Pamukkale

We headed inland (east) from Selcuk to the town of Pamukkale to visit the unusual rock formation known as travertine terraces or cotton castle. These are shallow pools of water said to have healing properties that cascade down the mountain. As they are heavy in calcium carbonate and leave white deposits that look like ice or snow from a distance.

There is also another area of ruins known as Hierapolis which was a Roman bath that we started to tour but as a storm was threatening we went to look at the terraces/pools. We had only had walked into the pools about 20m when we felt the first raindrops so we quickly got out again. Within minutes the storm hit and the wind was ferocious. Everyone sought shelter against the buildings... so much for social distancing!

Anyway, while we didn't get to walk in the pools, we were able to get some pictures with very few people in them. Pretty sure the photos in the travel brochures and on instagram have been enhanced to make the pools much bluer than they are. Tourism will probably end up ruining this sight.Read more