that shook the city in  AD, this location, which previously contained dwellings, workshops and the necropolis, was rebuilt as the Commercial Agora of Hierapolis. (xcavations have


unearthed ceramic kilns with round plan furnaces and embossed pots from the nd century BC to the 1st century AD . The built area was 17 metres wide and  metres long, and it was one of the largest agorae of Asia 0inor. The site has been restored to its present state through excavations and is open to visitors.


North Byzantine Gate During the Byzantine Period, the North Gate, part of the walls of Hierapolis, was the monumental entrance to the city. Built in the 4th century AD, the gate was constructed in symmetry with the South Gate, with material collected from earlier structures. The gate was supported by two squareplan towers, and the arch built over the load bearing architrave was adorned with a cross. Two pairs of large brackets Ă anking the entrance are among the impressive structures that have survived to our times. Sculptures in the brackets showed the terrifying heads of a lion, a panther, and the mythological Gorgon, whose stony gaze and hair with snakes protruding wildly protected Hierapolis from evil.

South Byzantine Gate This 4th century AD gate was built with material reused from demolished structures, and consisted of harmonious travertine and marble blocks. The gate was Ă anked by two square plan towers and a relieving arch reduced the weight.


South Byzantine Gate

Gymnasium The gymnasium dates to the same period of construction as the Temple of Apollo and the )rontinus Road, following the devastating earthquake in the 1st century AD. ScientiÀc explorations noted a piece of architrave containing an inscription indicating that the colonnaded building was a gymnasium. The building must have consisted of a large courtyard enclosed with a portico pedestrian walkway . The building’s date is suggested by the consistency of architectural features with other buildings built in Hierapolis in the 1st century AD. Monumental Fountain with Triton

Monumental Fountain with Triton This is one of the two monumental fountains built in the city in the Àrst half of the rd century AD. The structure consists of a 7 metre long pool and two niches for displaying statues. The fountain was named for Triton, who according to mythology was the son of Poseidon and Amphitrite, the God and Goddess of the Sea. Triton was typically represented as a merman, having the upper body of a human and the tail of a Àsh. He was occasionally given the front legs and hooves of a horse. Archaeological explorations have recovered the slabs forming the architectural structure that had fallen into the pool which contained a decorative frieze. The most noteworthy of these is the block containing the depiction of the “Amazonomachy” (Battle with the Amazons and the relief of the “personiÀed springs and rivers”.


Latrine The latrine is noteworthy among the architectural structures of Hierapolis as it has survived with all its integral features intact, despite having collapsed in an earthquake. The building has a long and narrow plan, with entry by two doors on the side. It was built with travertine blocs and its aesthetics is derived from its unity of form and function. There is a channel on the Ă oor carrying waste water to the


sewers under the road. Along the internal wall there is a platform containing seats and slits, and there is a fresh water channel along the front of the seats intended for cleansing.


House with ,onic Column Capitals This architecturally impressive house is situated on the secondary road leading to the Theatre. The slender Ionic columns, built in marble, stand gloriously tall. The nd century house is thought to have been owned by an aristocratic family. Substantial renovations were conducted on the house in the 4th century AD, and a chamber for visitors was added. The preByzantine inscription on the wall is considered very important. According to scientiÀc studies the inscription contains a Biblical text. The house was collapsed in an earthquake in the Àrst half of the 7th century; however its remains still attract visitors.

:ater Channels and Nymphaea The two aqueducts that have provided drinking water to the city are consisted of channels built in the hills. The North Channel (coming between Pamukkale and .arahay×t and the (ast Channel (from the direction of Gzelp×nar merge at a Àlter room built on a hill to the east of the city. After Àltration, water was distributed by terracotta pipes to the streets and houses of the city.

Plutonium The entrance to the Plutonium is on the right side of the Temple and it was marked with a marble niche decorated with seashells. A round, 1st century pediment highlighting the sacredness of the venue was placed over the entrance. The podium of the structure is decorated with the motif of spiralling branch. The sounds of subterranean sources could be heard at the entrance of Plutonium. As poisonous gases accumulate under the threshold, this historical structure is closed off. 28

Sacred Area of Apollo

Sacred Area of Apollo The stupendous sacred area of Hierapolis is devoted to Apollo, the most important god of the city. Apollo was the Sun God, and also represented the Àne arts. His father was =eus, .ing of the Gods, and his mother Leto. The monumental building dates to the 1st century AD and was extensively altered in the rd century AD. The sacred areas built upon terraces were connected with a marble stairway. The lower terrace is surrounded by marble columns. 2n the podium, an enclosure created by the peribolos walls used to be thought of as a temple, but was later recognised as a centre of oracles. The sources of antiquity told that a poisonous gas was emitted from the centre of the structure. The Great Temple of Apollo is noteworthy for its Ionic order. The foundations of what was described as the ‘Central Sacred Area’ are visible. The latest studies indicate that there is a third structure to the north.

