Pamukkale

A two day family excursion to Ephesus and Pamukkale in Western Turkey.

(Ephesus to come later in a seperate post).

click on any image to access the slideshow and to enlarge the images

Liz & Matty
the hot spring water runs down the channels, many people chose to sit in the channel

Bfb & Liz

despite the miserable look I was really enjoying it... honestly.

Pamukkale is located to the south central of the Aegean region of Turkey. It is about 19 km to Denizli city. Pamukakales location is in the Menderes Valley but in ancient Turkey it was situated inside the borders of Caria, Lycia and Phrygia. It is at altitude of 360m above sea level.

Pamukkale town and the Menderes Valley

This is a natural thermal water source and is unique with its calcareous white steps and pools

The water contains calcium hydro carbonate. Tectonic movements triggered frequent earthquakes in this area and gave rise to the emergence of a number of very hot springs. The water from these springs created Pamukkale with its large mineral content. When the hot water becomes in contact with the carbon dioxide, it starts to lose its warmth and the carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are released in to the air (apparantly!). Anyway as a result the calcium carbonate is formed and gives us these magnificent white travertines.