Denizli, the home of Pamukkale and ancient cities

With its otherworldly white calcite cliffs, the magical waters and ancient cities, Denizli looks like the exact definition of heaven in Greek mythology! Its thermal, mineral-rich waters gather on top travertines and spill into milky pools on the surface, making them look like the place, where Aphrodite would bath in. Well, the world-famous ruins of ancient Hierapolis and the ruins of magnificent Afrodisias also help at creating this great atmosphere of living in a fairytale. So, if you want to explore Denizli, here is your guide!

The phenomenal calcium cliffs of Pamukkale

With its mineral-rich hot springs, the ancient Greco-Roman city with its natural phenomenal calcium cliffs, Pamukkale, is a natural site, located in Denizli, Turkey. Pamukkale means "cotton castle" in Turkish, which suits perfectly its amazing springs, that shaped its snow-white limestones over the centuries. This foamy, natural wonder has otherworldly terraces and travertines, formed by hot springs and streams. These hot springs are said to have healing properties due to their carbonate minerals. Because of its curative powers, this thermal bath has been an attractive "hospital" for centuries.  With a  temperature of 35 °C,   the mud at the bottom of every pool was assumed to be holy during the ancient Roman era. This healing site has 17 pools, which contain calcium, magnesium, sodium bicarbonate, and fluoride. It is also said that it is drinkable, but I wouldn't force it since 1500 people per day visit these pools. It is antiseptic, but you know. Even if you don't have any medical conditions, you can simply enjoy this "holy" water!

Mineral-rich thermal waters in Pamukkale

20190 Pamukkale/Denizli, Turquie

The ancient city of Aphrodisias

Aphrodisias is located about 30 km west of Denizli, and it contains some of the most impressive Roman ruins in Turkey! Aphrodisias was named after the Greek goddess of love,  Aphrodite! The city was built near a marble quarry, and its marble sculptures became famous in the Roman world.  The site is sadly in an earthquake zone and has suffered significant damage, especially in the 4th and 7th centuries. Aphrodisias has never fully recovered from the 7th-century earthquake, but still, you can see the true beauty of this ancient city in its ruins.

Visit Aphrodisias, the ancient city of love

Geyre, Geyre Mahallesi, 09385 Karacasu/Aydın, Turquie

UNESCO World Heritage; Hierapolis

Another important historical site is, of course, the ancient site of Hierapolis! In this glorious historical site, you can find a well preserved ancient theater and a necropolis. The Hierapolis Museum and historic site are well worth seeing. Hierapolis was also founded as a thermal spa early in the 2nd century BCE. This ancient city hosted many civilizations and suffered from earthquakes throughout the centuries. Since there are lot's of religious constructions, it is also known as the "Holy City." After the archeological digging, many significant structures came to light; gorgeous Byzantine gates, a theatre, temples of Apollo, Cybele, Artemis, Pluto, Poseidon and Pluto, thermal baths and an extensive necropolis. Hierapolis is also known as the emperors' retirement place, with its fantastic architecture and healing waters. It is worth a visit.

Hierapolis

20280 Pamukkale/Denizli, Turquie

If you want to visit Denizli, get inspired by itinari now!