At Pamukkale ("Cotton Castle") nature has
produced a sight of spectacular beauty. For thousands of years an underground
spring located deep in the earth has been pouring out streams of hot mineral-saturated
water. As it has flowed down the mountainside the steaming water has hollowed
enormous circular basins in the earth, and their rich mineral content has
coated them in a smooth layer of dazzlingly white calcareous rock. To
the ancients such beauty could only mean that the place was holy to the gods.
Built near the natural hot springs1 the grand city of
Hierapolis attracted a steady stream of pilgrims, who came to bathe in the
curative waters. Pamukkale is located 250 km from İzmir 100 km from Aydın and
20 km from Denizli.
The Pamukkale hot springs flow at a rate of 400 litres
per second. The various facilities can accommodate abaout 6,000 people/day
total which amounts to 600 liters water/ person/day.
The waters are used both for drinking and
bathing. They are recommended for the treatment of rheumatic. dermatological
and gynecological diseases, neurological and physical exhaustion, digestive
maladies and nutrition disorders.
Throughout history Pamukkale has been a famous spa,
with both baths and open pools set into the snow- white cliffs. Bath treatments
take place at natural pools developed around the main hot springs. Hot mineral
water spas have been opened at a number of new, and very comfortable hotels in
the area. Total capacity is 4,000 beds.
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