One of Türkiye's most enduring attractions is its renowned Turkish bath and spa tradition, integral to this geography since antiquity. This bathing culture in Pamukkale and Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an unforgettable experience.

The Ancient Healing Waters

Considered a bucket list destination for many, Pamukkale is known for its beautiful snow-white travertines that resemble a field of clouds dotted with warm, aquamarine-coloured pools. The mineral waters of the Pamukkale travertines are believed to offer healing properties. Every year, people worldwide flock to this mesmerising destination, enchanted by the breathtaking landscapes and the potential for rejuvenation.

History and Nature

Adjacent to the Pamukkale travertines is the awe-inspiring Hierapolis Ancient City. Around 2,500 years ago, King Eumenes II of Pergamon was so enthralled by the splendour of the travertines he built a city near the site. Honouring Hiera, the wife of Telephos the legendary founder of Pergamon, the region was called Hierapolis. Exploring the site's ancient theatre, temples, monumental fountains, tombs, agora, and gymnasium is like being transported through time, strolling along stone streets that existed two thousand years ago.

Among Legends

Hierapolis and its majestic presence around the travertines have long been considered a central hub for healing and wellness. Its Ancient Pool is famously called the Cleopatra Pool – legend has it that the illustrious Queen of Egypt once bathed in its waters. Today guests can indulge in its revitalising thermal waters with a year-round temperature of 36 degrees and swim amid antique marble ruins.

From Pool to Museum

Other notable buildings in Hierapolis include the Ancient Theatre and the Hierapolis Museum. The theatre stands out among the Roman Period theatres in the Mediterranean basin due to its distinctive reliefs of mythological stories, splendid stage building, and seating steps. The Roman Bath, once a revered thermal centre, has been repurposed as an archaeological museum. At the Hierapolis Museum is a fascinating collection of artefacts from excavations in nearby ruins like Laodikeia and Tripolis. These treasures are displayed amid the impressive vaulted Roman Bath structures constructed from travertine block stones.

Images: https://docs.tga.gov.tr/1ifozfmm