Theatre of Hiearapolis

Theatre The majestic Theatre of Hierapolis was built in the rd century AD during the reign of Emperor Septimus Severus, and was used until the late Roman Period. A special seating arrangement in an exedra for the notables of the city features seats with highback and legs ending in lionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paw feet. 2n the podium there is a decorated frieze devoted to Apollo and Artemis. The theatreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s acoustic arrangement is still remarkable and the building is one of the most visited structures of the city.

City Walls As a result of a law promulgated in  AD, Hierapolis, like other Roman cities, was surrounded by city walls. The walls, only a small portion of which survive, used to extend north, south and east, and was strengthened by 4 square plan towers. In addition to the north and south monumental gates of the main road, there were two smaller gates on the city walls. City Walls


St. Philippe 0artyrion

St. Philippe Martyrion This th century church, which housed the remains of St. Phillippe, who was martyred in the city, is the most important cult structure in Hierapolis from the Christian era. The architects who were commissioned to build the church had already completed the magniĂ&#x20AC;cent palace in Constantinople, and for the church of St. Phillippe they created an ingenious design based on the symbolic importance of the number eight. Eight rectangular structures open onto a central, octagonal space. 2rnaments are themselves laid on octagonal marble panels, and roundels on the travertine blocks bear the symbols of Christianity. The whole church structure was set on a rectangular plan and  rooms ran along the edges of the rectangle.

Pillared Church The church in the centre of Hierapolis, where the Ă&#x20AC;rst representative of the young religion was Philip the Apostle, was built in the 7th century AD. The structure with its three naves is very impressive. The religious importance of Hierapolis in the Byzantine era is indicated by the presence of a second three nave church in the city centre and a single apse church to the north. 33

Necropolis There are two necropolis Ă&#x20AC;elds containing graves, one is situated straddling the north road (leading to TripolisSardes and the other south road (leading to LaodiceaCollosae . The funeral monuments of the ancient city are sarcophagi, tumuli, and remarkable houseshaped graves. While the sarcophagi are mostly made of marble, other tombs are made of limestone.


Domitian Gate

Domitian Gate (Frontinus Gate

This interesting and well preserved structure situated at the north entrance to Hierapolis is a gate with three arches supported by two side towers. It was built in  AD and dedicated to Emperor Domitian.

Ruins of Medieval Seljuk Fortress The fortress consists of an extensive wall system built on a strategic position at a plateau commanding the valley. The walls were built with reused material collected from the ruined city, including marble blocks, some containing inscriptions. During the excavation conducted in one of the bastions various architectural artefacts were unearthed. A coin found at the site indicates, along with other factors, that the fortress was built between the th and 1th centuries. 35

Bathhouse Basilica

Bathhouse Basilica The bathhouse, originally constructed in the rd century AD was rebuilt as a three nave basilica in the th century. The experts state that three domes replaced the groin vault of the bathhouse.

Cathedral The th century cathedral is considered one of the most important religious structures of Hierapolis. The structure contained a baptistery, baptismal font, space for priests and bishops prayers and women’s seating area. 2nly parts of the structure survive, but the cathedral remains one of the most visited sites in the city.

Great Comple[ of Bathhouse ² Roman Baths The impressive structure built over a large area is a typical Roman Bathhouse, or Thermae. The structure’s architectural features indicate that it was built in the nd century AD. After the entrance there is a large courtyard followed by a rectangular hall Áanked by two large halls. Next is the actual bath structure. Remarkably, the two Áanking halls were devoted to the Emperor and ceremonies. The structure attached to the large hall is now used as the museum, and is open to the public. 36

Great Complex of Bathhouse  Roman Baths


Hierapolis Archaeology Museum The Roman Bathhouse, with its three covered spaces, the library attached to its east wall, and the open air gymnasium, was one of the largest structures in Hierapolis. Its size and state of preservation inspired the creation of the Hierapolis Archaeology 0useum (14 . The museum in its impressive historical building and with its rich collections exhibits artefacts recovered from the excavations at Beycesultan H|yÂ Ä&#x160;Â (earth mound

as well as the cities built along the valley of the Lycus River such as Hierapolis, Tripolis, Attuda, Laodicea. The artefacts from Caria, Psidia and Lydia regions are also important p a r t s of museum collection.

