Pamukkale

Pamukkale is a tourist attraction because of its travertine terraces combined with the adjacent ancient city.  Travertine is a form of limestone deposited by hot springs, probably similar to New Zealand's pink and white terraces at Lake Tarawera.  Pamukkale is at "H" on our map.  As you can see we have turned for home and are heading back up towards Istanbul.

The white travertine deposits cover a very large area on the hillside, and can be seen from a long way off.  This is a major tourist attraction, with busloads visiting every day, so Fatih took us there at the very end of the day when the crowds are starting to thin out.

The travertine terraces and hot pools

You can stand or soak in the pools for free, as long as you take your shoes off to keep the surface clean.  There are security people who spend each day blowing their whistles at people who wander onto the surface with their shoes on.

The surface of the travertine.

Right beside the travertine is the ancient city of Hierapolis, built to take advantage of the springs and the fantastic outlook across the valley below.  The site is very large, a couple of kilometres long, and has a fine theatre, baths, and a necropolis (city of the dead).

The theatre at Hierapolis (partly restored).

The latrine.

The gates.

The paths around the old city site are bordered with beautiful roses, and there are ornamental gardens as well.

Wild poppies.

The big rooster.

A thunderstorm has disrupted service tonight.  We have lost all power, but thanks to this battery-powered laptop I can complete my blog post!