Centuries ago, Romans in need of a little R&R traveled to Pamukkale, a mountain of thermal springs in Turkey that Mother Nature whipped up for humans with sore muscles. The marshmallow-white limestone formations were shaped over millennia by calcium-rich springs, though legend says giants built them out of starched cotton; hence the name, Cotton Castle. Surrounding the fizzy pools that spill over like a fountain of champagne are the ruins of Hierapolis, or the "Holy City." In between salubrious soakings, the Romans would repair to the palaestra, an outdoor area for calisthenics, or the Grand Theater, which was chiseled into the mountainside.
Much of the arena remains intact, including relief carvings of the gods and seating for 25,000, plus the Temple of Apollo and the nymphaeum, a fountain templededicated to the ones Pan loved. And for those with a hankering for Hades, the Plutonium grotto (aka Devil’s Hole) spews toxic carbonic acid, like Lucifer with bad breath. The site is supposed to be a portal to the underworld, killing all who breathe its noxious fumes, except the eunuchs, who were good at holding their breath.
Apollo at a Glance
Name: Hierapolis-Pamukkale Location: Pamukkale, Turkey Date of Inscription: 1988 Why You Should Go There: Soak up Turkey’s ancient Roman ruins while soaking in centuries-old thermal hot springs.
Practically Speaking: Pamukkale is split into two sections: the village and the pools/ruins. Many of the hot springs may be closed due to overuse and restoration projects, but there are still shallow areas where you can dip your toes. You can, however, swim in the Sacred Spring at the Pamukkale Motel, which has some of the original bubbly stuff as well as remains of Roman columns on the pool floor. To hike around the mountain hot springs and ruins, follow the ancient road, which winds from the central square, veers left past bus company offices, then goes up the hill and around the terraced springs. You can also ascend the mountain face from the main square.There are no direct buses to the sight, but you can catch a ride from Selcuk, Kusadasi or Denizli to Pamukkale Koyu, the commercial district that offers restaurants and lodging, such as Koray Hotel and Venus Hotel, which will pick you up for free from the Denizli bus station.
A globetrotter and travel writer, Andrea Sachs contributes frequently to the Washington Post.
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