Let us familiarise ourselves with the three halls of the museum which house an impressive collection


The hall known as the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Tombs and Statues Galleryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; displays the artefacts unearthed during the archaeological excavations of Hierapolis and Laodicea. The sculptures from Roman Period such as Tyche, the Priestess of Isis, Dionysus, Asclepius and

Pan have a striking beauty. The Sidemarastyle sarcophagus found in Laodicea has been described as the most spectacular artefact of the museum. Also the sarcophagus of Maximillian, which contains an inscription plaque, and several other gravestones and inscriptions are also attractions. The ‘Small Artefacts Gallery’ displays several impressive smaller artefacts laying bare the features of the civilisations of the 4th century BC. There are interesting idols, terracotta water jugs, ceremonial pots, and stone artefacts that were found in the Beycesultan mound. 2il lamps, glassware, metal jewellery, pendants and necklaces, and offering pots from Phrygian, Hellenistic eras as well as Roman and Byzantine periods are on public display. The remarkable coin collection contains several examples of golden, silver and bronze coins minted in a long period starting from the 6th century BC. The ‘Theatre Ruins Gallery’ is a glorious space containing artefacts with impressive stories. Several marvellous decorations that once adorned the stage structure of the Hierapolis Theatre have been restored and are on public display. Inscriptions 39

describing the coronation of the Goddess of Hierapolis and resolution of the Theatre Council are among the noteworthy artefacts. The reliefs depicting mythologies have impressive aesthetics and stories. The gallery displaying the statues of gods and goddesses and a theatrical actor offers visitors an atmosphere of ancient times.


Statue of the Goddess Athena

Museum Garden


Treasure of Trlbey (1th c. AD

)ind Healing at the Thermal Springs of Pamukkale The thermal water that has created the travertine over the ages also made Pamukkale a unique destination for visitors seeking treatment in spas and hot springs.

The geographical region of Pamukkale is enriched by the thermal springs of the dÂ rÂ ksu (Lycus 9alley. The thermal waters have been used as a cure for thousands of years, and many thermal bathhouses, both functional and magniĂ&#x20AC;cent, have sprung up in the locale. In Roman Period, the fame of the thermal waters of Hierapolis was widespread, and the city was visited by cureseekers from across the Empire. With its thermal baths the city became a medical centre and provisions were made for visitors who stayed there for their short or long term treatment. Numerous graves in the Roman necropolis attest to the lives of the many people who came seeking a cure and stayed until the end. During antiquity religious ceremonies were held around the thermal springs, and popular festivals were organised as the city became the preferred treatment centre for notable and rich people. Studies indicate that treatments were supervised by both ministers of religion and doctors. 42




Among the buildings that have survived to the present day are the Nymphaeum (fountain from antiquity

and Roman bathhouses, glorious structures built for the beneÀt of those who sought the thermal waters.


Today swimming in the pools of thermal waters amid the ruins and historical structures of Hierapolis city is an enjoyable privilege. When the calcium carbonate containing waters rising through the karst topography to the surface carbon dioxide degasses and calcium carbonate is deposited gradually creating the travertine. The calcareous tufa, which is generally white, looks like bales of cotton piled up to form the famous Pamukkale travertine. The therapeutic nature of Pamukkale’s thermal waters has been recognised since very early ages, and its medical value was conÀrmed centuries later. Pamukkale is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and offers several alternative therapies to its visitors. )ollowing a medical evaluation patients are offered treatments for cardiovascular disorders, high blood pressure, rheumatism, rickets, paralysis, skin disorders, eye ailments, nervous system disorders. Also the thermal spring waters can be drunk warm as a cure for kidney stones, stomach spasms, urinary inÁammations and acts as a natural diuretic.

Pamukkale Cuisine is Ă&#x20AC;t for your palate The rich cultural life of Denizli is reĂ ected in its unique cuisine. Traditional dishes have been carefully preserved and visitors are able to taste the regional cuisine in many quaint or modern restaurants of Pamukkale. The famous soups of black


eyed peas, yoghurt and Ă our (ovmaĂ§), and sun dried yoghurt and tomato (tarhana); meat dishes such as steam cooked lamb and potatoes (tas kapama); fried beef served with a vinegar sauce (sirkeli et), lamb baked in tandoor oven WDQGĂ&#x2014;U , baked lamb ribcage Ă&#x20AC;lled with spicy rice NRO GROPDVĂ&#x2014; , baked lambâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stomach membrane (omentum stuffed with a mixture of lamb liver, rice and herbs FLÄ&#x160;HUVDUPD , spicy chicken soup served with a boiled dough DUDEDÄ&#x2039;Ă&#x2014; , lambâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stomach grilled in butter on a hot plate VDoWD LÄ&#x2039;NHPEH ; vegetable dishes including various aubergine dishes including rice stuffed dried aubergines, and baked aubergines, okra dishes; salads of boiled blackeyed peas in a garlic sauce WDUDWRUOXE|UÂ OFHVDODWDVĂ&#x2014; , wheat sprouts with other greenery Ă&#x20AC;OL] VDODWDVĂ&#x2014;  mallow (malva vulgaris

