Pamukkale pool terraces

Why the Pamukkale pool terraces in Turkey are special
They staircase down a hill slope, creating an out-of-this-world landscape.

Pamukkale pool terrace tips and insights
How to pronounce
Pamukkale = pah-mook-kah leh

How the Pamukkale pool terraces were formed
The thermal spring water that flows down the hill is rich in dissolved calcium carbonate. It leaves deposits and hardens on the slope's surfaces, eventually creating the white-walled ponds we see today. The building process took centuries.

History in brief
This natural wonder has attracted tourists since Roman times. Sadly, in the late 20th century, hotels were built above it, diverting and sullying the thermal spring waters, which caused the Pamukkale pool terraces to lose volume and turn grayish. The government stepped in and tore down the offending hotels. Today, the pristine white hue is back. Ditto for the unadulterated and full-volume water.

Name
The Turkish word Pamukkale means "cotton castles" in English.

Sunglasses
Bring them. The intense reflections of the bright, shiny white travertine walls can be blinding on a sunny day.

Sister wonder
The Hierapolis archaeological site sits just above the Pamukkale pool terraces. Click Hierapolis to vew my web page on it.

Location in Turkey