Pammukale - the Cotton Castle

These are not snow covered slopes, but the travertine at Pammukale, in Turkey. The side of the hill is covered with calcium deposits from the natural springs, which occur naturally as the water flows down the hill.


On the hill above the travertine is the ancient city of Heiropolis, where people came to bathe in the springs from about 2 BC. I will devote a few posts to Heiropolis later, as it is a fascinating place.

Pammukale has been declared a world heritage site, by UNESCO, but only after it had been unprotected for years. The authorities have done a lot to restore the place to its former glory and it is well worth a visit - in fact it is absolutely stunning.

This is a view of the natural pools from the top of the travertine.