Pamukkale

Pamukkale is a natural site in Denizli Province, southwestern Turkey. It is famous for its white travertine terraces formed by calcium carbonate deposits from hot springs. The name Pamukkale translates as cotton castle in Turkish. The terraces overlook the ancient city of Hierapolis, which was founded in the 2nd century BCE and developed into a spa and religious center. The mineral-rich waters have been used for therapeutic bathing since antiquity; today visitors come to see the surreal white terraces and to visit the ruins of Hierapolis, including a hilltop theater, a well-preserved necropolis, and thermal baths.

The site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 as Hierapolis-Pamukkale, recognizing both the geological formations and the archaeological remains. The travertine terraces continue to form as springs deposit calcium carbonate, but the area is fragile; large portions are protected and access to some terraces is restricted or provided via designated pathways or viewpoints to reduce damage. The region remains a major tourist destination, with ongoing conservation and management efforts to balance preservation with tourism.