DAILY TOURS: Pamukkale and Hierapolis

We will drive to Pamukkale, an unusual natural and historical site with the sparkling white castle-like cascades, and one of the most important highlights of Turkey, unique in the world. The site is named in Turkish as Pamukkale, which means cotton castle, parallel to the glorious and spectacular view of the site. The dazzling white calcareous castles are formed by limestone-laden thermal springs, creating the unbelievable formation of stalactites, potholes and cataracts.
Water in the terraces is the sediments of the springs with calcium bicarbonate in 33C. Water, containing mainly calcium salts and carbon-dioxide, runs off the plateau's by depositing calcium while carbon-dioxide disappearing. The marvelous landscape of Pamukkale has been created by this gradual formation, leaving a cotton-like image. Located above the theater of Hierapolis, the mineral water sources from the thermal springs of Cal Mountain. It is collected in a pool, known as the Sacred Pool of ancient times, where you can swim amidst the historical remains of Hierapolis.The Sacred Pool (or Clepatra Pool) is warmed by hot springs and littered with underwater fragments of ancient marble columns. Associated with the Temple of Apollo, the pool provides today's visitors a rare opportunity to swim with antiquities! During the Roman period, columned porticoes surrounded the pool; earthquakes toppled them into the water where they lie today. The water of Pamukkale is famous for its benefits to the eyes and skin; and its curing properties to the ills of asthma, rheumatism, as well.

After you have lunch at one of the local restaurants, continue to explore this unique area and visit the remains of the ancient Hierapolis situated on back of the thrilling white terraces, standing wondrously in the area. 
Hierapolis, which name means sacred city, was believed by the ancients to have been founded by the god Apollo. It was famed for its sacred hot springs, whose vapors were associated with Pluto, god of the underworld. The city also had a significant Jewish community and was mentioned by Paul in his Letter to Colossians. 
Supposedly, the name derives from Hiera, the wife of Telephus (son of Hercules and grandson of Zeus), the mythical founder of Pergamum. Another version says it may have been called the sacred city because of the temples located at the site. 
Together with Colossae and Laodicea, Hierapolis became part of the tri-city area of the Lycus River valley. Hierapolis was located across the river from the other two cities and was noted for its textile, wool in particular and its purple dye, made from the juice of the madder root. 
Famous natives of Hierapolis include the Stoic philosopher Epictetus (c.55-c.135 AD) and the philosopher and rhetorician Antipater. Emperor Septimus hired Antipater to tutor his sons Caracalla and Geta, who became emperors themselves.