Pamukkale Thermal Springs

This morning we took a train to Pamukkale, famous for its mineral-rich hot springs that emanate from terraces of white travertine rock. The terraces border the old Roman city of Hierapolis, an ancient spa city that was founded around 190 BC. Among the ruins is a very well-preserved theater.

Nicky went for a swim in the spa while I went up to explore Hierapolis. The theatre was awesome, but one of the more interesting sites was the Temple of Apollo, which was built over the source of the thermal Springs. The waters flow from a small cave called the Gates of Hell, which also emits a poisonous gas that the Romans used to sacrifice animals.

We stayed around to watch the sun set over the thermal pools. Later, the pools and valley walls are illuminated... stunning.Read more