PamukkalePamukkale ("Cotton Castle" in Turkish) is the modern name of the ancient Greek city of Hierapolis. It was built near hot springs
which, over the centuries, have partially covered the ruins in natural terraces. The water contains large amounts of minerals, in
particular hydrogen carbonate and calcium. As the water cools calcium carbonate gets precipitated and forms thick white layers of
so-called travertine. Mineral deposition is not uniform due to irregular water flow. |
![Pamukkale Pamukkale](icons-pamukkale/ja214.jpg) Some terraces are filled with water while others are dry. | ![Pamukkale Pamukkale](icons-pamukkale/ja213.jpg) The water is cascading here from one pool to the next. | ![Pamukkale Pamukkale](icons-pamukkale/mf690.jpg) View from the terraces towards the village of Pamukkale. | ![Pamukkale Pamukkale](icons-pamukkale/mf692.jpg) The travertine terraces and pools in the early morning light. |
![Pamukkale Pamukkale](icons-pamukkale/ja219.jpg) Colourful thermophile (heat tolerant) algae in the hot springs. | ![Pamukkale Pamukkale](icons-pamukkale/ja218.jpg) Variegated stripes of algae show the water flow. | ![Pamukkale Pamukkale](icons-pamukkale/ja221.jpg) The necropolis of Hierapolis has been almost entirely buried by travertine. | ![Pamukkale Pamukkale](icons-pamukkale/mf693.jpg) Reflection of the deep blue sky in the calm water of the pools at sunset. |
![Pamukkale Pamukkale](icons-pamukkale/mf691.jpg) Waterless terraces on the right no longer cover dark material caused by pollution. | ![Pamukkale Pamukkale](icons-pamukkale/ja224.jpg) Travertine stalactites hanging on the outside of a particularly high terrace. | ![Pamukkale Pamukkale](icons-pamukkale/ja225.jpg) Below some stalactites (hanging) some smaller stalagmites (standing up) are forming. | ![Pamukkale Pamukkale](icons-pamukkale/mf697.jpg) Small wavelets in the water appear petrified in the travertine's surface. |
![Pamukkale Pamukkale](icons-pamukkale/ja216.jpg) The other face of the coin: Hotels use (abuse?!) both antique ruins and hot mineral springs. | ![Pamukkale Pamukkale](icons-pamukkale/mf687.jpg) Only here one can swim among original Greek columns and capitels. | ![Pamukkale Pamukkale](icons-pamukkale/mf694.jpg) Pamukkale on a Sunday: not nearly enough pools for everybody... | ![Pamukkale Pamukkale](icons-pamukkale/mf683.jpg) The hot water is also used in the town of Pamukkale to heat houses. |
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