Pamukkale was far more than we were expecting. It is truly a sight to behold and one that defies comparison. The travertine terraces look like snow but don't. They look like meringue but don't. They look like royal icing but don't. They look like 1980's artex but don't. Pamukkale is a unique place all of its own. It is stunning!
Starting from the bottom, we paddle our way up through the warm pools. Amazing! At the top is the ancient ruined city of Hierapolis. Another enormous site of antiquity. It takes us all day to do justice to this site. The ampi theatre is the largest and best we have seen, it took 144 years to build and the story of its discovery and restoration are equally impressive. Once again, this site puts Troy in the shade.
The warm water channels have been made good use and manipulated ever since there was human habitation here. The waters have always been reputed to be healing, so many visitors came for this reason, including Cleopatra who used this water to retain her beauty. On the outskirts of the city was a large bath complex. Visitors were not allowed to pass through the entrance to the ancient city until they had bathed. This was to prevent the epidemic spread of disease.
Even today, the waters are promoted as health giving and restorative. However, for some reason, certainly not apparent to us, the relaxing pool to heal all ills is now set to loud club music!!?? Why? All said and done, though, Pamukkale is a must see place.
Tomorrow we will be back on the road, heading for the last place on our list to visit in Turkey; Ephesus. Then again, who knows what we may find along the way!?
No comments:
Post a Comment