Travertine Plateau

Pamukkale is a natural site in Denizli Province in southwestern Turkey. The City of Hierapolis was established within the site of Pamukkale ("Cotton-Palace", in Turkish) probably circa 197–159 BC, and was named after Hiera, wife of Telephos, the founder of Pergamon. Circa 133 BC, the city was annexed to the Roman Empire. Circa 17 AD, Hierapolis was destroyed by an earthquake. The city was rebuilt and enjoyed prosperity during the 2nd-3rd centuries AD and in Byzantine times it became the seat of a diocese. A unique, cotton-white plateau was formed by travertine deposits originating from the waters of a stream flowing off the southern slope of the Caldag Mountain. These waters are rich in calcium salts and carbon dioxide. As the calcareous waters run down the slopes, calcium is being deposited on the banks and carbon dioxide is being evaporated. Thus, snow-like white fields of calcium minerals have been accumulating and spreading throughout the years, being one of the major touristic attractions as well as a unique natural phenomenon distinctive to Pamukkale.