salad HEHJÂ PHFL VDODWDVĂ&#x2014; are the most renowned dishes of the regional cuisine. Pamukkale also offers many stuffed breads and pastries. )ilo pastry and the leavened and unleavened Ă atbreads ought to be tasted. Pastries and deserts made with millet, hot plate fried wheat, and chestnuts as well as the delicious regional fruits such as grapes, melons, and water melons are consumed after dinner. The local wines are well received across the world and well suit any dinner enjoyed with a sunset view of Pamukkale.



Entertainment in Pamukkale In Pamukkale you can supplement visits to the natural and cultural riches of the area with enjoyment of the local entertainment options. The hotels, cafps, night clubs and other entertainment venues provide you a large choice.

Accommodation There are ample and varied facilities for accommodation matching the unique natural beauty of the area. No other destination in the world offers you the opportunity to swim in thermal pools amid the ruins of antiquity. The thermal facilities of the hotels are designed for both modern and traditional services. The resorts provide you with every convenience, including health and beauty treatments, mud baths, spas and massage therapy. The hotels in Pamukkale provide visitors with comfortable accommodation, while their restaurants serve the unique dishes of Turkish cuisine. Ample opportunities exist for entertainment and shopping. 50

E[cursion Options

The earliest image of the Denizli Rooster, which is the symbol of the city, was found in a 2nd Century AD relief at the ruins of Laodicea. The unique and sonorous crow of the Rooster of Denizli accompanies visitors on their e[cursions around the city. Denizli is situated in the thermal belt of Turkey, a line of thermal springs passing through Pamukkale, .arahayﾃ葉, Akk|y, <enicekent and Sarayk|y, which provides opportunities for health tourism, and offers many excursion opportunities in its environs. The Thermal resorts offer cure facilities as well as superb accommodation, recreation, entertainment and sports activities every day of the year.



Laodicea ad Lycum, established between 6 and 61 BC, is one of the best known ancient cities of Anatolia, and the site of one of the seven most important churches of Christianity. It is renowned for its glorious architecture as well invaluable coins.

Laodicea ad Lycum

The ruins of Colossae, which used to be one of the most important centres for the trade in Greater Phrygia, are deĂ&#x20AC;nitely worth a visit. Tripolis was one of the border cities of Lydia providing access to Caria and Phrygia regions and was enriched by commerce and agriculture. The city had also a religious importance since the historical sources indicate that it was a bishopric. The structures, including theatre, bathhouse, city council building, necropolis, fortress and city walls, display the architectural aesthetics typical of the period. 54

)indings from the excavations Tripolis

Relief, Hieron of Heraclea

The city of antiquity devoted to Hercules, Heraclea Salbace, is situated in the 9akĂ&#x2014;f 9illage of Tavas County. The River Goddess of the city was Timelos, and the Hieron (sacred Ă&#x20AC;eld of Heraclea built by masters form Aphrodisias is impressive. Relief, Hieron of Heraclea


Ancient City of Eumenia

There are other impressive cities in the environs of Denizli including Eumenia, which is situated in divril Iċ×kl×, and was part of the Phrygian region; Appollonia and the Medet Earth Mound where the Àrst settlements in the region, date back to the Bronze Age; Attuda was famous for its temples dedicated to the Moon God Men; the cities of Trapezapolis, Dionysopolis and Sebastepolis are impressive and have their own unique histories. Ancient City of Attuda

The ancient city of Thabea which was built after the reign of Alexander the Great, and is noteworthy for the structures on its acropolis Apollo Lermenos Temple, which was built by the temple slaves and devoted to the god Apollo; Beycesultan Mound which is renowned for 56

marble, bronze, ceramic and bone artefacts from the Late Chalcolithic, Early and Middle Bronze Ages, offer a rich journey through the layers of history.

)indings from the Ancient City of Thabea Apollo Lermenos Temple

)inding from Beycesultan Mound


.eloĊlan Cave

.akl×k Cave, one of the most visited sites of the city environs, has impressive formations of travertine pools, stalactites and stalagmites. Dodurgalar .eloĊlan Cave is a 14 metres long passage style cave which has completed its development (fossilised . The illuminated stalactites, stalagmites and columns of the cave provide a visual festival.

