Pamukkale

Pamukkale means "cotton castle," and it is a series of high travertine terraces, fed by hot springs, that have long been of scenic and recreational interest. At the top of the terraces is the Hellenistic/Roman spa city of Hierapolis (next post). The terraces are best seen from above, and there are three ways (other than flying) of getting there: 1) drive up to the south gate and walk to the boardwalk, 2) drive up to the north gate and walk to the boardwalk, and 3) walk up the terraces to the top. We opted for 3). But I should note that 3) entails doing the terrace walk barefoot (for environmental reasons) and also entails walking back down. As an American, I can say Pamukkale is similar to Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone. But Pammukale is far more vast, is alive, and has a great ancient city at its top. I'll just let the pix speak for themselves.