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. 07:30 Kundu)
08:15 Departure
· Tea stop and Picture taking stop at the nomad tents on
the way· Lunch at the lake Salda
· Arriving Pamukkale, visiting Hierpolis and the
travertine basins (calcareous formations) called
Pamukkale (the cotton castle)· Checking in to the hotel
and resting
· Scenic visit to Travertine basins at sunset
· Dining, animations and overnight at the hotel
· Breakfast and departure from the hotel
· Scenic view and picture taking of travertine basins
from the town of Pamukkale Visiting Carpet and Textile
workshop(s)
· Lunch and Return to Antalya at
18:00 & transfer to the hotel |
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PAMUKKALE-HİERAPOLİS
“‘It is almost certain that the unique appearance and
the curative properties of Pamukkale springs attracted
settlers from very early times.” says a historian. Today
it also attracts settlers and swarms of visitors from
all over the world. Pamukkale means “Cotton Castle” in
Turkish taking its name from the travertine’s white
color. It is not an exaggeration. The calcium in the hot
water has been collecting on the side of the mountain
over thousands of years and has formed huge basins that
from a distance do look like a Cotton Castle. The
foundation of Hierapolis and where the name comes from
is unclear. Some think the name comes from the legendary
queen of the Amazons and wife of Telephos Hiera who
fought against the Greeks on their first expedition
leading the women of Mysia and who was killed by Nireus.
Some say it simply means ‘the holy city’ and if spelled
‘Hieropolis’, it would mean ‘the city of the temples’.
It had adopted Christianity at an early date probably
due to a fair size Jewish community that assisted them.
Philip the apostle is said to have lived here and was
martyred here too. A martyr ion was erected in
commemoration. Upon entering, the first to greet a
visitor at Hierapolis is the vast necropolis. It is most
likely the largest necropolis in all of Asia Minor. The
burial styles change in shape and size from the
Hellenistic period till early Christian period. It
stretches along the road for 2 km. The tumuli stand out
clearly. After the cemetery you are in the city. You can
now walk along the main street running through the city
in the north-west direction. Past the north bath,
starting with the Arch of Domitian, you are on a real
Roman main street; the colonnaded street with the public
lavatory and all. One needs a long time to visit the
ruins of Hierapolis, the Roman Theater, the temple of
Apollo, Martyr ion of the Apostle Philip, the Roman bath
that is now a museum, etc. But when you get tired you
can go to the antique pool or soak your feet in to hot
water at the travertines. The antique pool is open for
the public where you can swim in natural hot water and
have tea, coffee or snacks if you wish. The travertine
terrace is a must and do not forget to take your camera
to take some of the cotton castle home with you.
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