.akl×k Cave


The e[cursions to high plateaus (yayla) such as Sleymanl× <ayla of Buldan, Taċdelen <ayla of BabadaĊ, Topuklu <ayla of BeyaĊao, and .efe <ayla of Serinhisar are attractive options for visitors. There are speciÀcally designated picnicking and recreational areas with tents and facilities serving visitors. The Menderes (Meander

River Basin of the province provides rafting facilities for adventure seekers.

Taċdelen Plateau

Topuklu Plateau


)or those looking for paragliding options, there are facilities in Pamukkale, and also at Honaz, G|ktepe and BabadaĊ mountains. )or bird watchers, the lakes of Iċ×kl× G|l of divril, Ac× G|l of dardak, and dalt× G|l, provide unique opportunities to observe a varied range of migrating birds.

divril Iċ×kl× Lake


Sakl× Lake

dardak AcĂ&#x2014; Lake

.artal Lake

The famous wines of Denizli can be found in many of the shopping centres, and can be tasted at the wineries on the road to Pamukkale, which are open to public and provide opportunities to observe the wine making process.


Enjoy Shopping in Pamukkale Shopping in Pamukkale provides ample opportunities to choose souvenirs reÁecting the rich local culture. Among offerings are textiles and hand woven Buldan cloths, Áat metal wire embroidery WHO N×UPD  and silver wire embroidery JPċ LċOHPH , glassware, terracotta jugs and household items, leather goods and shoes, decorative copperware, wickerware, combs made traditionally from bone and horn, dried nuts Áavoured with various spices, and traditional clothing items. Some of the souvenirs in Denizli are leblebi (oven fried chickpeas of Serinhisar, hand made knives and machetes of <ataĊan, hand made bespoke shoes, textiles and linens exported world wide.


Leblebi (Roasted chickpea)



Car rental services make e[cursions easy Plan your own excursions from Pamukkale by hiring a car. Numerous car hire agencies and companies provide comprehensive services.

Do not leave Pamukkale unless you have Seen the unique travertine of Pamukkale; Explored the glorious ancient city of Hierapolis; Visited the Hierapolis Archaeology Museum; Treated yourself at the thermal pools and springs; BeautiĂ&#x20AC;ed yourself in the mud baths; Purchased the eye catching local souvenirs, And tasted the Pamukkale cuisine...


IMPORTANT ADDRESSES AND PHONES Emergency Phones Ambulance 11 Health Advice 14 Police 1 Gendarmerie 16

Coast Guard 1 TrafĂ&#x20AC;c Information 14 )ire brigade 11 )orest )ire 177

Governorship of Denizli ..6 61  Email Municipality ..6 1 7 Email Security Directorate ..6 14  Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism ..64  71 Tourism Information ..7  77 Association of Hoteliers and Managers of Tourist Resorts of Denizli (DENT8ROD

..71 41 6 State Hospital ..6  11 http Turkish Airlines ..64 6 61 Email Railroad Station ..6  1




Cultural Heritage is Fragile The worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cultural heritage is like a big puzzle. Each monument, each object, is an irreplaceable part of the overall picture which gives us insight into our origins, our development and our lives today. It helps us to understand and appreciate other cultures. Each discovery, each new interpretation adds to the puzzle and makes the picture clearer. We must ensure the protection of every single piece today, so that future generations may have the opportunities to enjoy the puzzle. Many people are not aware that our cultural heritage is under stress from natural disasters such as earthquakes and Ă oods, and from slower acting processes such as pollution or human actions. Even the most innocent gestures such as collecting ancient pieces of pottery or mosaics as souvenirs have a destructive impact if repeated by thousands. Touching an object of stone, metal or textile leaves traces of grease, acid or sweat on its surface. Climbing a monument wears down the structure underneath and can dismantle it. Writing or engraving names inĂ icts permanent damage. Strolling around narrow crowded places with bulky bags or backpacks might knock over an object or scratch a mural painting and ruin it. There are countless ways in which one can unknowingly contribute to the destruction of cultural heritage. In  there will be 1.6 billion visitors per year worldwide. Let us raise awareness of this issue so that we may join together to protect and enjoy the diversity and richness of our cultural heritage. International Organization for Conservation of Cultural Heritage (ICCROM



Text Arrangement Serap Ä&#x2030;ahin Sources Denizli Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, )rancesco Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;AndriaDÂ nya MirasĂ&#x2014;nda TÂ rkiye (Ankara6)

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PAMUKK ALE The healing springs of Pamukkale have cured and revitalized humanity for thousands of years. The thermal waters, truly a miracle of nature, not only embrace mankind with their restorative power, but,